3 ms·

I honestly feel that the only "out" for us at this point is some kind of miraculous scientific discovery on the order of Einstein's theories that enables the de

I honestly feel that the only "out" for us at this point is some kind of miraculous scientific discovery on the order of Einstein's theories that enables the development of some extraordinarily futuristic tech to save us. Obviously not realistic, but there is a one in a trillion chance of it happening, and it's kind of our only hope.

syshum 5y ago
The problem is the actual technology that would save us the US Government, and most climate activists do not want to invest in on a large scale Nuclear and Fusion. That is the only thing that will cover the oil based energy. Wind and Solar is a pipe dream
- phs318u 5y ago
  Sorry, but if anything in your paragraph is a pipe dream - its fusion energy. Also, wind and solar may indeed be insufficient to meet the current energy footprint of first-worlders. However we know that most first-world energy consumers are ridiculously profligate. Basic lifestyle changes can significantly reduce consumer energy footprint. I know this because my family has done it without going full hippy-dippy. Passive cooling where possible (e.g. opening windows at night, using window awnings during the day). Home insulation. Using LED lighting. Drive a hybrid or more efficient ICE vehicle that's sized for your actual needs not your emotional needs. Don't buy a new car every 3 years. Change your driving style (gentle acceleration and braking). If it's a 5 minute drive - walk. Buy as local as possible. Don't use disposable everything e.g. wash dishes rather than churning through plastic plates, cups and cutlery. If solar is viable for your home and you can afford it, do it. If public transport is viable where you live, then use it. We are a family of 3 adults, living in a 4 bedroom home with 3 living areas. A/C heating and cooling. 2.3KW solar (which we've had for over 12 years). We've got 2 TV's, 2 computers, 3 phones, an Xbox, an iPad, a Wii (og), a dishwasher etc. Our electricity provider gives a comparison with "typical" families in the area. Our footprint is less than a "typical" 1 person household (which includes quite a few 1 and 2 br apartments). Not bad for not much effort. But even this is just too radical for most people. Which is why we are collectively screwed. Everyone wants someone else to do the dirty work/experience the pain/make the sacrifice/produce the magic, or at best we want someone else to make the first move. And yes, industry has a big part to play. But I am doing my bit because I am a physicist by training and accept the science (though as an average physicist, made a career in IT). I also do it because, though I am not individually responsible for the outcome, I am individually responsible for my actions - and I want to be able to one day look my grandkids in the eye and honestly say "I tried."
tick_tock_tick 5y ago
Ehh, technology has saved us every other time. We technically even have the technology today but have limited political will. When it becomes a critical we'll solve it then or deploy enough stop gaps to get us back to being ok again.
- uejfiweun 5y ago
  This is why I'm not really concerned about climate change. In fact, it strikes me that the replacement energy technologies have existed for some time, but have been artificially held back in order to prolong the age of oil which benefits a lot of powerful people. Once their power is actually substantively threatened by climate change, they'll do what's necessary.
  - javajosh 5y ago
    Ecosystems take a long time to recover. Meanwhile millions die and fight wars over scraps. It means a new dark age, at best.
  - calvinmorrison 5y ago
    They just need to slowly shift their assets over. Rich institutions gonna be rich. Like Marijuana it will only become legal once the tax and license framework is sorted to ensure the top brokers of wealth keep that wealth.
- dls2016 5y ago
  > get us back to being ok again For some definition of "us".
- amusedcyclist 5y ago
  What do you mean saved us every time in the past ? We have never faced a problem like climate change. Its the first time we've been so advanced as a species that we can destroy our environment from over consumption. Historically the problems revolved around being unable to produce enough for our needs. Technology is an incredible force for good, but this is a new problem and theres no guarantee that it "saves" us

syshum 5y ago

The problem is the actual technology that would save us the US Government, and most climate activists do not want to invest in on a large scale Nuclear and Fusion. That is the only thing that will cover the oil based energy. Wind and Solar is a pipe dream

phs318u 5y ago
Sorry, but if anything in your paragraph is a pipe dream - its fusion energy. Also, wind and solar may indeed be insufficient to meet the current energy footprint of first-worlders. However we know that most first-world energy consumers are ridiculously profligate. Basic lifestyle changes can significantly reduce consumer energy footprint. I know this because my family has done it without going full hippy-dippy. Passive cooling where possible (e.g. opening windows at night, using window awnings during the day). Home insulation. Using LED lighting. Drive a hybrid or more efficient ICE vehicle that's sized for your actual needs not your emotional needs. Don't buy a new car every 3 years. Change your driving style (gentle acceleration and braking). If it's a 5 minute drive - walk. Buy as local as possible. Don't use disposable everything e.g. wash dishes rather than churning through plastic plates, cups and cutlery. If solar is viable for your home and you can afford it, do it. If public transport is viable where you live, then use it. We are a family of 3 adults, living in a 4 bedroom home with 3 living areas. A/C heating and cooling. 2.3KW solar (which we've had for over 12 years). We've got 2 TV's, 2 computers, 3 phones, an Xbox, an iPad, a Wii (og), a dishwasher etc. Our electricity provider gives a comparison with "typical" families in the area. Our footprint is less than a "typical" 1 person household (which includes quite a few 1 and 2 br apartments). Not bad for not much effort. But even this is just too radical for most people. Which is why we are collectively screwed. Everyone wants someone else to do the dirty work/experience the pain/make the sacrifice/produce the magic, or at best we want someone else to make the first move. And yes, industry has a big part to play. But I am doing my bit because I am a physicist by training and accept the science (though as an average physicist, made a career in IT). I also do it because, though I am not individually responsible for the outcome, I am individually responsible for my actions - and I want to be able to one day look my grandkids in the eye and honestly say "I tried."

tick_tock_tick 5y ago

Ehh, technology has saved us every other time. We technically even have the technology today but have limited political will. When it becomes a critical we'll solve it then or deploy enough stop gaps to get us back to being ok again.

uejfiweun 5y ago
This is why I'm not really concerned about climate change. In fact, it strikes me that the replacement energy technologies have existed for some time, but have been artificially held back in order to prolong the age of oil which benefits a lot of powerful people. Once their power is actually substantively threatened by climate change, they'll do what's necessary.
- javajosh 5y ago
  Ecosystems take a long time to recover. Meanwhile millions die and fight wars over scraps. It means a new dark age, at best.
- calvinmorrison 5y ago
  They just need to slowly shift their assets over. Rich institutions gonna be rich. Like Marijuana it will only become legal once the tax and license framework is sorted to ensure the top brokers of wealth keep that wealth.
dls2016 5y ago
> get us back to being ok again For some definition of "us".
amusedcyclist 5y ago
What do you mean saved us every time in the past ? We have never faced a problem like climate change. Its the first time we've been so advanced as a species that we can destroy our environment from over consumption. Historically the problems revolved around being unable to produce enough for our needs. Technology is an incredible force for good, but this is a new problem and theres no guarantee that it "saves" us