The Ethical Hypocrites

Here's an ethical argument, boiled down, that has caused a bit of a stir: The evidence for man-made climate change is incontrovertible. The consequences are potentially catastrophic to humanity. Our leaders thus have an ethical duty to take action that reduces greenhouse gases. Because they have not acted our leaders are being irresponsible and unethical. I think it's safe to say that many if not all climate change advocates would agree with this. Indeed, some prolific climate bloggers, such as Joe Romm and Michael Tobis, often frame their arguments in such moral terms. So if we are to take Romm and Tobis at their word--that it is a huge moral failing not to act on man-made climate change, then I don't understand why they are so reluctant to argue just as strenously for climate adaptation, especially since both believe that climate change has already arrived, wreaking death and destruction. I've ...