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Reply to "2020 burns"

I had the epic thread on climate change here about 15 years ago with, don't remember his name.  I've seen the data trending since the 90's when it was still fringe.  People studying it since the 60's have seen it since at least that time, James Hansen for one. 

POS: There is now global awareness of the issue and it looks like there is a global majority that understands what is going on and where it is headed.  I couldn't say that 15 years ago.  Technology continues to make advancements in renewable generation and energy efficiency as more and more money gets poured into these efforts.  Things are finally reaching a point where the benefits are outweighing the costs and investing is improving bottom lines.  This is even before adding in the costs of increased natural disasters that are amped up by a warming climate.

NEG: We're way behind on how fast all these things need to happen.  And based on the damage the loud minority of climate deniers and science deniers (including big oil's delay tactics) can do, it's difficult to see things accelerating quickly enough to avoid some really dire conditions in the next 20-30 years.  We need a big shift and we need it in the next 10 years.

In trying to find a silver lining, I have seen polls that show up to 75% of voters 20-50yrs old do want efforts made to address climate change.  Biden's team has been talking a big game about addressing the issue but we'll see what that really means.  There was a lot of hope on this front when Obama was elected too but he really didn't do anything until his last year in office.  I realize he had his hands full with the recession but it was disappointing nonetheless.

For you guys saying you're "too old" for renewables, etc.: Unless you plan on burying your home with you, there is still value to going in that direction.  Homes with renewables (partially powered or fully off the grid), or any other high energy efficiency measures sell for a premium.  You'll be leaving something of greater value behind whether you will it to heirs or sell it.

So glad to see this thread!

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