I think the other thing is that society benefits from the low cost energy carbon sources provide. It's only the future that is affected. There is no addiction either all individuals could choose to live a lifestyle with a significantly reduced carbon foot print but we choose not to.
And we will continue to make that choice. It's only the staunchest supporters that have actually reduced their footprints to a sustainable level. Most families have more than two cars regardless of their beliefs in global warming. We don't care, we can't even vote in governments that won't borrow against 10 to 20 years in the future let alone 50.
I don't have any faith in the worlds ability to meaningfully cut green house gas emissions. Even if the west weans itself off oil Africa will burn it cheaply to bring themselves out of poverty and no one can really blame them.
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