The climate change debate can be found just about everywhere these days. We’re constantly inundated with more models, predictions, and policy prescriptions, each one more radical than the last.
Do you know where the climate debate isn’t typically found? In conversations between typical Americans. Of all of the things that we make small talk about, climate change isn’t one of them. Most people are more concerned with the here and now, not with the idea that something might happen down the road, especially since we have no real way of knowing what will happen. Science isn’t a crystal ball.
As Democrats gear up for a run at ousting the evil orange man, it’s clear that they have made climate change a focal issue. Hence, we get radical “solutions” like the Green New Deal, or some variation of it thrown at us on the regular. This topic has undoubtedly been pushed harder on the public of late. CNN gave the Trump 2020 campaign an early Christmas gift when they held a 7-hour town hall special where 2020 Democratic candidates talked about climate change. If you made it through that without turning it into a drinking game, you’re certifiably insane. By the way, we may have found the holy grail of wokeness: someone used the term “environmental racism”. I’m not kidding. That would be grounds for chugging an entire bottle of Wild Turkey, which you would presumably want to do anyway if you watched this.
One of the biggest climate change related spectacles in the news recently was the “Climate Strike”, where students ditched class to tell the government that they needed to do more to combat climate change. As you can see in the video, we have a bright future folks.
Several student climate activists including Greta Thunberg, a Swedish teen with a massive following, spoke at this event. Thunberg has also been trotted out for many other public appearances, most notably in front of Congress and now the UN. Her signal has been boosted by an adulatory mainstream media.
Call me cynical, but I think I can see what’s going on. Democrats know that they NEED climate change to be at the forefront in 2020. You know a great way to bring attention to an issue? Bring in the kids.
We all know deep down that these child climate activists aren’t scientists. However, using kids to spread your message adds another element. If their opponents attack the kids’ ideas comments, no matter how crazy they sound, they leave themselves open for the “you don’t care about the kids” counterattack. It’s dirty, but effective. We all remember the horrific school shooting in Parkland, Florida in 2018. Some of the students who became activists are still garnering attention on Twitter and in the media. The left and the media (not that there’s much of a difference) seized on every opportunity to call pro gun folks heartless whenever someone would so much as question one of these student activists.
I think the same thing is happening with the climate debate. Many in the media and DNC know that climate change isn’t the most pressing issue to most Americans. Complex science, concepts, and models won’t grab their attention. They HAVE to fear monger and make out-sized emotional appeals if they’re going to be successful. The only way people will care is if they feel that their lives will be affected. Hence, telling people that we have 12 (or whatever the number is today) years until the planet goes to hell in a handbasket is a viable strategy for some politicians.
I’m not a climate scientist, but it is hard for me to believe the most radical predictions. People like Al Gore have been playing this game for years, and we’re still alive (my thoughts and prayers go out to those affected by Manbearpig).
Over time, innovation in the form of nuclear energy, cleaner fossil fuels such as natural gas (yes, I’m talking about FRACKING), and carbon capture technology will be the key to combating and mitigating the effects of climate change.
I’m not trying to say that I have the answers, or that a well-meaning young lady like Greta Thunberg is clueless. I am pointing out that it is becoming more obvious what the left is doing. As they always do, they appeal to the emotional and irrational parts of our brains. I would like more people to see through it, and think for themselves.