Re: and when we're all rich, then what?

[Sven R Larson <slarson@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Barry Brooks wrote:
> >Sven R Larson wrote
> > ...Every year cars get more environmentally friendly (except in
> > countries where economic growth has come to a standstill).
>
> Do they?  In California the popularity of SUV's and trucks among commuters has
> significantly increased co2 emissions per car in the last ten years.  And, the
> world's total co2 emissions are still rising.  G. Bush tells us that pollution
> is falling, but his data doesn't include co2 as a pollutant... after all it is
> "natural."   If you ask a California SUV driver why he has no concern about CO2
> they will tell you environmentalists are crazy communists so don't worry, be
> happy.

Every type of car gets more efficient in terms of environmental
impact. If consumption pattern changes towards gas-guzzlers then
that's not the same as the technical progress. Fuel cell vehicles will
soon be offered in the US, thanks to high demand, environmental
awareness and sustained purchasing power among consumers. Why aren't
the most environmentally friendly cars sold in Europe? Because
Europeans don't have the purchasing power to buy them. Instead they're
squeezed - financially and physically - into diesel fuelled
subcompacts.

> < Every year
> > industrial production has lower impact on the environment. Why?
> > Because we have more resources to spend on reducing the environmental
> > impact of civilization. Progress is being made every day. Let's
> > recognize that and stop lamenting.
>
> Yes we are increasing efficiency some, but growth in consumption is still our
> goal.  An efficient economy would imply an end to the consumer economy, which
> must increase consumption to make jobs.  Finally, increases in efficiency and
> productivity will make us choose between un-employment and waste.  A GMI can
> make un-employment a good thing; nothing can make waste a good thing.

And exactly what are those non-consumption oriented jobs supposed to
produce???

/srl

--
Sven R Larson
Department of Economics
Skidmore College
815, North Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
(518) 580-5278