An open letter from a skeptic to all my friends and family who believe in man-made climate change

Opinion

Please respect me as I respect you and let’s agree to disagree. I don’t accept the theory of man-made climate change. Never will just as you cling to it assiduously. The issue then is how we go forward in disagreement. For that I have a modest proposal.

Let’s begin by identifying the one point on which we agree. Climate change is real. 

If, as you believe, idiots like me will forever interfere with your efforts to prevent it and, as I believe, it will occur regardless of our efforts, shouldn’t we focus on how to live with it?

Here’s another point on which I believe we can agree: We should stop burning fossil fuels. You seem to believe that it causes global climate change. I believe that fossil fuel is simply too valuable to burn. For example, crude is the major source of plastics and lubricants. Sure there are others, but not so cheap and versatile. Thus, I support your efforts to develop renewable energy sources. 

However, I must add that any such source should be sustainable. Wind and solar energy systems at this point cannot be sustained without massive subsidies. Thus, they are not economically sustainable. Please, let’s go back to the drawing board and do better. I know we can. Personally, I’m pining for the day when I can own and operate an electric car, but not one powered by batteries. Super capacitors and transmitted electricity seem to be better options. 

Speaking of sustainability, international treaties such as the Paris Climate Accords are not. The world’s greatest polluters cannot be bought off or coaxed or cajoled into lowering their carbon emissions (presupposing that these have any significant effect on climate change). We can’t afford the price it would take to buy them off. Nor do we have the strength to threaten them militarily into compliance. Our time, efforts, and wealth would be better spent on preparing for climate change.

There you have it, the beginning of a conversation. Either join me respectfully or prepare to force me into complying with your beliefs. Trust me, I am not an enemy that you want to cultivate.
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