Besides, we are a carbon based life form.

Michael:

By the “de-carbonizing” term I mean (and maybe I should have put more on it … shorthand op-ed writing … ) the gradual use of of cleaner technologies that reduce pollution, greenhouse gases, etc. That’s all and it’s a long term goal. We’ve been doing that for decades in this country, anyway. See pic of Pittsburgh in “daylight” here.

Look at the second chart on this energy forecast. We’re not going to magically do away with oil, gas and coal for decades. And we shouldn’t kid ourselves about any such thing, despite all of the hot air you hear about the “green jobs economy” and such.

See Roger Pielke Jr.’s post about China and coal and his “iron law” about energy:

… a related point is that by making fossil fuels more expensive you would be making energy access to those 1.5 billion more distant. There is an iron law of climate policy that says that while people will accept some price for environmental objectives, that willingness only goes so far. The key to putting a price on carbon is through the availability of cheaper clean alternatives.

Also, I’ve been recommending a new book by Andy Morriss, co-authored with three others, titled, “The False Promise of Green Energy” (Cato, 2011). They argue that “changes in the mix of energy sources will come gradually. Green energy plans are full of exciting plans for massive shifts in the way we produce energy. Even if we throw the enormous sums of money green energy proponents suggest at changing how we produce energy, such shifts won’t happen for decades.”

I hope that helps.

Καλή Ανάσταση and a blessed Pascha to all the readers, writers and bloggers at the AOI Observer!

De-carbonizing the economy, over time and in an orderly fashion, without wrecking economic life that likewise sustains us, is the reasonable way to do that.

Huh? What do you mean John? Sounds like the same gobbledygook of the environmental wastoids.

You had me until that line.