When you think about it, environmentalists are poor salespersons. A lot of them run around forecasting catastrophes unless we do as they say. (And only too often not what they do.) Lets assume their predictions are 100% bang on. Ok. And all we have to do is change how we live, and pay a lot more to boot.
If we do, we won't notice the weather changes we are making as a result, because for so many of us, we don't even notice the present weather changes attributed, or at least not enough to specifically equate such changes, to carbon output. It could simply be natural weather changes occur and have occurred over the lifespan of the planet.
So, get rid of my car in favour of an expensive electric, pay lots more for electricity, pay carbon taxes for what I don't convert from fossils and in return, no apparent change in weather. Ok. Clearly nature needs a new sales team.
Now, I'm at the mercy of the electric company and the oil companies. Our governments, for which we pay a hefty bill, are also spending a crapload on security from threats of disgruntled residents of oil rich middle east countries. Why, because we support (to maintain stable oil supply) the regimes that control those countries.
Forget the environmental angle. What about freedom from the electric and oil company. I would love to get off the electric grid, so the next time rising electric prices make the news, I won't need to read it. I would love to drive by the gas station and not care how much they are charging. I would like our government pull out of middle eastern affairs, tell those extremist groups, "you win, we are pulling out, revolt and overthrow your overlords if you like" - and then reduce govt expenditures on security and pay down that friggin debt. And who knows, reduce taxes.
Now honestly, would that be a hard sell? Sure, the initial upfront costs would be alot, 30,000 for an off grid system generating 1600 kwh. (price of a mid sized car) No idea what an electric car would cost, but the government could help out here, by ensuring that vehicle recharging stations more available and adopting policies that will make renewable energy components cheaper. Policies to help it's citizens get out from the uncontrollable swings in energy prices to something more dependable and stable.
Some folk grow their own food, not because of pesticides, or perceived dangers of genetic modification, but because it's cheaper, rewarding, and gives you a degree of control, and it tastes better (not to mention some of the peppers I grew produced some of the hottest chili I've ever made). That's how I would sell the end of oil, by selling benefits, not by force and threats of gloom and doom. I really do need to look into this off grid thing though. And just think, you could run a grow up, without the electric company snitching on you, how would they know. LOL
If we do, we won't notice the weather changes we are making as a result, because for so many of us, we don't even notice the present weather changes attributed, or at least not enough to specifically equate such changes, to carbon output. It could simply be natural weather changes occur and have occurred over the lifespan of the planet.
So, get rid of my car in favour of an expensive electric, pay lots more for electricity, pay carbon taxes for what I don't convert from fossils and in return, no apparent change in weather. Ok. Clearly nature needs a new sales team.
Now, I'm at the mercy of the electric company and the oil companies. Our governments, for which we pay a hefty bill, are also spending a crapload on security from threats of disgruntled residents of oil rich middle east countries. Why, because we support (to maintain stable oil supply) the regimes that control those countries.
Forget the environmental angle. What about freedom from the electric and oil company. I would love to get off the electric grid, so the next time rising electric prices make the news, I won't need to read it. I would love to drive by the gas station and not care how much they are charging. I would like our government pull out of middle eastern affairs, tell those extremist groups, "you win, we are pulling out, revolt and overthrow your overlords if you like" - and then reduce govt expenditures on security and pay down that friggin debt. And who knows, reduce taxes.
Now honestly, would that be a hard sell? Sure, the initial upfront costs would be alot, 30,000 for an off grid system generating 1600 kwh. (price of a mid sized car) No idea what an electric car would cost, but the government could help out here, by ensuring that vehicle recharging stations more available and adopting policies that will make renewable energy components cheaper. Policies to help it's citizens get out from the uncontrollable swings in energy prices to something more dependable and stable.
Some folk grow their own food, not because of pesticides, or perceived dangers of genetic modification, but because it's cheaper, rewarding, and gives you a degree of control, and it tastes better (not to mention some of the peppers I grew produced some of the hottest chili I've ever made). That's how I would sell the end of oil, by selling benefits, not by force and threats of gloom and doom. I really do need to look into this off grid thing though. And just think, you could run a grow up, without the electric company snitching on you, how would they know. LOL
