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So our incentive structure- capitalism- is to blame.

• logicchains 7y ago
  Maybe it reflects human nature. Most scientists agree that being overweight is harmful to our health, yet the majority of us can't even control how much food we consume, in spite of the strong motivation of self-preservation. If we can't even control ourselves to do that, how can we expect to control ourselves to reduce carbon-emitting activities? Humans aren't that far removed from animals. If you keep giving a cat food, it may keep eating until it's sick. Communism or capitalism can't change human nature.
  • danharaj 7y ago
    Attributing something to human nature is about as much an argument as attributing it to God's plan.
    • logicchains 7y ago
      The point is that capitalism just allows people to realise their preferences, and peoples' preferences as revealed by ther actions clearly show they don't really care that much about preventing climate change. No economic system is going to change this, unless it prevents people from doing what they want (what they want is to enjoy a good standard of living, with pickup trucks, SUVs, regular flights, large beef hamburgers...).
      • danharaj 7y ago
        > that capitalism just allows people to realise their preferences That is by no means "just" what it does.