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Originally Posted by Kiwi
How about 8 Billion humans breathing out carbon dioxide, or does that not count?
Try the same 8 Billion cutting down trees to cook their rice tonight,
any carbon impact there?
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What you've indicated are part of the natural carbon cycle. Burning trees releases no more CO2 than if they oxidized slowly. Unless they're eating coal and drinking oil, respiration of all living things is part of the natural cycle. The problem is dragging up and burning
extra carbon from underground. Unimaginable tons of it have upset the balance, Besides, ants alone outweigh humanity, and are thus bigger contributors than we are.
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No, it is only the 0.3 billion driving SUV's that cause all of this
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There are many things contributing CO2 from burnt dinosaur juice to the atmosphere. Vehicle emissions are indeed a big one.
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We must tax our way out of it.
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And appropriately so. Consider it repayment on the loan we took from the environment. We're addicted to carbon based energy. Withdrawal symptoms are to be expected.
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Of course all the tax money recipients are honest, non-corrupt, altruistic, and can balance the needs of their electorate (if elected) with the needs of the planet
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There are probably the same proportion of dishonest, corrupt, and selfish people among those who pay the taxes. Effective oversight, rational, evidence based policies, cooperation, and--dare I say it?--a modicum of regulation will help. It's mostly our kids and grand kids--and beyond--who will actually be paying the price.