This entry explores a possible line of argument to take against “climate moderates” who are holding out for a “market-based” solution to CO2 emissions. You know, they want minimal economic disruption, preservation of indiviual freedom of choice, and so on. Just a few tweaks, like a Carbon Tax, and the problem is solved.
The counter-argument goes, “Ok, if you like market-based solutions and indiviual freedom of choice, what is your market-based solution to murder? How about drug dealing? Child prostituion?”
There are some activities that society has decided, through moral codes and legislation, are so destructive to the common welfare that they have to be prohibited outright. No stern letter, no fines, no taxes, just off to jail with you.
Driving a stink-pot vehicle (how sailboat people refer to power boats) can not be treated like wearing white after Labor Day, as some sort of environmental faux pas. This is a Public Health issue writ large.
It is not the Wild West any more and we are out of time.
“This is not just young people being sick of politicians. It’s an existential crisis,” Thunberg said. “It is something that will affect the future of our civilisation. It’s not just a movement. It’s a crisis and we must take action accordingly.”
“It’s either you are sustainable or not — you can’t be a little bit sustainable” — Greta Thunberg
At the start of WW-2, a Cadillac plant in Detroit converted from making autombiles to making tanks in under 60 days. They did not do it because they suddenly felt like it.