Re: Personal Carbon Credits
Posted: Mon May 26, 2008 12:30 pm
[quote]More pretentious "green" twaddle that won't make one jot of difference to climate change (maybe something like 0.0001 of 0.001% less carbon globally by 2050 or some such trifling amount).[/quote]
Quite true, Eric, although the percentages aren't the issue right now; it's the principle and setting of an example. I'm sorry if I've said this before -I'm sure I have- but lets think up an analogy to show my point:
Why is it wrong for you to go and burgle your neighbour's house tonight, given that your own personal crime will only make 0.000000000000000001% difference to the national crime statistics? I think you'll agree that it doesn't matter what percentage the affect your crime makes for you to judge if your crime is wrong or not. My point is that we need to set a good example to others. Now, I'm not saying these carbon credits are the best way (I don't know enough about them to make a judgement) but the total affect, globally, isn't a good enough excuse to dismiss it.
I agree with all your other points, but would add:
6) Better, cheaper, public transport. Maybe even subsidies on travel fares for minimum wage workers so they see it as a cheaper option than using a car?
Quite true, Eric, although the percentages aren't the issue right now; it's the principle and setting of an example. I'm sorry if I've said this before -I'm sure I have- but lets think up an analogy to show my point:
Why is it wrong for you to go and burgle your neighbour's house tonight, given that your own personal crime will only make 0.000000000000000001% difference to the national crime statistics? I think you'll agree that it doesn't matter what percentage the affect your crime makes for you to judge if your crime is wrong or not. My point is that we need to set a good example to others. Now, I'm not saying these carbon credits are the best way (I don't know enough about them to make a judgement) but the total affect, globally, isn't a good enough excuse to dismiss it.
I agree with all your other points, but would add:
6) Better, cheaper, public transport. Maybe even subsidies on travel fares for minimum wage workers so they see it as a cheaper option than using a car?