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I want 1) people to be numerate about actual environmental damage rather than go on marketing vibes, and 2) advocate for ways to numerically decrease their cons
by epistasis 4y ago
I want 1) people to be numerate about actual environmental damage rather than go on marketing vibes, and 2) advocate for ways to numerically decrease their consumption.
That means walkable neighborhoods, which would exist if they weren't blocked by law.
My city, which claims to be lefty, takes great pains to talk about taking climate actions, but takes even greater pains to avoid the numbers that would show that city planning laws and codes and zoning must adapt.
I have been fighting like mad to try to make even small changes to this, but the Overton window remains firmly closed.
EVs are only a partial solution. We should legalize housing and markets and jobs and all sorts of buildings that are accessible without requiring cars.
- sokoloff 4y agoWanting people to be numerate about anything seems pretty much pre-ordained to end in disappointment.
- epistasis 4y agoI'm not sure I agree, at least for the subset of people that take part in local government and advocate for or against changes. The bigger problem is not innumeracy, but ignorance, and also a willingness to prioritize short term personal gain over their stated values. It would be a lot easier if everyone was honest and upfront, but I am not so naive as to believe that many people are arguing their true beliefs in my local political arena. Instead people say whatever has the best chance of effecting their desired outcome.
- sokoloff 4y agoAnytime I start to expect numeracy, I'm reminded of my folly. https://culinarylore.com/food-history:aw-1-3-pound-burger-failure-fact-check-are-americans-really-that-bad-at-fractions/ https://culinarylore.com/food-history:aw-1-3-pound-burger-fa...