So, Reasic, if you believe Man is at fault, what are you yourself doing to reduce your carbon footprint? Anything?

It just amazes me that this argument is somehow convincing to you, Teach. Rather than ensure that you fully understand the science of climate change, and therefore understand the threat that we face, you cling to this concern about whether people like me are doing what YOU THINK we ought to do to fight climate change, if we really believed it.

There are a couple of problems with this argument. First, you don’t understand climate change. This is apparent from the arguments you make, and your inability to debate your arguments with me on a scientific level. All you do is make a cursory mention of the Sun or water vapor, and then when called on it, you avoid my rebuttals and instead, revert back to your phony hypocrisy argument. Second, you don’t understand the proposed methods of mitigation, and their respective costs. This is apparent from (1) your insistence upon small personal actions, and (2) your assertion that macroeconomic changes would be detrimental to our economy. I recommend that you take a look at the IPCC AR4 WGIII report, or at least the SPM, which discusses specific mitigation methods, and gives estimated impacts to GDP. You will be surprised by what you learn.

Most importantly, though, I hope that you would actually try to objectively learn about climate change as a whole. You can’t possibly agree to doing ANYTHING about a problem that you don’t think exists in the first place. At the very least, try to discuss the issue with me on a scientific level. Maybe that way, you could at least rationally defend your position.

As to what I do, I will say that I have turned my heater down; drive a fairly fuel efficient vehicle; regularly replace my home’s air filter; turn off appliances and lights when not in use; only wash full loads of laundry; take showers; recycle; make smart shopping choices; reuse various products whenever possible; buy produce from local farmers’ market; and don’t engage in over-consumption during Christmas. I’m sure there are things I’m forgetting. I know there are some things that are just not practical for me, given my situation, such as carpooling, riding a bike, or taking mass-transit. These options are simply not available or practical in my area.

Now, are you going to believe AGW? I doubt it. You’re just going to say it’s not enough, or point out other people that you think are hypocrits. The proof, though, is in scientific research. I guess that’s why you continue with this red herring, because you can’t win a debate on the actual issue. You have to rely on a distraction FROM the issue.

What is needed to achieve a return to reasonable levels of carbon emissions is a large-scale mitigation effort, which focuses on sustainable development, renewable energy, and energy efficiency. This is how real mitigation will happen, and some steps have been taken in that direction with solutions such as LEED development benefits. However, much more is needed, and it all starts with public awareness. The more people know about the problem, the more people will favor working on a solution.

You, however, are actually working against this goal, spreading confusion and ignorance on the subject. You claim to be concerned about the environment, but on the issue that could perhaps be the greatest detriment to our planet, you definitely side against the environment and in favor of those who seek to profit from the status quo. If you are really so concerned about the environment, I would hope that you would at least try to put an equal amount to effort into studying AGW sources as you have inactivist sources. You clearly have not.

So, Reasic, if you believe Man is at fault, what are you yourself doing to reduce your carbon footprint? Anything?