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I fear it would require redefining the goals of our economies. I don't see that happening in reality though. A CO2 tax can help a bit, but even that would not c
by raxxorrax 6y ago
I fear it would require redefining the goals of our economies. I don't see that happening in reality though. A CO2 tax can help a bit, but even that would not change rising emission levels too much. The costs would just be countered by more growth. It isn't just that everything gets a little too hot, we also generally use too many resources:
https://www.overshootday.org/ https://www.overshootday.org/
Working from home obviously helps, but transportation is almost inconsequential. I think it is responsible for around 15% of emissions and that includes every form of logistic emitter. Individual traffic doesn't help but wouldn't necessarily be an issue and people are dependent on it outside of the largest cities.
Agriculture on the other hand is one of the largest factors next to power generation.
If every developing country reaches the industrial stage, we will surely fail hard. So technological transfer to developing countries is a necessity, so they can skip this development state for greener alternatives. That is an obligation developed countries need to acknowledge.
Technological progress can help too, but I don't think it is a good idea to depend on it alone.
- jeffbee 6y agoIn the USA transportation is 30% of carbon emissions and in California, where at least some nominal progress has been made toward carbon emissions from utilities, transportation is over 40%.
- raxxorrax 6y agoCrazy. Is there a breakdown for these? Maybe due to large airports or giant logistic centres? Or perhaps California emits few CO2 so that is has become a larger factor percentage wise?
- jeffbee 6y agoFor California it's the latter: the denominator has gotten smaller while transportation has stayed flat. It's a mistake to try to blame it on trucks and airports. Private passenger cars are the majority. Air travel is 25x smaller. https://ww3.arb.ca.gov/cc/inventory/pubs/reports/2000_2017/ghg_inventory_trends_00-17.pdf https://ww3.arb.ca.gov/cc/inventory/pubs/reports/2000_2017/g...