this post was submitted on 27 Jun 2023
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I'll keep this short and sweet. Some random guy on the internet compiled together and summarized a bunch of climate research papers analyzing global trends and a bunch of different slow actors that are all going to kick in soon like the permafrost in Russia or the polar ice caps etc.

While I have not yet gone through the sources the author links and quotes extensively, this still has me extremely worried and I think that unless society somehow drastically changes and devotes a significant effort in doing something about it, we're all going to die within half a century.

I'm sorry for bringing doomerism into a safe space like Beehaw, but I'm scared and I can't sleep.

Also I'm not going to link the document in question because the author goes on a rant about billionaires and greed, and while I haven't decided whether or not I agree I'm not sure the tone fits the community.

Sorry again and have a good one !

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[–] minnieo@kbin.social 1 points 2 years ago (3 children)

i don't know if this will help, but technology is advancing at a faster rate every single day. perhaps a potential solution will appear out of these advancements

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[–] gillrmn@kbin.social 1 points 2 years ago

Billionaires and greed part is actually right, and we as people should prepare accordingly. Those with more resources (money) will be able to afford travel, appliances, insurance, and better locations. Those who are struggling will have high mortality rate.

Just like what happened in titanic - if you were a third class passenger you were likely to die compared to first class passenger.

There are advertisements telling people to do their part, but that is misleading propaganda. Because a badly managed industry will actually spend more in a day than a person can produce in their lifetime. Only real reason would be to reduce consumerism to increase wealth, but very few places tell this real message or work for it.

We should try our best to increase this resource of money(to increase our survival) and also use our knowledge and wisdom to secure the resources people are not putting real value on.

Climate change would be unsettling during initial period as that would be the period of change. Suddenly, the weather will become really harsh as climates are moving and reorganizing. After that, a harsher equilibrium will be reached. We should accept that reality and work to help our loved ones weather it through.

[–] FrostBolt@kbin.social 1 points 2 years ago

It’s tough. You’re having a rational response to a difficult future. But there are things you can do to at least help your peace of mind. Take news breaks. Meditate. Reflect on the things you are grateful for.

[–] argv_minus_one@beehaw.org 1 points 2 years ago

I'm glad I don't have any children. I can just imagine the guilt I'd feel if I did…

[–] HappyMeatbag@beehaw.org 1 points 2 years ago

I wouldn’t call myself terrified, but I’m pessimistic. I’ve had this attitude for years, so the fear has faded into a constant, dull, background gloom.

It would take major, expensive, immediate action to combat climate change in a meaningful way, and I don’t think my government (US) has the willingness to do it. It’s too corrupt, and there are too many climate deniers in positions of power.

Now multiply that problem a few dozen times. Imagine how difficult it would be to get countries that hate each other to work together. Even if we narrow it down to the top polluters, it’s not gonna happen.

Next, consider individuals. A lot of people are greedy, selfish, and think climate change is a hoax. Plus, people are wired for denial. That’s not a condemnation of any group. It’s just a psychological fact.

Lastly, think about the nature of the problem itself. To avoid the worst of the consequences, we need to act before undeniable proof exists. Too many people don’t trust science, and will refuse to act until their personal standards for proof are met. Unfortunately, by the time there’s “sufficient” proof, it will be too late. Even if we could flip a switch and stop burning all fossil fuels immediately, it would take years for the environment to recover.

Of course, I could be wrong. I’m not one of those depressing clods who uses pessimism as an excuse to do nothing. I still try to do things that don’t harm the environment, even though I think it’s useless and trivial. I live as though my actions could matter. We’ll see… sooner rather than later, I think.

[–] LoamImprovement@beehaw.org 1 points 2 years ago

Periodic reminder that big oil funded the research paper four decades ago that outlined all this, then covered it up and staffed think tanks to delegitimize the well-founded concerns as they began to spring up. They fucking knew, and not only did nothing to fix or prevent it, but actively hampered others' effort, so they could keep selling gas. And hey, look at that, the planet's literally on fucking fire and ExxonMobil is pulling record profits.

I've been angry for years. You should be too. They killed us to line their pockets.

[–] Thevenin@beehaw.org 1 points 2 years ago

Someday, I'll be a little old man passing on my hardest-earned life lessons, and I'll tell people this:

Hope is not the expectation of future improvement. Hope is the defiant refusal to give up. It is the antithesis to nihilism. Fight on not because you think you'll win, but because fighting is the right thing to do. Many wars have been won through this kind of perserverence.

There are bad times ahead, but ignore the gloom and focus on yourself. Spit in the face of insurmountable odds and live your life as if it makes a difference. Someday, you may find -- quite by accident -- that it does.

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