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A lot of people in the west believe that we will somehow "figure it out" and that their way of life will never have to change for a solution (or be forced to ch

A lot of people in the west believe that we will somehow "figure it out" and that their way of life will never have to change for a solution (or be forced to change by the consequences from the lack of a solution). I think news like this is often viewed as some kind of reassurance to people of this belief. Perspective matters, which is why these kinds of results need to be given in their proper context -- i.e. extreme alarm that we are still only stopping an increase now, decades after first understanding that this was a problem yet continuing to increase our carbon output, and only during a pandemic-induced economic slowdown.

godelski 6y ago
I agree with what you are saying, but this is a technical document. So the perspective of "good news" or "still bad news" is in our interpretation. We are providing said context. While I'm being optimistic here it is because I'm responding to a comment which I view as too pessimistic and encouraging hopelessness. I would (and do) go after a similar comment if it was trying to claim victory over the crisis. The thing is that if we think about climate change as a war then this is an important battle we've won. We've STOPPED the invading army. We did not push them back, we did not defeat the entire army, but for the first time we've been able to stop the invading army from gaining ground. By all accounts, before it looked hopeless. But if that kind of battle doesn't instill hope, I don't know what does. We haven't won the war, but for the first time we haven't been slaughtered in a major battle. We need to stop believing that anything that isn't complete victory is bad news. All that does is create a hopeless future, which turns people apathetic. Just because you haven't won the war doesn't mean you shouldn't celebrate your small victories and improve moral. That is the issue, moral. > and only during a pandemic-induced economic slowdown. The data is 2019.

godelski 6y ago

I agree with what you are saying, but this is a technical document. So the perspective of "good news" or "still bad news" is in our interpretation. We are providing said context. While I'm being optimistic here it is because I'm responding to a comment which I view as too pessimistic and encouraging hopelessness. I would (and do) go after a similar comment if it was trying to claim victory over the crisis. The thing is that if we think about climate change as a war then this is an important battle we've won. We've STOPPED the invading army. We did not push them back, we did not defeat the entire army, but for the first time we've been able to stop the invading army from gaining ground. By all accounts, before it looked hopeless. But if that kind of battle doesn't instill hope, I don't know what does. We haven't won the war, but for the first time we haven't been slaughtered in a major battle. We need to stop believing that anything that isn't complete victory is bad news. All that does is create a hopeless future, which turns people apathetic. Just because you haven't won the war doesn't mean you shouldn't celebrate your small victories and improve moral. That is the issue, moral. > and only during a pandemic-induced economic slowdown. The data is 2019.