Why the global warning debate doesn't matter

In recent years the media has discussed global warming quite a bit. It has become an important issue for the left, which holds that the “carbon footprint” that humans are leaving on this planet could well melt the icecaps, cause the oceans to rise, and totally disrupt life on earth as we know it. Many on the right on the other hand sees this as fear-mongering and believes that global warning is a hoax concocted by blowhards such as Al Gore. Further, the right views government efforts to reduce greenhouse gases will cost businesses billions and hamstring the American economy. Obviously, both sides have ideological reasons for their positions and those on the extreme left and the extreme right can be pretty dogmatic about this issue.

It appears that many scientists do believe that global warming is caused by human activity. But it also seems that a substantial and perhaps even growing number of scientists dispute this claim. The global warming debate seems important. Certainly the potential consequences of getting this issue wrong either way are pretty bad. In the end, however, I just don’t think this debate is all that important. Why not? Mainly because I don’t think people are going to change their ways all that much, especially Americans. I heard not too long ago on NPR that as individuals liberals don’t act any differently than conservatives when it comes to the environment. That seems about right from my personal experiences. I’ve definitely known liberal colleagues who drive more and drive less fuel efficient vehicles than do I.

As a nation, we may well adopt lifestyles that consume less fossil fuels in general and oil specifically. But this will be due to market forces, namely the rising cost of oil and other fuel. Of course, it would also improve our long-term national security if we moved away from oil as well. One thing is for sure, we aren’t about to give up our cars, electricity, and other modern conveniences, especially for something as abstract to the average person as global warming.
Industry and agriculture, which is also heavily dependent on fuel isn’t about to do this either. The vast majority of Americans aren’t remotely interested in living more like the Amish. We prize the conveniences of our live above almost everything else. This attitude isn't a good thing and is also why things such as abortion are so difficult to fight. Abortion is the taking of innocent human life and is a monstrous evil. Sadly, for many Americans it is a convenience that helps give them the “freedom” to live materialistic and sexually unethical lifestyles.

Americans aren’t about to give up their cars and other gadgets. If the government tries to reduce carbon emissions in a manner that hinders access to these modern conveniences, it will face an outcry from the public. I’m not a scientist, so I can’t say much about the science of climate change one way or the other. But I hope anthropomorphic global warming is a hoax. If it isn’t, we’re screwed because there is no way that Americans, much less the rest of the world will every change their lives in a way that would stop it. That in the end is why the debate over global warming just doesn’t matter. It’s a lot of talk on an issue where apart from market forces and technological innovation we just aren’t going to make in substantial changes.