Great article. Started reading it slightly sceptical because I really do think capitalism needs reigning in. I do get your point that fixing the climate AND rewiring society is a big ask for 30 years.
I am, however, worried that existing thinking around how to guide the masses to a more sustainable way of living is fundamentally flawed - which is using taxes/prices to adjust behaviour. Because that really is just saying that any change in behaviour to save the planet falls solely on those who will feel the pinch. Rich or perhaps even just well off people will have access to the full spectrum of delights that our capitalism can conjure up. Therefore, maybe carbon rationing of some sort may be needed as part of the solution. The argument too often used is that the rich are not numerous enough that there is any point in either taxing or in any way force behavioural changes on, will not be accepted by the masses.
An even bigger problem is how the burden distributed internationally, of course.
But having the top 1% basically living as before, but with slightly better personal protection won’t work.
Hey, that's what I've been saying for some time. With my left left of centre views, most of my "fellow travellers" think I've gone mad. But time is of the essence and we have to work with what we have. But I'm pessimistic because I think the planet will do as it wants and we, as a species, will follow Nero's lead.
Great article. Started reading it slightly sceptical because I really do think capitalism needs reigning in. I do get your point that fixing the climate AND rewiring society is a big ask for 30 years.
I am, however, worried that existing thinking around how to guide the masses to a more sustainable way of living is fundamentally flawed - which is using taxes/prices to adjust behaviour. Because that really is just saying that any change in behaviour to save the planet falls solely on those who will feel the pinch. Rich or perhaps even just well off people will have access to the full spectrum of delights that our capitalism can conjure up. Therefore, maybe carbon rationing of some sort may be needed as part of the solution. The argument too often used is that the rich are not numerous enough that there is any point in either taxing or in any way force behavioural changes on, will not be accepted by the masses.
An even bigger problem is how the burden distributed internationally, of course.
But having the top 1% basically living as before, but with slightly better personal protection won’t work.
Tax bad things plus UBI. That’s the way innit
Hey, that's what I've been saying for some time. With my left left of centre views, most of my "fellow travellers" think I've gone mad. But time is of the essence and we have to work with what we have. But I'm pessimistic because I think the planet will do as it wants and we, as a species, will follow Nero's lead.