General Discussion

limpyhobbler

(8,244 posts)

27. Runaway global warming will reduce our standard of living.

Wed Jan 30, 2013, 09:43 PM

Jan 2013

We need to switch to clean energy, conserve energy, and also adapt.

At this point we can't stop climate change, but we may still soften the impact of the transition if we act now.

In a sense, it's not a question of reducing our standard of living, but rather a question of survival.

There is going to be a transition to a different form of technology and organization. The question is will it be relatively smooth and orderly? Or will it be more chaotic and catastrophic?

The government policies are the problem right now because they seem to be taking orders directly from the coal, oil, and gas companies.

Please bring this up with your elected representatives right away.

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Could we stop or reverse global warming without substantially reducing our standard of living [View all] el_bryanto Jan 2013 OP

Everything major happens by transition, kentauros Jan 2013 #1

The alternative is not merely a reduced standard of living (whatever that means). bemildred Jan 2013 #2

Well i think what it means is say the ability to eat fruits and vegetables in winter el_bryanto Jan 2013 #4

That's a good example of the problem. bemildred Jan 2013 #22

If my ex roomate hadn't cooked chili for herself. FrodosPet Jan 2013 #30

Oh hey, don't give up just because of one bad experience. nt bemildred Jan 2013 #35

As an engineer, I believe it is possible. We could make changes, but FSogol Jan 2013 #3

Keystone Pipeline earthside Jan 2013 #5

we "could" but we aren't KurtNYC Jan 2013 #6

So your contention is that the we could reduce our dependence on oil without significantly el_bryanto Jan 2013 #7

I think our standard of living has been steadily declining since about 1978 or so. KurtNYC Jan 2013 #9

It doesn't matter how much green energy sources are deployed NoOneMan Jan 2013 #32

I think it's entirely possible. HappyMe Jan 2013 #8

Hydrogen mn9driver Jan 2013 #10

Where do you get the Hydrogen from? Motown_Johnny Jan 2013 #11

Ummm. I'm pretty sure I made the problems clear in my post. mn9driver Jan 2013 #15

I think methane or other hydrocarbons still likely Johonny Jan 2013 #23

The only way to stop or reverse global warming hogwyld Jan 2013 #12

The 'standard of living' for most people already sucks n/t leftstreet Jan 2013 #13

It now appears to be a matter of adapting to, not stopping climate change. GROW FOOD. Fire Walk With Me Jan 2013 #14

I hate mowing grass but there is a great sense of satisfaction PLARS1999 Jan 2013 #16

Hey PLARS1999...Welcome to DU.. Tikki Jan 2013 #17

True! And welcome to DU! Fire Walk With Me Jan 2013 #19

COULD we do it. No doubt. Europeans live a much more environment-friendly life style. pampango Jan 2013 #18

Our standard of living will soon be substantially reduced for us whatchamacallit Jan 2013 #20

People literally die without air conditioning. Manifestor_of_Light Jan 2013 #21

Doubtful. But every small sacrifice we make now significantly raises the SOL for our descendants. raouldukelives Jan 2013 #24

We can't even stop CO2 rises Yo_Mama Jan 2013 #25

Thats important for people to understand NoOneMan Jan 2013 #31

By killing off 7 billion people yearning to emit like us, yes NoOneMan Jan 2013 #26

Runaway global warming will reduce our standard of living. limpyhobbler Jan 2013 #27

Sure. Let's just redifine what constitutes a desirable standard of living. RedCappedBandit Jan 2013 #28

right limpyhobbler Jan 2013 #29

Of course we can rightsideout Jan 2013 #33

The problem with these green promises is people think we have a handle on this NoOneMan Jan 2013 #34