That’s part of the issue, but the even bigger problem is that people fallaciously think they have to give up much to fix it when the reality is a combination of (a) they don’t, and (b) the changes that they do have to make actually represent an improvement in lifestyle, not a deprivation.
For example, Americans who’ve been brainwashed for decades by GM propaganda about the “open road” and car-dependent suburban “American dream” and whatnot have to be dragged kicking and screaming into higher zoning density and walkabilty, but once people have it they realize they’re happier, healthier, have more free time, etc.
Well, no. Burning fossil fuels was indeed cheaper than any other energy source, until recently, and for some things still is by far the cheapest. So yeah, we have to sacrifice something today to not cook the Earth. Apparently that’s too abstract for us, though, and we will knowingly steer towards a cliff a few decades away.
As an example, in Canada we have a modest carbon tax, and one that comes right back to people as refunds. It’s still become a political lightning rod and the entire campaign target of the opposition, who is decisively leading in the polls right now. Another one, gen Z says they care, but it’s not grandma buying Shein.
Worse. Normal people don’t give a shit. Even the ones that are on the team that buys into it don’t want to give up much to fix it.
That’s part of the issue, but the even bigger problem is that people fallaciously think they have to give up much to fix it when the reality is a combination of (a) they don’t, and (b) the changes that they do have to make actually represent an improvement in lifestyle, not a deprivation.
For example, Americans who’ve been brainwashed for decades by GM propaganda about the “open road” and car-dependent suburban “American dream” and whatnot have to be dragged kicking and screaming into higher zoning density and walkabilty, but once people have it they realize they’re happier, healthier, have more free time, etc.
Well, no. Burning fossil fuels was indeed cheaper than any other energy source, until recently, and for some things still is by far the cheapest. So yeah, we have to sacrifice something today to not cook the Earth. Apparently that’s too abstract for us, though, and we will knowingly steer towards a cliff a few decades away.
As an example, in Canada we have a modest carbon tax, and one that comes right back to people as refunds. It’s still become a political lightning rod and the entire campaign target of the opposition, who is decisively leading in the polls right now. Another one, gen Z says they care, but it’s not grandma buying Shein.
Investing in better technology is categorically disqualified from counting as a “sacrifice!”