Going down on the USS Fossil

As I mentioned in an earlier post, the argument about climate change is moving from the science to economics. David Roberts at Grist points out that the corporate resistance is framing the issue as a choice between the needs of families and those of the planet - as if families are not dependant upon such niceties as a livable planet. Roberts is right to observe that framing is often the key to making good choices.

He writes:

The counter-message should be equally simple: cutting emissions will rescue American families. Right now our economy is lashed to a sinking ship, the USS Fossil. The price of fossil fuels is rising (yes, that includes coal). For reasons that are structural and unlikely to change, gasoline, heating oil, and coal electricity are going to get more and more expensive for the foreseeable future. Worse, prices are going to be volatile and unpredictable.

Unless we want to go down with the ship, we need to start building an ark. By freeing us from fossil fuels, climate legislation is designed to avoid a future of high and volatile prices. It's designed to make sure we have a shot at building the best lifeboat (several other countries have a head start).

That's the simple message: fossil fuels and their patrons are a threat to American families. They want to keep us on the ship...

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