On a Sinking Ship
Taking climate change seriously
We are passengers on a ship that has struck an iceberg; the hull has been breached, and there is no one coming to rescue us. You should think of our world and the impact of climate change in this way.
We often reject solutions to the climate change problem as too expensive. We say that we could never afford them or that they would destroy our way of life. We also assert that our political divisions would prevent us from ever agreeing on a particular solution and so nothing would ever be done.
What we need to solve our problems are materials, tools, knowledge, effort, the will to do it, and time. We have the materials, tools, and expertise — at least enough of each to attempt a few proposed solutions. Money is not a problem; governments, particularly the US government, do not need money. We print it. Discussions of cost are a distraction; it is only relevant if you expect to survive.
But, are we willing to put in the effort? Do we have the will to do it? Or, do we return to the dance floor and boogie our way to the bottom of the ocean?
On a sinking ship, we would use the materials with no concern for their cost, and everyone would do what they could without any discussion of pay. Cooperation would be extracted by any means necessary.
So, why is this not happening in response to climate change?
Believers. When discussing climate change, about 50% of the American public believes climate change is real and poses a significant threat to themselves or their children. Among the believers, there are some subgroups:
- The nutters, a group of billionaires who are building compounds and shelters where they intend to survive. A few are going to Mars. Also included are survivalists. They are preparing to retreat to the mountains or other places and live off the land in post-apocalyptic societies.
- The fatalists, these include those who are predisposed to depression, those philosophically inclined to accept whatever comes their way, and the hedonists who are too busy having fun to care about such things.
- The realists, these are the people who know too much about the problem. They do not believe in solutions but rather mitigation and adaptation. They suggest we build rafts or learn to breathe underwater.
Deniers. About 20% of the public believes that media reports about climate change are false, exaggerated, or maybe, that it’s a Chinese hoax.
Confused. Most of the remaining 30% have mixed views. They are unsure about the extent or immediacy of the problem. They are also doubtful about the nature or efficacy of the solutions.
We can persuade some of the undecided 30% and a sliver of the lunatic 20% and get on with the repairs. When people are fighting for their lives, they will do whatever is necessary. However, there does need to be a spark, i.e., “we need a hero.” Is there someone or some idea that will provide the unifying force and the momentum to put in the effort and make the sacrifices we need to make?
(all statistics from a 2019 Gallup poll and colored by me)
