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Politics : Politics of Energy -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Bearcatbob who wrote (3672)	12/29/2008 9:57:19 PM
From: Sam	1 Recommendation Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 86356

I truly believe the hysteria is a fraud and that proponents are guided by financial self interest. Bob, I know you truly believe the above statement. On the other hand, I truly believe it is you that is being misled by people whose financial interests are tied up in fossil fuels. I find it completely implausible that the vast majority of the scientific community that has engaged in this debate over the past 3 decades or so have come to this conclusion as part of a massive conspiracy to get grant money. I know too many scientists, and I have done too much reading about the issue--both pro and con--to believe that. Now, you can argue about whether or not 450 ppm or 650 ppm or some other number of CO2 in the atmosphere is the really dangerous number beyond which the positive feedbacks will lead to a different climate--I can't claim to have a valid opinion about that. But that there is some number that is dangerous, that we are in the process of conducting an experiment that will more likely than not lead to bad things happening over the next 20-100 years (and beyond; not that it hasn't already begun--just ask the people of Tuvulu or people living in higher latitudes whose way of life is already being disrupted)--that part I don't doubt. The question is, how bad will it be, and who will do most of the suffering?

To: Bearcatbob who wrote (3672)	12/30/2008 11:30:54 AM
From: RetiredNow	Respond to of 86356

I believe the hysteria is what it is. Some people believe we're in imminent danger from man's activities. I think man has the power to destroy himself and that we will eventually do just that, unless we colonize other planets. In the shorter term, however, I believe alternative energy is the next big thing. It is a wonderful way to make alot of money over the next couple of decades. Probably will be one of the best ways to make money. As far as your concern that all these GW hysterics really have a profit motive, well, I wouldn't have it any other way. Isn't that what makes the economy work, the profit motive? As long as the entrepreneurs that are creating these alternative energy companies have a profit motive, then we can be assured that we'll make a real go of it. If it was all about altruism, then it would more than likely turn out to be a bad investment. At the end of the day, my biggest concerns is how to ensure the US economy grows for many years to come. Right now, I believe alternative energy can become a huge growth engine for this country, if we take advantage of it.