]Denial, Collapse

[Mass]

http://bluemassgroup.com/2012/03/denial-collapse/

Denial, Collapse

...
And we’ve got a “truly exceptional” outbreak of deadly tornadoes. Weather on steroids. No, no one weather event can be attributed to global warming, but to ignore the broad context of these extreme events would be blind and stupid.

Ocean acidification (caused by CO2 dissolving in ocean water, creating carbonic acid) is increasing at the highest rate in 300 million years, with disastrous effects for ocean life and the food chain generally — and we may be on our way to a mass extinction seen only five times before in 540 million years of multicellular life.

And we’re in denial. Sure, the right denies that it’s real, which is mule-headed and monstrous. But give them credit — climate denial is a priority to them. On the other hand, the left simply fails to make it a priority. It’s not a main priority on the major lefty blogs — Kos, etc. The Occupy folks, who have done an immense amount of good, are mostly fixated on pocketbook/class issues,m and hardly mention climate. In calling for cleaner energy, the President doesn’t even mention global warming and its likely consequences — flooding, starvation, political instability (war), entire regions and industries decimated by drought or flood, and so forth.

This is only one topic among others the left refuses to talk about. Endemic poverty is the other one that comes to mind. There are others, ...

BTW, guess who will be the most impacted by this issue: poor people and the middle class. So, yes, this is an issue that matters even in this context.

[CrispyQ]

1. I liked this:

I read that certain churches have suggested a carbon fast as a Lenten discipline. On one hand, it’s good to be made aware on a personal basis what one does with one’s carbon to get through the day. But I also think it misses the point. Personal virtue and atomized action will not prevent disaster, because personal evil didn’t cause the problem. It’s political dysfunction that’s driving us into the ditch: Capture of our politicians, our elections, and our public discourse by those whose revenue streams depend on the continuation and expansion of a fossil fuel economy.

[zipplewrath]

2. Political/scientific reality

I think the body politic in some ways is influenced here by the larger reality. Much of the scientific community believes that it is "already too late" to do much about the climate change. It is coming, we can't stop it, or slow it down, even drastic changes won't result in much, and the impact of China and India is decisive in any large scale action at all. In that context, there isn't much for the politicians to choose to do. So we are "stuck" working around the edges with CAFE standards and solar energy expansion.

[raouldukelives]

3. Accepting and trying to deal with the reality of climate change

Is very bad for Wall St and it's supporters. It will never come close to being a "real issue" until it is far too late and even then it will be lip service.
Keep on investing in environmental suicide. You know, for the kids.