Global Warming: What needs to be done?

[livecards]

[ QUOTE ]
So the IPCC study just came out and things dont look pretty. It looks like the we can expect more heat waves and more hurricanes over the next century. But what I hear very little of is what we can do. I read that even if Kyoto was implemented tomorrow, it would have very little impact on the current trends. What exactly must be done? How much are we going to have to scale back our economies so that we can survive this? Has anyone even developed a realistic plan?

(Please dont turn this thread into a global warming debate. For the sake of discussion I am assuming that the report is true)

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An unknown technological advance will be the only solution. The world is not going to reduce energy consumption rates. As you pointed out, if Kyoto was implemented it will not materially change anything. Kyoto is just a way for the world's politicians to claim they are doing something about Global Warming. Unfortunately, Kyoto will just lead to a false sense of security for short term political gain. Short of a world Islamic state that wants to revert back to the 12th century, technological advance is the only solution.

[ianlippert]

This is my biggest problem with global warming, its just being used for political ends without anyone actually coming up with a realistic solution. Up here in canada its basically being used as an easy attack by the opposition party, when the opposition party did nothing about global warming last time they were in power. And its not like global warming wasnt an issue 2 years ago. Or that stupid lights out campaign. How many of those people would be willing to completely give up their car and rely on public transportation to get everywhere. Its a lot of talk but I believe the majority of people arent willing to make the sacrifices.