[Politics, Global Warming]

Global Warming's Silver Lining.

So there is one positive thing to say about global warming: it presents an opportunity. Although we know the earth is warming, there's no real way to predict how things are going to play out. Scientists are agreed, however, that the earlier we address things, the more likely we are to be able to prevent the worst catastrophes.

I think we may be getting near a tipping point in cultural recognition that this is a problem (I'm doing my part!). But one of the main barriers is in having solutions to deal with it. Mostly it seems far to grim to contemplate. So we go along, like so many frogs, stewing until we croak (whoo, sorry about that).

Politically speaking, this is a great opportunity. There are options. We could begin immediately to stop burning fossil fuels and coal and shift to alternative fuels and nuclear power (perhaps even transitionally). In this shift are not only remarkable benefits to the environment, but to the economy as well. In the 90s, our economy boomed principally because new technologies were a massive engine (both commercially and in terms of productivity). Shifting away from oil and fuel is expensive in the short run because the avenues of bring those sources to the market are so long-established. But in the long run, developing new technologies could create an economy akin to post-war times.

If we focus on the benefits of addressing the issue rather than the consequences of sitting on our thumbs, we have a far better chance of creating the popular will that will lead to political change. (And of course, the Dems are poised to lead this charge, should they ever pull their heads out of their butts.)