Climate change greater threat than pandemic, UK survey

[grahamg]

A survey shown on UK TV yesterday showed the greatest number of people stating climate change was the greatest threat to the world (30%), above pandemics with half as many votes, and warfare, natural disasters and terrorism trailing behind.

I find myself in the rather strange position of being in the majority, and I'm pleased about this, not least because boosting the world economy into yet more growth following the shutdown, seems to be all economists and other experts seem to care about. I care about the economy too of course, but a sustainable one if its possible(?). .

 

[fuzzybuddy]

I'm not going to say I know all about climate change. I don't. There is just so much evidence piling up all over the world. All kinds of verifiable facts from every feild of science are proving climate change is happening, and it is caused by human activity. That "it's just a theory" defense sailed away, with the rising oceans. What's going to actually happen? I don't know, but it's here and active. I don't think we have a good grasp about all the intricate factors. How do you switch energy sources with out crippling the world's economy? What happens when the usual sources of drinking water dry up, all over vast areas of the planet? Are we going to degenerate to fighting over food? Are we going to be flung back to the Middle Ages? We don't have to worry about this. But our grandkids will. Is this the legacy you want to leave them?

 

[grahamg]

Break
How do you switch energy sources with out crippling the world's economy? What happens when the usual sources of drinking water dry up, all over vast areas of the planet? Are we going to degenerate to fighting over food? Are we going to be flung back to the Middle Ages? We don't have to worry about this. But our grandkids will. Is this the legacy you want to leave them?

You make many good points, and although I'm intentionally twisting your meaning, I'd guess many grandparents here feel strongly enough about their grandchildren, not to care that they might not live to see the worst repercussions of climate change, it matters equally as much. .

 

[Don M.]

Climate change IS probably the biggest problem humanity faces, and it doesn't get near the concern it deserves, because it is happening at a fairly slow pace...unlike this Corona Virus. However, its affects are cumulative, and increasing every year. If actions aren't taken very soon, large parts of the planet may become almost uninhabitable by the end of this century. Heat indexes in the triple digits will make Summers dangerous, and the melting of the ice caps will raise the oceans substantially to the point where many of the major cities will be inundated.

Perhaps this Virus will give our economies a clue that will help reduce the atmospheric pollution. Many pictures have been posted, in recent weeks, showing the lack of pollution in our urban areas because far fewer people are driving to work, only to sit in an office all day. Working at home, for many office workers, would sharply reduce the carbon emissions coming from all those people sitting in rush hour traffic every day. By the time a cure is found for this virus, those people and their employers may well recognize the advantages of working from home, and make that transition a permanent thing.

A transition to electric vehicles should be hastened, IMO. If a means can be found to recharge the batteries more quickly, that would go a long way towards eliminating the need for gas/diesel engines.....which would cripple our fossil fuel industries, and their political campaign contributions.

Between Climate Change, and global overpopulation, humanity is rapidly heading for a "Tipping Point", and I doubt that it will take more than another 4 or 5 decades before such a crisis arrives....and IT WILL make today's problems seem paltry, by comparison.