What if Everyone Did Something to Slow Climate Change? Researchers are looking at the impact that individuals’ actions can have on reducing carbon emissions — and the best ways to get people to adopt - eviltoast
  • John Socks@socks.masto.host
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    2 months ago

    @theneverfox I just commuted across Los Angeles. I saw every sort of car, but far more gas guzzlers than hybrids or EVs. These are free choices, by people who might say “they care” or “someone should do something.”

    The person who buys a Mercedes Maybach SUV, 16 MPG, certainly has other options.

    They would probably tell you they care.

    • theneverfox@pawb.social
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      2 months ago

      That’s it exactly. You’re asking why they didn’t pick a greener car. I’m telling you the problem is that you need to drive across Los Angeles

      My mom likes the idea of hybrids, but is scared to even rent an electric car because she’s heard things like “range anxiety” and doesn’t understand the technology. I’ve explained the technology, the availability of charging stations, and the options for charging at home. We ended the conversation with her saying she’s had her car for a decade, and doesn’t see the need for a new car - I told her “absolutely, your car has good fuel efficiency and safety features, there’s no reason to get a new car”

      The waters are muddy by design, but the true problem is car centric infrastructure. Electric cars aren’t a solution - they’re a lesser evil. My mom cares - not because she understands, but because she trusts me and my siblings to understand things she doesn’t. We all are much more passionate about health and climate change, she just does the best she knows how. When we all told her “it’s bad to eat meat everyday, let alone every meal”, she listened. If I took a stand and told her to get an electric car, I could wear her down - but driving her car into the ground is better. She recycles less because I’ve taught her what can’t be recycled - recycling is a lie, “if in doubt throw it out” is good public communication

      Our choices are limited. People overwhelmingly care - they also have to live their lives. Choices won’t make a dent in climate change - it’s a systematic issue that must be solved systematically