1. Wired’s Inconvenient Truths (did Stewart Brand write this? It sounds a lot like this)
2. Counterpoint: Dangers of Focusing Solely on Climate Change by WorldChanging‘s Alex Steffen
3. EcoGeek point by point response
I mostly agree with EcoGeek’s response. But here are a few additional thoughts:
“Accept Genetic Engineering”
In general, yes. Specific GM projects might be bad, but there’s nothing inherently wrong with biohacking. Every technology must be considered on a case by case basis.
“Carbon Credits Were a Great Idea, But the Benefits Are Illusory”
I’ve generally been more in favor of carbon tax than carbon credits, but EcoGeek makes a valid point about about the sulfur dioxide cap-and-trade market. So I’ll have to give this one some more thought. But offsetting’s not off to a good start.
“Embrace Nuclear Power”
If nuclear waste can be managed effectively (a big if), there’s still the insane cost to be reckoned with. Alex is right to say it’s not just about carbon.
“Used Cars, Not Hybrids”
EcoGeek’s objection here makes little sense. Certainly hybrids are better than other new cars, or used cars with below average gas mileage (or maybe even average gas mileage). But that’s hardly the point. But really, like Alex says, the greenest car is the one that doesn’t exist. (Sadly, I’ve had to take up driving again, due to work requirements.)