Consumption is not proven as a cause. Maybe you're crystal ball is different from mine. Slowing consumption might not have a significant impact. Even if a technological solution is over a century away, that is the most practical solution.

[ I recognize that the tangent of this thread is on climate change, specifically, but I don't think it makes sense to have a discussion on energy policy that doesn't take the geopolitical issues into account as well. The truth is that reducing our consumption of oil makes enough sense in that context that it's a good idea, even if the environmental impact is zero, or negligible.

Janelane notes that water is an effective greenhouse gas, and that nuclear, as well as hydrogen, technologies generate a lot of it. Would the net impact be more or less than sticking with oil? As you both say, we don't know. We do have a pretty good idea of all the political implications of oil dependence, and I see that as a more compelling argument to work on alternatives than the unknown environmental impacts. The unknown is irrelevant. By all means, study it, try to make it known, so we can add to our decision making capacity, but in the meantime, the analysis can be made with those things that are known.

For one, climate change isn't the only environmental issue at stake. If all the water causes a bit more global warming, but there's 99% less carcinogens and asthma-inducing particulates in the air i'm breathing, maybe it's worth it. The problem with any discussion like this is seeing the big picture without getting lost.

I think we have the ability to modify our energy infrastructure in this country, make it two way, more efficient, etc, and I think we should try to do that, but it's a lot like a human : you can work out 4 hours a day, but if all you eat is cheeseburgers, you're not doing yourself any favors. I'm saying that new technology, like working out, is only one part of the solution, and that reducing consumption is a valuable, if not necessary, process to engage in anyway.

-k ]

RE: UK Bush Interview: Enviroment, Trade, Africa, Iraq