Monday, October 19, 2009

Global warming is a special problem

and it sits right at the sweet spot of all kinds of politically charged issues. By going after global warming, you're also going after:
  • The oil industry
  • Cars
  • Western nations
  • Rural areas
  • Industrialization
  • The meat industry
  • Huge suburban homes

All those things happen to be politically charged, as it is, and the left has long had them (to varying degress) in their sights.

Now there's something else, too. Global warming, it seems, MUST, involve a government solution -- and preferrably an international solution. No single country can solve the issue by itself, and no private party has any incentive to reduce emissions significantly (except, inasmuch as doing so helps their image, though this is marginal). The solution must be public sector, it would seem, so again, for those with an orthodox liberal worldview, this is a good thing.

And from that, you should understand why it's so enraging to people that some might suggest a technological solution is possible. If we can suck out carbon from the atmosphere, then the oil industry, cars, and huge homes in the middle of nowhere aren't such a problem. And if there's a technological solution, then there's no need for expanded government regulation, or multi-national UN charters, and all that good stuff.


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