The existential threat posed by the continued combustion of geologic carbon can be reversed using human ingenuity. But how?
“What is the science behind global warming/climate change?” It’s not hype. If you think it is, start here.
“Global warming is a problem. How’re we doing?”: Terrible. After 25 years, we are not simply ‘falling short’. We haven’t made a dent.
“Can’t Nature just fix itself?”: No. Already-emitted C takes 1000s of years to cycle & Carbon = energy so decarbonization = de-energization.
“Can’t scientists come up with a new trick?”: Sure, hope. But hope isn’t a strategy, & the trick must be adopted universally.
“Are we doing anything right?”: Maybe. The ‘Green Revolution’ of the 1960s led to a tiny improvement over 50 years…
“What can we learn from Nature?”: A lot. Photosynthesis reduces carbon dioxide in the atmosphere every day & every year.
“Can we help the natural process?”: Yes. More irrigation water = less C in the air & the ocean is filled with it! Just remove the salt.
“Isn’t desalination too expensive?”: It doesn’t have to cost anything. Agriculture creates economic value from water.
“Doesn’t that mean creating more land?”: No. There’s plenty of arid and desert land that could become fertile with cheap water.
“Can we make more water?”: Yes. Desalination is an economic puzzle. The technology & a market for irrigation water both exist.
“Desalination takes energy. If ‘carbon is energy’, won’t that make it worse?”: Not if it’s Nuclear. Abundant + carbon-free fuel.
“Isn’t nuclear power too expensive?”: No. Soft costs can be reduced. Think Henry Ford’s Model T.
“Won’t that mean a costly government program?” No. Investors take risks & pay for profits. Desal is low risk + profitable w/o subsidies.
“Isn’t nuclear costly and dangerous?” No. Especially if it’s mass-produced, automated, & offshore (far from civilization).