Submitted by berlinparisexpress t3_zfw2om in Futurology
berlinparisexpress OP t1_izdud4v wrote
As we read more everyday about tech company layoffs, the ongoing Twitter drama and the latest crypto crash, I find it interesting to see that $94 billion has been invested in climate tech since January 2021 with $34 more billion available to fund new climate companies.
I don't believe in techno-solutionnism and that climate tech is THE solution to fight climate change without changing anything to our current lifestlyes, however I am convinced at this stage that every bit will help and I am glad to see money invested in that sector while everything else seems to be crashing.
There might be some good opportunites for those of you from the tech sector looking for meaning at work! I don't see the climate tech sector going under anytime soon as long as climate change is an issue.
PuzzBat9019 t1_izdv9y0 wrote
I sometimes worry this might be a solution that doesn't really address the root of the problem. Like it's the neo-liberalisation of the climate movements.
If we are worried about the environment shouldn't we be looking to economic models that don't rely on exponential growth and over-consumption. But these solutions don't feed into the business of tech. Interested in your thoughts though, thanks for sharing.
berlinparisexpress OP t1_izdvpls wrote
>If we are worried about the environment shouldn't we be looking to economic models that don't rely on exponential growth and over-consumption.
I 100% agree with that and I think the main focus should be on sobriety, fast.
However, SOME tech will be needed, even in the context of a low-carbon sustainable society. How do we stay under the 2°C trajectory while maintaining a decent quality of life for everyone?
I'm no techno evangelist and I think there will be a LOT of bullshit to call out in climate tech, but some of it will be very welcome. For instance, having small, local, reliable and sustainable energy generation projects, or keeping our advances in medicine and agriculture while living with limited energy resources.
Definitely a lot to think about but I'd rather see brains working on that that developing the latest financial market algorithm for those sweets 0.00001 second automated transactions.
tickleMyBigPoop t1_izfofy5 wrote
Exponential growth isn't a problem, as technology and effincy improves guess what you get.....growth.
also laughs in africa and the rest of the developing world they could give a shit less what westerners think.
So the obvious solution would be......a carbon tax.
IH4v3Nothing2Say t1_izhu4wr wrote
Yes, a carbon tax is a great solution, but we the people have a hard enough time as it is to convince the deniers/brainwashed into realizing that climate change is a real threat. So, they not only don’t support us, but sometimes fight us.
We need time that we don’t have, so I feel like this is a great backup option of dumping money and efforts into improving our situation, educating the public, and providing cheaper and better options to finally force the hands of the greedy elite.
PuzzBat9019 t1_izix9dp wrote
Yeah I agree, they tried to implement a carbon tax in France, and it resulted in the yellow vest movement. Working class people don't appreciate being told they will be taxed for need based consumption when the wealthy are creating huge emissions.
Lostraveller t1_ize78r5 wrote
Exactly. The apocolypse is less threatening to capitalism than stopping the apocolypse. thats all there is to it.
[deleted] t1_izefywl wrote
[deleted]
tickleMyBigPoop t1_izfohzo wrote
> I don't believe in techno-solutionnism and that climate tech is THE solution to fight climate change without changing anything to our current lifestlyes, however I am convinced at this stage that every bit will help and I am glad to see money invested in that sector while everything else seems to be crashing.
meh just implement a massive carbon tax.
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