Yes, natural gas (CH4) produces less CO2 than coal because the hydrogen oxidizes into water. But, as always, gas has its problems too. By itself, it is an extremely powerful greenhouse gas, more so than CO2, and as a gas it is harder to manage and leaks away from production and processing facilities. Extra care must be taken with it. Moving to an all gas economy would solve a lot of problems, but it would also have major start-up costs.
Human beings are capable of almost infinite ingenuity and adaptability. But these virtues are not always harnessed for the better, they are usually employed to increase profit, often at the expense of whatever is better.
As for raising taxes on Carbon, it once again demonstrates how there is no "Natural" Law of Supply and Demand. That is, simply left to itself, it does not immediately force an economy into a more efficient or beneficial condition. As you yourself point out, the only way you can harness it to produce a social good is by employing government coercion and taxation. I hope that didn't go over your head.
Individual businessmen may have a conscience, or a sense of morality. But collectives, such as corporations, do not. They will sell repeating rifles to the Indians and moldy oats to the cavalry. Every time. You can count on it.
Space/Science » in reply to Short term vs long term investments
fish or cut bait
The whole thread (33 posts)
- So tell me, what do you guys think?
- We are far past the tipping point...
- What about carbon capture?
- 400+ ppm?
- I am all for it- but the scale of the problem makes it questionable
- I can't say I believe entirely in your assessment
- What about carbon capture?
- Something else to worry about.
- I think we'll need to wait and see. n/t
- We are far past the tipping point...