The Market and Mother Nature

[Gregorian]

Amidst several discussion I was having with people regarding population, I was made aware of this article. I thought you might it interesting. I'd like to add something to what is said, as it seems like the more likely solution to the problems mentioned in the piece. It seems we could solve two problems with one effort by reducing the size of our absolutely insanely massive military.


http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/09/opinion/friedman-the-market-and-mother-nature.html?emc=eta1&_r=0


Indeed, we are actually taunting the two most powerful and merciless forces on the planet, the market and Mother Nature, at the same time. We’re essentially saying to both of them: “Hey, what’ve you got, baby? No interest rate rises? A little bitty temperature increase? That’s all you’ve got?” I just hope we get our act together before the market and Mother Nature each show us what they’ve got.

I am struck by how many liberals insist on reducing carbon emissions immediately, but, on the deficit, say there is no urgency because no interest rates rises are in sight. And I am struck by how many conservatives insist we must reduce the deficit immediately, but, on climate, say there is no urgency because, so far, temperature rise has been slight. (Although 2012 was the hottest year on record in the continental U.S.) One reason interest rates are so low is that they are being suppressed by the Federal Reserve’s quantitative easing. That won’t last. As for the climate, well, “Mother Nature doesn’t do quantitative easing,” said Harvey. Beware of nonlinear moves in both.