--- Steven Bissell <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
[big snip]
> Bissell here: Lomborg and others are *not* trying to propose
> alternatives. It sounds as if they are, but they are raising
Right, and that is where you should hit him, IMO. Not on the
definition of opportunity costs (you'll quickly put to sleep anybody
other than an economist). Point out that there are no serious
alterntives on the table.
> objections
> to decisions which have already been made. Something tells me that
What decision? Kyoto? Well, I thought the decision was to ignore
it--at least as the U.S. goes. Now is when we'll see if Lomborg is
right. If Kyoto is not implemented then other programs could be put
into place to better the environment.
> if
> instead of the Kyoto protocol the Rio Summit had come up with a
> $350
> billion proposal to supply clean water to millions and millions of
> people, Lomborg and others would now be saying, "But, with that
> much
> money we could halt global warming!" No matter what the project the
> folks who follow the lead Julian Simon *always* have objections.
So, I am right. It isn't so much opportunity costs that bothers you,
but the way they are using it.
> The
> fact that they disguise a reluctance to do anything meaningful with
> environmental policy but making alternative suggestions late in the
> policy cycle is subtle, but still meaningless.
No, not meaningless. Quite the opposite, it is a tactical move.
Attacking the notion of opportunity costs wont get you far, IMO. If
anything you'll get bogged down in a trivial discussion...in which
case they win and you lose (so to speak).
I don't know what the strategy is to counter them. Maybe a tactical
retreat. Turn it around and say, okay so lets outline the practical
alternatives. How should we go about it? Should their be a treaty
like with Kyoto? This will put them on the defensive.
Steve
>
> Sb
>
> Do not pretend that conclusions are certain
> which are not demonstrated or demonstrable.
> T. H. Huxley, 1869
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