Quote:
CO2 is not a pollutant
Fine, put aside the whole climate change thing, our population on this planet is increasing, as well as our output of CO2, CO, and other gases which adversely affect our health. Check the statistics for asthma and other respiratory diseases. Check the statistics for the availability of clean drinking water world wide. We can and do affect those by burning fossil fuels (again, look at China, you can TASTE the proof when you breathe there.
It does not have to be a pollutant to need to be controlled. Oxygen certainly isn't a pollutant, nor is nitrogen. But I guarantee if I put you into a room filled with 100% oxygen, your body will be affected, and if I put you into 100% nitrogen, which makes up 80% of air, you will die. Every system requires balance to function properly. The volcanoes, undersea vents, methane from animal dung, etc... have always been around and part of the natural cycle that makes up this planet. Burning of oil, coal, natural gas, etc... has NOT been around equally as long, and only began being burned on a large scale starting in the mid-1800's and skyrocketing this last century. Maybe the earth can absorb it, is that a risk you are willing to take if we CAN'T undo that assumption? Maybe it's a risk you are willing to take, but is it morally a risk you can take for your kids, grandkids, great grandkids?
Last edited by Bayern710; 01/14/2012 10:59 AM.
