It is my view and my argument that we must get past the details of the present economic models. If we argue the details of capitalism vs. socialism/communism, we are not really touching the most important concern: that the production and distribution of primary biological needs are dependent on an economic growth model, a model that is violently opposed to the homeostatic designs of living things. The underlying biophysical reality is coming closer and closer to the massive effects of an extinction event – we are actually in such an event. We are faced with 3 alternative futures: 1) a very broad based, knowledge driven set of actions to reduce human impact on the biosphere while minimizing the destructive consequences to human existence, 2) the assertion of privilege by elites to take charge and intentionally radically reduce population as a way to reduce human impact or 3) deny our precarious position and be washed over by the environment and economic collapses lined up like waves from a coming storm. All offer great pain and suffering; none are futures we would design for ourselves, but that is beside the point.

Implications. All of the slack in the schedule for averting climate disasters has been
used up. The time has past for ‘goals’, half-measures, greenwashing, and compromises with
special interests.
We have already overshot the safe level of greenhouse gases. Things are just beginning
to crumble – Arctic ice is melting, methane is bubbling from permafrost, mountain glaciers
are disappearing. We must move onto a different course within the next year or two to avoid
committing the planet to accelerating climate changes out of our control.
Geophysical boundary constraints are crystal clear: coal emissions must be phased out
and emissions from unconventional fossil fuels (tar shale, tar sands, e.g.) must be prohibited.
Priorities for solving the climate and energy problems, while stimulating the economy
are steps to: (1) improve energy efficiency, (2) develop and deploy renewable energies, (3)
modernize and expand a ‘smart’ electric grid, (4) develop 4th generation nuclear power, (5)
develop carbon capture and sequestration capability.

Transition to the post-fossil-fuel era with clean atmosphere and ocean, requires a carbon
tax. That tax will cause unconventional fossil fuels to be left in the ground, as well as much
coal and some oil and gas that resides in remote regions. The public will accept such a tax if
the funds are returned entirely to the public, no funds going to Washington and other capitols
for politicians and lobbyists to determine its fate. Tax and 100 percent dividend is not
sufficient by itself – many other actions are needed – but it is necessary. No time remains for
a transition via ineffectual half measures.

Frank communication with the public is essential. At present, all around the world,
governments are guilty of greenwash, an implausible approach of goals and half-measures
that will barely slow the growth of CO2. The world, not just the United States, needs an open
honest discussion of what is needed. It is a tremendous burden to place on the Presidentelect,
who seems to be the only potential candidate. The only chance seems to be if he
understands the truth – the whole truth.

Young people realize that they, their children, and the unborn will bear the consequences
of our actions or inactions. They do not blame their parents, who legitimately ‘did not know’
what they were starting. Young people have recently worked hard to influence the
democratic process. Now they expect the system to take appropriate actions. If that does not
happen, surely they will begin to raise their voices louder. James Hansen

http://www.columbia.edu/~jeh1/mailings/20081121_Obama.pdf Read all of it.

You don’t have to take this crap
You don’t have to sit back and relax
You can actually try to change it
I know we’ve always been taught to rely
Upon those in authority
But you never know until you try
How things just might be
If we come together so strongly
Are you gonna make this work
Or spend your days down in the dirt
You see things can change
YES an’ walls can come tumbling down!
Government’s crack and systems fall
‘Cause unity is powerful
Lights go out- walls come tumbling down!
Yes they do yes they do
Yes they do yes they do
The competition is a colour TV
We’re on still pause on the video machine
They keep you slaves to the H.P.
Until the unity is threatened by
Those who have and who have not
Those who are with and those who are without
And dangle jobs like the donkey’s carrot
Until you don’t know where you are
Are you gonna get to realise
The class war’s real and not mythologised
And like Jericho- Yes walls can come tumbling down!
Government’s crack and systems fall
‘Cause unity is powerful
Lights go out- walls come tumbling
Down we’re be to weak to fight it
Down not if we’re united
Down when you’re united
Are you gonna be threatened by
The public enemy No. 10
Those who play the power game
They take the profits -you take the blame
When they tell you there’s no rise in pay
Are you gonna try an’ make this work
Or spend your days down in the dirt
You see things CAN change
Walls can come tumbling down!
Government’s crack and systems fall
‘Cause unity is powerful
Lights go out- walls come tumbling down!