An Argument for Change

Are we causing global warming?

Yes.

But the question really doesn’t matter. In the end, it’s all about the odds. There really are just four possible outcomes. I’m going to pretend that I’m a global warming doubting idiot for some of these cases so bear with me.

Case 1: We do nothing and there is no global warming. In this case, we’re all fine. Everyone’s happy (at least when it comes to rising sea levels and drought) and Al Gore looks like an idiot. Result: We win. Gore loses…again…sort of.

Case 2: We act to prevent it but there is no global warming. In this case, even in the worst case scenario that the naysayers predict, our economy tanks temporarily. Jobs are lost. There is a worldwide recession. Result: We’re all a little poorer for a little while.

Case 3: We act to prevent global warming and we succeed. In this case, we all live. Perhaps, there is still some warming but we’re managing it and there is no worldwide collapse. Extreme Result: We all live. Al Gore is greeted as the conquering hero. Conservatives scowl. I can live with that.

great point from waywardspirit that’s infinitely more likely:

“We act to prevent global warming, and we succeed and because we have succeeded, people dont realize that we narrowly missed doomsday and Al Gore loses, again“

Case 4: We do nothing and global warming is real. In this case, we’re screwed. In the worst case, the doomsday environmentalists were right on the money. Massive drought, wars over natural resources, rising sea levels, millions die, and there’s still a worldwide recession from the war, drought, death and famine.

The only thing we can control is what we do. Worst case if we act, the economy takes a hit. Worst case if we don’t…well you know.

So why not act and do the right thing? Even if you disagree, don’t you think it’s smart to hedge our bets?

What do you think?