Silence on global warming

post by Bill Gardner

@baratunde yesterday:

So we've all just decided not to do anything about global warming, right? I just wanna make sure.

The discussion of global warming in the US seems to have disappeared. Why? There appears to be no short-term option for policy action. 1) You cannot pass a bill in the US Senate without 60 votes. 2) You have little possibility of obtaining a necessary Republican vote. 3) An attempt to change policy would certainly lose. 4) Democrats see no purpose in starting a fight they would certainly lose. 5) For better or for worse, the Democratic leadership does not talk about issues on which they will likely lose. 6) So no debate occurs, and  it looks like we have agreed not to do anything.

We have to talk about this. We have to take the long view and come to a full understanding of the scientific, economic, and ethical implications of climate change. If the globe is warming, the issue will be back, and we must be clear on what to do. In a certain way, having no policy options on the table is an advantage for a good discussion. Once the partisan battle is engaged, it is hard not to defend the consensus policy of your side.

Paul and I are reading John Broome's Climate Matters. He is White's Professor of Moral Philosophy at Oxford. Read it, and let's talk.

Comments

[klem]

"We have to take the long view .."

But the climate deniers HAVE taken the long view. They beleive there is no reason to do anything about a natural phenomenon which occurs over thousands of years. That long enough view for you?

Let me guess, the long view in your eyes is 5 years. Lol!