The World in 2050
In the context of this article, California had just suffered through brutal wildfires. The author uses this as a starting point because at the time this event had brought widespread attention to climate change. When explaining the future, he mentions that this tragedy kicked us off on a tangent of trying to help and heal the planet. However, he forgets how easily we brush off major events such as these as though they never happened- a major consequence of our ever shortening attention spans. Part of this change for the planet would be accepting alternative energy sources on a large scale- he mentions utilizing solar and wind power. Despite this, I think it would be safer and more efficient to continue using nuclear power, as well as solar and wind. The latter have some issues with contingencies, or locations with limited sunlight during some times of the year. Realistically, however, I think we will continue to use nuclear power at the best, and fossil fuels at the worst. Despite a shift towards electric cars, most people think of them as terribly inconvenient, and there are few planet-healthy alternatives.
He also explains President Trump's blatant disregard for climate change is what unsettles people enough to no longer like the president, but if anything would make Americans upset, I doubt it would be this for the majority. Many people do not believe in climate change, and for those who do, Trump does occasionally create incentives for them to believe he cares. For instance, he encouraged the planting of exactly one million trees, ignoring that this is not the reason for climate change. Because many important political and business figures are closely involved in the business of oil and fossil fuels, the use of them will probably continue with President Trump's approval.
One piece of technology the author mentioned I did find interesting. An alternative heating source to gas or electricity are air-source heat pumps. These devices take air from the outdoors (even freezing air) and heat it up to circulate throughout a home. While I think this technology is novel and could be important, many Americans are hesitant to changes, even when they may be more convenient. For example, in many Muslim countries, bidets are common for religious reasons. These can be easily installed in homes, and save not only vast amounts of toilet paper, but also vast amounts of water. However, many Americans would be hesitant to make the switch (including me haha).
I think overall this view of our future in the next 30 years is hopeful and positive, a sort of best-case-scenario, however I don't think it's realistic. While this article was written in September of 2019, there have already been many events that have happened that contradict the author's idea of our future. For instance, even our generation predicted the coronavirus, as there has been a plague in the 20s since the 1800's.
He also explains President Trump's blatant disregard for climate change is what unsettles people enough to no longer like the president, but if anything would make Americans upset, I doubt it would be this for the majority. Many people do not believe in climate change, and for those who do, Trump does occasionally create incentives for them to believe he cares. For instance, he encouraged the planting of exactly one million trees, ignoring that this is not the reason for climate change. Because many important political and business figures are closely involved in the business of oil and fossil fuels, the use of them will probably continue with President Trump's approval.
One piece of technology the author mentioned I did find interesting. An alternative heating source to gas or electricity are air-source heat pumps. These devices take air from the outdoors (even freezing air) and heat it up to circulate throughout a home. While I think this technology is novel and could be important, many Americans are hesitant to changes, even when they may be more convenient. For example, in many Muslim countries, bidets are common for religious reasons. These can be easily installed in homes, and save not only vast amounts of toilet paper, but also vast amounts of water. However, many Americans would be hesitant to make the switch (including me haha).
I think overall this view of our future in the next 30 years is hopeful and positive, a sort of best-case-scenario, however I don't think it's realistic. While this article was written in September of 2019, there have already been many events that have happened that contradict the author's idea of our future. For instance, even our generation predicted the coronavirus, as there has been a plague in the 20s since the 1800's.
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