Empiricism @Empiricism_Reloaded@qoto.org

@freemo @TruthSandwich

A community can self-build its own DIY solar panels.

However, you have a point. We will need to research ways to construct solar panels out of non-mined biodegradable materials.

Maybe we should ask Elon if he has ever considered downscaling & employing children. Personally, I'd prefer to use fewer resources and power and focus the culture's efforts on producing what we need to live sustainably. Basically, what makes life comfortable by modern-day standards? Resources to produce power for a health system are a priority.

@freemo @TruthSandwich

I think there must be something they're putting in that water cooler ;)

@TruthSandwich @freemo

I've written an article that refers to a general DIY way to live sustainably (e.g., relatively zero greenhouse gas emissions). Ironically, one of the smallest countries, Wales, UK, is leading the way in making it more practical for people to live sustainably.

The ethical point is that sustainable development can be, should be, a choice. https://qoto.org/@Empiricism_Reloaded/110511036586999020

@TruthSandwich @freemo

Well defined!

@TruthSandwich @freemo

I agree. The fundamental point is not believing anything without substantial proof.

Exxon's own scientists notified the "management" of the risk of climate change. Exxon decided to deceive the public.

@freemo @TruthSandwich

It's a broad spectrum. I keep linking to the Climate Deception Dossiers because corporations spend billions of dollars spreading climate disinformation. So yea, many people have been gaslit by that climate disinformation.

Climate disinformation is cunningly articulated BS. Though is generally designed to spread doubt about the science. It's the same marketing technique has cigarette companies used. For example, in the early days, paying Doctors to be in adverts for cigarettes.

@TruthSandwich @freemo

As you will be aware, whenever we're discussing human psychology - populations are the correct context. In my local community, there are many adults with varying views on climate change. Many of them have no idea that the effects of climate change will dominate world news over the next decade or so (where they're on the planet will affect how much they're part of that news).

However, they all share the fact that they're living in a biosphere in which human activities are causing more heat-trapping gasses to enter the atmosphere. More energy in the system is causing the climate to change at a rate that will shock many people (in time)

@freemo @TruthSandwich

It's true that not everyone has the sincerity of Greta. How many young people dare speak truth to power? Or adults for that matter.

@freemo @TruthSandwich

You're the admin, which is a form of elitism. So, has the power gone to your head yet?

@TruthSandwich @freemo

Let's relate this to some data.

The point is that those that are consuming more resources are also producing more greenhouse gas emissions. https://ourworldindata.org/greenhouse-gas-emissions

"Maybe? If you blame climate change on "the corrupt establishment elite",

What do you call this "For nearly three decades, many of the world's largest fossil fuel companies have knowingly worked to deceive the public about the realities and risks of climate change" https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/climate-deception-dossiers

@freemo @TruthSandwich

:) Ok. You have convinced me! Let's get out there and set fire to some oil drums.

@TruthSandwich @freemo

Of course, they don't perceive that climate change will personally affect them in their lifetimes.

However, I have also met people that express the view that humans deserve the effects of climate change. And these people continue to do nothing to mitigate their own polluting behaviors.

@freemo @TruthSandwich

Seriously though, that's actually how some ignorant and greedy people think about climate change.

@TruthSandwich @freemo

So, we agree on the important points.

@TruthSandwich @freemo

And you're ignoring the point that I have made it clear that the point, the important issue, is climate change.

What are your views on climate change?

@freemo @TruthSandwich

In this context, we could spend ages looking at the historic context to try and define what is and what is not neoliberalism. And even then, people would have their own subjective opinions because it's not describing an object's quality such as a rock. Neoliberalism is related to people's economic agendas. And where there is money involved, there tends to be heightened emotions.

As a comparison, the word "theory" has a different meaning in science compared to lay people's everyday use of the word. Furthermore, many lay people prefer their definition of "theory" because that aligns with their personal belief that evolution is, to paraphrase "only a theory".

@freemo @TruthSandwich

The first page of the Wiki article summarised the general points.
The effects of private corporations have generally resulted in a plutocracy. My definition of a plutocracy is the context in which a minority of a population has gained so much social influence that they effectively make democracy impotent (by spreading biased information). In the context I'm interested in, mitigating climate change, the "elite" in a capitalist economy is the richest minority (e.g., media owners, the fossil fuel industries, etc). The people are the least motivated to mitigate climate change because that would affect their business agendas.

I'm also aware that it's difficult to have an honest conversation about mitigating climate change on social media because many people perceive the actions required to mitigate climate change very personally.

But, the climate doesn't take anything personally.

@TruthSandwich

I am not interested in debating semantics with you. I am interested in sustainability and climate issues. If that's not your thing, move onto the next toot.

@TruthSandwich

I think we need a better term than neoliberalism. From what I've read, that was the rights terminology.

@TruthSandwich

The first paragraph of that Wiki article generally refers to the criteria of what many infer is neoliberalism. I'm not trying to be more specific other than being critical of how privatization, deregulation, globalization, "free" trade, monetarism, austerity, and reductions in government spending have pathed the way for corporations to disregard their ethical and environmental responsibilities.

For example, the effects of neoliberalism are "For nearly three decades, many of the world's largest fossil fuel companies have knowingly worked to deceive the public about the realities and risks of climate change" https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/climate-deception-dossiers

"