WetEV
Well-known member
klapauzius said:I think "the peoples view" doesnt matter, since the science is settled on this.
The problem is that this time around, the predictions take longer time to be noticeable than your average guys memory (< 2 years I think....).
I agree though, that singular events are difficult, especially when we talk about trends. And also , because there is observer bias, i.e. events contrary to ones per-formed hypothesis get ignored and those in favor are amplified, in ones perception.
But that does not change the scientific facts, established on trends, not single events, one bit.
"The people's view" matters a lot. That is how change can happen in a non-totalitarian state. Even in a totalitarian state, "the people's view" must be carefully considered by the ruler, if the ruler wants to stay the ruler for long.
Yet still, a vote to stop the tide from coming in isn't going to matter to the tide one whit.
Humans can deal with issues that happen today or tomorrow fairly easily. We are wired to react to such threats. Next month, not quite so easy, look at all the people spending their last dollar a few days before the next paycheck. Next year is a little harder. Next decade is much harder, look at the state of the average 55 year old's retirement accounts. A threat that is a couple of generations away is going to be very hard for humans to respond to. My parents, both near 80 years old, will very likely never see enough climate change to matter in what remains in their lifetime. My twenty something children are only a little more likely to see climate change large enough to have a significant effect on their lives. My great great great grandchildren (hypothetical), on the other hand, will live in a very different climate, and will likely see major climate change problems if a major reduction in CO2 release doesn't happen before they are born.