[wgren]

>claiming that the only possible solution is to pretty much destroy our way of life.

That is what many climate warming deniers like to claim will happen. Doesn't have to be so, Sweden for instance has increased its wealth steadily while at the same time reduced its environmental impact.

>I certainly prefer the Myhrvold approach, of thinking outside the box and challenging others to react, than the Gore fear-mongering.

What Al Gore does is also challenging people to react.

[marknutter]

> That is what many climate warming deniers like to claim will happen. Doesn't have to be so, Sweden for instance has increased its wealth steadily while at the same time reduced its environmental impact.

It does actually have to be so, especially for developing nations like China and India. If they were forced to stop using even 20% of their coal plants it would devastate their growing economies. It would take thousands of Swedens and their (frankly) mediocre efforts to reduce their carbon footprints to offset China and India's contribution to global warming.

I think that's a point made in this article too, that even if we are destroying the planet that there really is very little we can do to stop it without encroaching on the human rights of every person on the planet.

[wgren]

>It does actually have to be so, especially for developing nations like China and India

No, it doesn't actually have to be so. Knowledge and technology transfer, more efficient markets, and alternative energy sources combined can ensure continued growth without increased emissions. It is fascinating that some free-market proponents believe in the amazing ability of human imagination and drive to surmount any dificulty (as I do). But as soon as we make any attempt to include environmental externalities when calculating the cost of something, the whole market will appearently collapse and billions die!

>thousands of Swedens and their (frankly) mediocre efforts

It is of course impossible for Sweden to offset the emissions of everyone else. The point is that everyone else can learn from Sweden and do the same. A 9% decrease in carbon emissions over 20 years combined wth healthy growth and high living standards? What would you consider not mediocre?

>destroying the planet that there really is very little we can do to stop it without encroaching on the human rights of every person on the planet.

So destroying the planet is not encroaching on their rights in any way then?