Brendan JonesJul 7, 2023

Still can’t get over the fact that an editor of the Financial Times said that we need to do away with #capitalism in order to deal with the #climate. If that’s not a sign of mainstream economics/finance finally waking up to the reality of the situation we’re in, I don’t now what is.

edit to add link (thanks Boud): https://archive.ph/2023.06.29-113742/https://www.ft.com/content/86d71297-3f34-48f3-8f3f-28b7e8be03c6

Show threadBrendan JonesJul 7, 2023
Goes hard:
"If we want oil companies to stop selling fossil fuels we should consume less of them and we should vote for governments that make them more expensive, not less. Yes, our physical infrastructure has been built over decades around petroleum use. Yes, oil companies have lobbied forever to preserve this arrangement and slow down alternatives. But no one is compelling those of us in the rich world to fly so much, drive Escalades, devour so much meat, or buy so much stuff.
…”
Show threadBrendan JonesJul 7, 2023

“[…] Oil demand will hit a new record high this year, with almost half of it still burnt in the rich 38 countries of the OECD. Don’t fly across Europe for your skiing holiday or business meeting and then complain that the poor world isn’t doing enough on climate and that BP is still making jet fuel.”

Damn straight. On another note, I can’t wait for the European sleeper train network and high speed train network to expand and get cheaper (than flying).

Show threadDavid Bell

@Brendanjones Great thread 🧵 Brendan.

Australia has lousy rail and we just can't get to other countries without flight. Oil has conquered the tyranny of distance but at a cost. All suggestions appreciated.

Jul 7, 2023 at 10:40pmWeb
Show threadJohannes HentschelJul 8, 2023
@dbell2100 @Brendanjones buuld rail now, lots
Show threadBrendan JonesJul 9, 2023
@dbell2100 yeah Australia is basically the worst place in the world for sustainable transport. Only a few other places like it - Russia, Greenland, Canada come to mind. Internally it’s got vast distances, low population density, some rugged terrain, and cities designed purely for automobiles. Externally there’s a bloody great ocean in all directions. You could make better rail between cities but uptake will stay low when you often need a car at the other end 😕
Show threadBrendan JonesJul 9, 2023
@dbell2100 at least there are amazing natural resources ready to power transport renewably …