I'm a member of the Adirondack Mountain Club. They ("we", I guess, rather) have taken the position that carbon dioxide is a pollutant equal to mercury, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxide. First, carbon dioxide is plant food. Warmer temperatures mean a longer growing season. Fifty years from now, we'll be arguing whether currently barren mountaintops should have the trees cut back to preserve the view.
Second, carbon dioxide is only a possible problem. Mercury, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxide are known to be pollutants with bad effects on all living beings. Let's worry about the real and now, and leave future fears to themselves.
Third, the climate changes all the time, sea levels rise and fall, and glaciers come and go. It's foolish and pointless to worship the climate of our childhood, just as it is to worship the music stars of our childhood. That was then, this is now. Grow up and deal with today's world. Right now, the world is warming. That's good! Life is easier when it's warm. Someday it will be cold again. Start worrying now -- avoid the rush!
posted at: 04:24 | path: /economics | permanent link to this entry