Imogen
I try not to be an alarmist when it comes to climate change. It is real, but I want us to find working solutions instead of constantly debating the "politics."
However, the New Year here began with unseasonably warm weather, massive wildfires, tornadoes, flash floods and now snow storms. All within two days.
So I guess I am raising the alarm. Do whatever you can to slow the devastation of the planet. And prepare for a very different future.
Tagomago
@imgn I guess many of us don't know how to deal with this problem of not addressing the problem. It's also the biggest problem humans have ever faced (kind of a Galactus-size problem). Global grassroots association is really weak so far, and no one else in power or any global structure is doing anything close to the weight of it.
Imogen
@tagomago Sadly, I agree. I have a lot of respect for grassroots movements, but they are SLOW. We don't have time to gradually change minds. I feel helpless as a scientist too. More data and evidence-based research do not seem to convince the deniers and skeptics. Plus, privileged and powerful people have no incentives to alter their behavior. I feel that the only solution in a capitalist society is to find a profit model whereby protecting the environment is more lucrative than exploiting it.
Tagomago
@imgn >find a profit model whereby protecting the environment is more lucrative than exploiting it
Yes, and that inevitably means huge global government interventions (in tax and subsidies). I don't see any other possibility.
But firstly there has to be a very well planned, transparent, gradual strategy, with well defined milestones... and I just see blurred sketches and lots of shallow statements. 🤷♂️
Imogen
@tagomago Right. Or we sell carbon like NFTs and get all the tech bros to turn its removal into digital assets. Channel their dark passengers for good ;)
Tagomago
@imgn 😁
Tagomago
@imgn @GreenFire I believe we already have entire countries trading their carbon emission rights, don't we? Idk, I believe it might act just as a distraction, kind of a lazy “let the market solve it“ stance in order to procrastinate the herculean task of designing and putting in place global strategies for transitioning our way of living ASAP.
Imogen
@GreenFire @tagomago Yes, I like this approach. It seems practical. I remember reading something similar several years ago. I am happy to hear there has been progress. I recall thinking at the time that the "tax" and dividends would have to be significant enough to impact the bottom line of these mega-corporations. Then they would probably adjust their behaviors to maximize profit. But wouldn't more emissions lead to higher revenue? Why not distribute dividends to those who lower greenhouse gas?
GreenFire
Just joined Mastodon so perhaps should lurk longer before replying, but will pit my two cents in here. The largest international NGO that is solely focused on climate change is imo Citizens Climate Lobby. We have been working for a little over a decade trying to get U.S. Congress to put a price on greenhouse gas emissions where all collected revenue is sent back out in equal monthly dividend checks. We got it implemented in Canada thankfully, but Trump's election slowed us down here. Anyway it doesn't solve everything, but it would be great start to take away political power from the fossil fools. A related and important group is Environmental Voter Project. Energyinnovationact.org.
Tagomago
@GreenFire @imgn It’s so frustrating.
GreenFire
@tagomago there are much more insidious distractions than a #PriceOnPollution imho, but trust me that after trying to get #ClimateAction for decades I am used to my suggestions being dismissed by people with a "better" plan. All I know is we need major changes fast and I don't see these plans being implemented nor advocated for enough.
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