Why should we give a sh*t about reducing our carbon footprint?

[Ironmako]

I need some answers here b/c I really think this whole idea is a complete crock.

Why should we try and reduce our carbon footprint? I am of the opinion that such a concern is completely without point.

By analogy, if everyone on say half of the planet earth jumped and landed at the same time could they affect the earth's orbit? Obviously not.

Similarly if everyone in the developed world reduced their carbon footprint by some factor, lets even grant an improbable factor...say 80%. Would even this amount of "sacrifice" offset jack shit? - I have a hard time believing so.

The population of China at the time of this post is approximately:
1,328,836,570 people.

In the last 299 days (since July 1, 2007) there have been:
14,564,980 new births.

The current population of India at the time of this post is approximately:
1,144,777,908 people.

In the last 299 days (again since July 1, 2007) there have been:
21,002,368 new births.

How in the Hell is it possible that through the actions of such a small percentage of the world's population, as is housed in the developed first world, can we make one damn bit of difference?

If you or I recycle, or conserve a few gallons of fuel this month or next, will it make any difference at all? I mean will our actions perhaps buy the world an extra 5 minutes, or perhaps 5 days? And if so, then so-freaking-what?

Why the hell should we militantly constrain ourselves for an extra 5 minutes? Am I missing something here?

Can someone point to something to offset the apparent futility of the idea of "saving the planet"? B/C I just don't see how any of this makes any difference whatsoever...

I'm reminded of that famous saying associated with the isle of Pompeii:

Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die.

[Ironmako]

IMO this is just another excuse by those with either power, or wealth to fleece those people who aspire to one day gain either power or wealth (ie eliminate the competition)

Do you think China or India are gonna give a damn about going green when their populations start rioting b/c of starvation?

[Spook]

There was a scene in the movie "The Aviator" that I loved. Not the old movie but the newer one with Leo DiCapprio. He met the Hepburn family and the father of the family asked him if he was a republican because they detested republicans....they were communists and the father said, "We don't care about money."

DiCapprio responded by saying, "Of course you don't care about money. You've always had it." I would love it if some of these pro-communist morons like Harry Belafonte had his nice mansion taken from him by the state to be given to the state. He'd shit a brick.

[SinOHIO]

We have a real population problem facing future generations for two very simple reasons: 1 The average life span has almost doubled in the last century (1900-49 to present day-78) on top of the staggering birthrates you have seen an example of above. 2 We have not had a good old population thinning, since the Vietnam war, with an eastamated 5,020,000. This is including the Frech occupation as well. Or World War 2 which netted about 72,000,000 keep in mind these numbers are military, civilian on both sides. Small Poxs killed 60 millon people in the 18th century, the influenza panademic of 1819 killed 50 million nearly 60% of the worlds population at the time.
What do we have? The Iraq war 1,033,000 - Aids 2.8 million. I think you can see the point I am trying to make. We have surpassed our own good in the medical field, with the mortality rate as high as it is. We have not had a significant war or epidemic in the last 30 almost 40 years to offset the population problem, and the birth rate is out of control.
I have to agree that saving a gallon of gas or electricity, recycling is a futile effort.....
Smokem' if you gotem'

[Mr.X]

Originally Posted by SinOHIO

We have a real population problem facing future generations for two very simple reasons: 1 The average life span has almost doubled in the last century (1900-49 to present day-78) on top of the staggering birthrates you have seen an example of above. 2 We have not had a good old population thinning, since the Vietnam war, with an eastamated 5,020,000. This is including the Frech occupation as well. Or World War 2 which netted about 72,000,000 keep in mind these numbers are military, civilian on both sides. Small Poxs killed 60 millon people in the 18th century, the influenza panademic of 1819 killed 50 million nearly 60% of the worlds population at the time.
What do we have? The Iraq war 1,033,000 - Aids 2.8 million. I think you can see the point I am trying to make. We have surpassed our own good in the medical field, with the mortality rate as high as it is. We have not had a significant war or epidemic in the last 30 almost 40 years to offset the population problem, and the birth rate is out of control.
I have to agree that saving a gallon of gas or electricity, recycling is a futile effort.....
Smokem' if you gotem'

don't worry bro, bird flu should fix that problem...
estimated death toll: around 25,000,000 - 100,000,000

mostly in poor india, poor southeast asia, china (poor east farm land)

Indonesia is having weekly /monthly bird flu outbreaks - we'll see...

[Gator_Mclusky]

This thread makes me want to go clearcut an acre of trees and make a big bonfire for no apparent reason!

LOL.....J/K

I hear ya Mako and a valid point of view as always.

[Martano666]

IronMako. People with your attitude are the problem. Do you have any idea how much MONEY YOU WILL SAVE if you get on board with energy efficient products???? Clearly not. This is a huge problem due to all of the uneducated people on this planet. You are correct, that if a country like China isn't on board, then it is gonna be a long haul. So I guess we should just a be fucking ignorant since China is???? Clearly you are a follower and not a leader. Incase you haven't noticed, Gasoline prices are through the fucking roof again. Why would you want to pay for this??? You must be rich because usually multimillionaires that had money handed to them from birth are the ones that waste everything and cause all of these pollution problems for the planet. I guess eveyone should continue to DRINK AND DRIVE as well, since there are certain people out there that will continue to regardless. It is a sad day when I read posts as irresponsible as this. Get educated.

[Martano666]

I don't have kids, but I still care about the future, what is all your guys problems. Is this truly the American attitude??? People don't talk like this where I come from. You guys need to rethink your position. ALL OF YOU.

[bodger1976]

This thread makes me want to go clearcut an acre of trees and make a big bonfire for no apparent reason!

gator i dont think sting would be very pleased

[FlirtfromHell]

Originally Posted by Martano666

IronMako. People with your attitude are the problem. Clearly you are and idiot. Do you have any idea how much MONEY YOU WILL SAVE if you get on board with energy efficient products???? Clearly not. This is a huge problem due to all of the uneducated people on this planet. You are correct, that if a country like China isn't on board, then it is gonna be a long haul. So I guess we should just a be fucking ignorant since China is???? Clearly you are a follower and not a leader. Incase ytou haven't noticed, Gasoline prices are through the fucking roof again. Why would you want to pay for this??? You must be rich because usually multimillionaires that had money handed to them from birth are the ones that waste everything and cause all of these problems for the planet. I guess eveyone should continue to DRINK AND DRIVE as well, since there are certain people out there that will continue to regardless. It is a sad day when I read posts as irresponsible as this. Get a fucking education.

Originally Posted by Martano666

I don't have kids, but I still care about the future, what is all your guys problems. Is this truly the American attitude??? People don't talk like this where I come from. You guys need to rethink your position. ALL OF YOU.

Ironmako simply asked some questions. You don't debate a topic by insulting the other party involved. Martano, if you feel this strongly about it why don't you answer the questions, provide links with useful information and try to change people's minds or make them better understand how/why they can help. Don't insult them & the rest of the Americans here by simply stating your opinions of us, cause I could be just like you and ask if that's how all Canadians act.. BUT, I know it's not, I have other Canadian friends who are a bit more civil than you.