this post was submitted on 05 Feb 2025
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The word of one scientist does not consensus make. No matter how renowned. Remember, making targets seem impossible is a tactic to keep going as we are since there's "no point in even trying".
Sure but didn't we already hit 1.5 C warming? We've barely slowed the amount of CO2 we are dumping in the atmosphere. Even If we stopped all CO2 emissions today we are getting to 2C.
Unfortunately we haven't even slowed it at all. 2024 was the highest-emission year yet. We're still accelerating
Scientific truth is not reached by committee. Especially in the case of Hansen, he’s consistently been way out in front of said committee, and typically he’s been right every time.
And beeing told lies by people refusing to engage with the reality of how bad climate change is set to be is a good tactic, yes?
Two wrongs don't make a right.
How does that apply here? Maybe I am misunderstanding.
My point is this: I don't think will hinder progress if we are told how bad the situation might be.
And yes, might be, not is. I understsnd perfektly well that the abundance of variables makes it difficult to state absolutes. Such is the way with science.
I also acknowledge that there are different predictions amongst the scientific community in regards to how bad it might get. Hansen is making a prediction towards the more pessimistic end. Others try to be overly optimistic.
My point is that I don't think that the ovedy optimistic view is sensible. I understand the value of trying to remain positive and solution orientated, as only on the inevitable doom will lead to lethargy. I suppose we agree on that?
But I also think such a positive approach should be guided by reality. And the reality is defenetly not pointing towards a hopeful future. Hence we have to fight harder. Hence we have to look at the big picture while doing as much as possible within the boundaries of a system that is activly fostering climate change. Grounded on the knowledge of a possible collapse on a global scale within the next 20 to 200 years. We shouldn't disregard that possibility, even if it is not the only possible outcome. It motivates me more than it drives me into giving up already.
Also, I'm fairly certain I remember the name, and he's been on the doomer circuit for a while, now (iirc). This is his schtick, to go around giving quotes and sound bites to journalists.
The thing is, cynicism is easy and cheap. The universe is ruthlessly neutral, so being on the side of "everything sucks and we're going to die" appears intelligent to some, but it's actually the laziest, safest bet you could make.