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I've been concerned about climate change for decades and I think it is important to point out how certain fundamentals have changed in the past 30 years. Until

by issa 4y ago

I've been concerned about climate change for decades and I think it is important to point out how certain fundamentals have changed in the past 30 years. Until recently, all that individual people could do was make sacrifices. the main things you could do to make a difference: - give up certain foods - not drive a car - limit heating/air conditioning - limit consumerism / waste But recently, things have changed dramatically. - giving up meat in 2022 leaves you with many delicious options. From plant-based milks in every supermarket, to vegan options at every restaurant, to lab-grown (or otherwise convincing) meat if you want it - Solar panels on your roof and an electric car solve a lot - Limiting consumerism and air travel remain problems My point is this: The way we need to talk to people about personal actions related to climate has changed a LOT. Now, you CAN make a real difference by making some easy (and often even economical) choices.

avgcorrection 4y ago
Has things changed or did market forces just adapt to the emerging profile of slightly guilty-feeling, upper-middle class Westerners? That now get to feel green for buying overpriced chickpeas and investing in a charging station for their home and a solar panel roof (wow—I get to increase the value of my property, save on my electricity bill when amortized over twenty years, and save the planet at the same time??) This isn’t really a rhetorical question. It looks one way to me, but it’s hard to know. You pretty much have to dedicate yourself to a mini research project in order to honestly answer that question. That’s how capitalism obfuscates things for us and alienates us from what was ostensibly our original task, namely to save the planet.
- issa 4y ago
  That is a good question. I would answer by avoiding it completely and just pointing out that I used to have to say to people: "Hey, give up something you love to save the planet" and now I can say: "Hey, get solar panels and then you can blast your A/C this summer for free!"
  - avgcorrection 4y ago
    If BMW says that buying one of their EVs helps save the planet then that must be true. I was questioning whether these folks were really saving the planet. The retort to that is not “doesn’t matter because I can tell them/convince them that they are”.
    - issa 4y ago
      Certainly buying a brand-new EV (from any company) isn't making a positive impact on the environment. But, writ large, switching from ICE to electric cars is a giant step in the right direction. So I think it's safe to call that one a wash. Most people buying a new EV would have been buying a new ICE car anyway, and it is much better to further the electrification of transportation. Even if taking public transportation--a sacrifice--would be more helpful.

by issa 4y ago

avgcorrection 4y ago

Has things changed or did market forces just adapt to the emerging profile of slightly guilty-feeling, upper-middle class Westerners? That now get to feel green for buying overpriced chickpeas and investing in a charging station for their home and a solar panel roof (wow—I get to increase the value of my property, save on my electricity bill when amortized over twenty years, and save the planet at the same time??) This isn’t really a rhetorical question. It looks one way to me, but it’s hard to know. You pretty much have to dedicate yourself to a mini research project in order to honestly answer that question. That’s how capitalism obfuscates things for us and alienates us from what was ostensibly our original task, namely to save the planet.

issa 4y ago
That is a good question. I would answer by avoiding it completely and just pointing out that I used to have to say to people: "Hey, give up something you love to save the planet" and now I can say: "Hey, get solar panels and then you can blast your A/C this summer for free!"
- avgcorrection 4y ago
  If BMW says that buying one of their EVs helps save the planet then that must be true. I was questioning whether these folks were really saving the planet. The retort to that is not “doesn’t matter because I can tell them/convince them that they are”.
  - issa 4y ago
    Certainly buying a brand-new EV (from any company) isn't making a positive impact on the environment. But, writ large, switching from ICE to electric cars is a giant step in the right direction. So I think it's safe to call that one a wash. Most people buying a new EV would have been buying a new ICE car anyway, and it is much better to further the electrification of transportation. Even if taking public transportation--a sacrifice--would be more helpful.