Perhaps if we continue to fuck up the planet at the rate we are, eventually we'll make it uninhabitable for ourselves.
We'll all die, then the Earth can get on with restoring the balance.
I suspect that's how it'll eventually play out anyway. We've had more than enough time to get our act together, but instead we seem to be getting progressively worse as a species.
I'm of the opinion that we should all do our part to make the planet as nice a place to live as we possibly can, and treat our fellow species in as kind a way as we'd expect to be treated ourselves. But I'm under no illusion that we're absolutely fuckered in the long term.
As nice as it would be for the Human Race to suddenly have a moment of clarity and find a way to co-exist with each other and the rest of the inhabitants of this little rock whilst fulfilling our materialistic needs in a completely carbon neutral fashion, it's just not going to happen. And some 16 year old nordic kid isn't going to change that. It's just in our nature to selfishly consume.
At the end of the day, the vast majority of these activists are campaigning due to the threat climate change poses to us. I'm sure they think a lot about all the cute Polar Bears and Apes and stuff, too. But primarily it's about saving their own arses, and their children's arses. It's a hugely selfish endeavour really.
If you want to save the planet, stop making more bloody children. If you can do that, you've made a bigger change than a lifetime of campaigning and recycling would make.
(, Sat 28 Sep 2019, 17:22, Reply)
you sound depressed mate
and fatalistic.
I'm not criticizing. It's perfectly natural when you think long enough about this issue. (remember you mentioned Thunberg herself had a history of depression, it's the same thing.)
You're wrong though, people are stepping up for each other, and the outcome is far from decided.
If you start to make a few small steps, it can help foster a sense of hope, and we are going to need it, because our entire social systems (not just individuals) are going to have to make some quick, but entirely possible, course corrections. like, now.
(, Sat 28 Sep 2019, 17:41, Reply)
Not depressed.
Just pragmatic. I'll be long gone before the shit hits the fan (hopefully). Safe in the knowledge I haven't spawned any offspring to suffer it.
Anyway, I highly doubt its climate change that'll do us in. Its far more likely to be a pandemic, the singularity, or a war for natural resources.
(, Sat 28 Sep 2019, 17:47, Reply)
pretty dark take
I'm with you on the no kids, but I intend to also leave a slightly less... "fuck you, future", legacy.
imo focusing on potential annihilation is anything but pragmatic, focusing on avoid it would the sensible approach.
(, Sat 28 Sep 2019, 18:10, Reply)
Anthropocentric environmentalism doesn't appeal to me either
but as climate change is linked to biodiversity loss and human overpopulation, what Greta is doing can't be a bad thing. And I don't get the impression she was groomed by pushy parents.
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Mudface The web isn't callipygian, Sat 28 Sep 2019, 18:36,
Reply)
Silly argument to not have kids
What if your progeny would've turned out to bea John Connor type? Youve condemned us all, cheers
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ProjectWeasel The Bird is the Word, Sun 29 Sep 2019, 14:43,
Reply)