jo_hamilton
on 15th Mar 07, 17:38:46 said:
1)Are hybrid cars and solar panels really the answer to climate change? Are the extra resources, energy and heavy-metals used in their construction (batteries, silicon panels etc)outweighed by the benefits of their day-to-day use?
2)Where does the balance lie between relying on improved technology to reduce our carbon/resource footprint and mankind returning to a simpler, more local way of life and/or controlling global population?
hp
on 16th May 07, 16:32:43 replied:
i think mankind returning to a simpler, more local way of life
is a communist fantasy and a potential nightmare for anybody who
respects individual freedom. global population control is probably
our only hope. but then again, why not rape the planet, ruin the
climate and destroy all life forever. who cares? the sun will fry
us all soon when it turns red giant anyway.
bighairymonkey
on 17th May 07, 14:58:47 replied:
If the energy used in production is clean, or is carbon captured
and stored, does it matter the energy balance in production?
The most important aspect to domestic solar pv and hybrids to
the owners is perhaps that they are making a sign about who they
are to others.
Of course if everyone had them, it would have no effect on
climate change whatsoever, but should help to keep down the growth
in domestic emissions and save energy which is also very
worthwhile.
The science of global climate change, and policies and practices
to reduce domestic emissions and/or promote energy saving get
rather confused, which is unfortunate if one believes education,
awareness and understanding is needed for society to respond to
global climate change.
pendlenton
on 15th Jun 07, 14:46:57 replied:
Response to HP: why does living a simpler life mean a reduction
in freedom? Is there any sense of accountability for our selves in
what we do to the earth- our own individual attitudes? If there is
a choice between war or peace, do we strive for peace; or do we
think that, given our inevitable ultimate destruction, that there
is no point in even trying to prevent war?
