Happy Earth Day!
Tuesday, April 22nd, 2008Today, the media will tell us that everyone is focused on the Earth. We will be told that people are “coming together” to “do something” about global warming.
Those “somethings” will be “things” like murals, songs, poems, horribly misleading news reports, and cute kids drawing pictures that will show as much artistic talent as understanding of global climate. All of this despite the fact that exactly zero percent of people find global warming important enough to base their vote on. (Also, less than 0.5 percent are voting based on the more broad “environment.”)
When we typically talk about global warming, we talk about stats, science, and the latest person showing they are an idiot. But allow me speculate today a little instead.
To borrow an environmental word: is there any way this hype is sustainable?
The media is constantly barraging us with stories about global warming, but ZERO percent of us find it to be a top priority. Al Gore was complaining that people literally take it less seriously than dog crap. At some point, with supply so far ahead of demand, doesn't our interest evaporate like a cup of water on a planet that has warmed 0.74 degrees Celsius? Or maybe a bit faster?
Al Gore says, changing light bulbs is great, but we need laws. Al Gore knows he needs laws. He has to take advantage of the free pass from the media now, and lock us into global agreements that are political nightmares to get out of. Because when people are afraid of the economy, and other concerns that actually effect people— they won't want to spend trillions on global warming. Luckily, for now, people just don't believe him enough to “do something” that does “does nothing.”
I celebrate the Earth by recognizing that there are still a few smart people left on it.
