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I like Elon’s take on climate change: (paraphrasing) no we do not have absolute proof that our fossil fuel burning will result in disaster, but is it really a g

by api 6y ago

I like Elon’s take on climate change: (paraphrasing) no we do not have absolute proof that our fossil fuel burning will result in disaster, but is it really a good idea to do a massive uncontrolled experiment with our biosphere to “see what happens” when we do have at least some evidence the effects will be negative and we do have alternatives (and are therefore not forced to do the experiment). For a long time the global warming skeptics argued that the only alternative was to shut down modern civilization and let billions starve. France, Ontario, and California getting almost 50% of its power from solar show that this is bollocks.

ta8645 6y ago
> For a long time the global warming skeptics argued that the only alternative was to shut down modern civilization and let billions starve. Some did for sure, and I agree that they were wrong. But that instinct to imagine the worst was just working in the opposite direction to those that believe there is no chance to stop global warming and humanity is doomed. But that's really a separate discussion. What we're really discussing is how we come to know truth, and how much we can trust our conclusions. And more importantly how we treat each other in the face of the unavoidable ambiguity and uncertainty. If people argued with less conviction in the absolute truth of their positions, i believe they would actually be more convincing and get more people willing to start pulling together in one direction.