Tuesday, November 15, 2016

THE MAJESTY OF CLIMATE CHANGE


The headline is stark: “The climate denier-in-chief.”  The editorial which follows paints a picture of ecologic disaster, with the following criticism of the president-elect’s views on global warming: “Trump’s refusal to believe the broadly accepted scientific fact that human activity—primarily the burning of fossil fuels—is filling the atmosphere with carbon and other greenhouse gases could have lasting and devastating consequences for the entire world.”  The pointed charge: “Trump, however, believes it’s all a hoax.”


Whether or not global warming—renamed climate change after warming came into question—is the result of human activity and portends the hazards claimed, is questioned by many knowledgeable scientists.  Frankly, I doubt Mr. Trump has the scientific understanding to know, one way or the other.  However, whether the programs fostered by climate change promoters constitute a hoax is another matter.  When it comes to the design and operation of a grandiose project which functions in a deceptive manner, Donald Trump is truly an expert.  If he declares that climate change advocates are perpetrating a hoax on the American public, there’s a strong likelihood that’s exactly what they’re doing.


With the political changes soon to come, whereby Republicans will control the presidency as well as both houses of congress, it’s less likely huge sums of federal monies will continue to flow to those companies tied to the greening of America.  In all likelihood neither the solar nor electric car industries will receive the favored treatment they’ve come to enjoy, with tax credits being the first thing to be phased out.  But most significantly, those firms whose sole justification for existence is embracing the climate change concept currently in favor will actually have to begin showing a profit.  The first such outfit which comes to mind is Tesla Motors, a marketer of electric vehicles which, since its inception in 2003, consistently operates at a loss.  Despite the Class A hyperbole, which is its standard product, were it not for government giveaway programs, Tesla would not exist.


A final thought: Climate change has been a feature of earth since its creation.  Some 2.5 million years ago the island of Greenland resembled the green Alaskan tundra region.  Today it’s mostly a frozen wasteland covered by a massive ice sheet which has extended and retracted countless times—with no input from we Homo sapiens.  With this reality in mind, it appears our nation’s leadership is about to revise the rules in which vast fortunes were garnered by engaging in the climate change charade.

                                       

If you enjoy this weekly Straight Talk by Al Jacobs, you’re invited to check out my monthly Financial Newsletter, as well as my new book, The Road to Prosperity


                                       

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