As the article pointed out, we are entering a new territory that the global temperature rising is irreversible. And this was posted on HN more than 4 years ago.[1]
Even if it was reversible, that would require a negative carbon economy and completed rebuild energy structure that rely upon massive scale zero-carbon energy sources (currently only hydro and nuclear qualify at that scale but either not practical or facing opposition, solar/wind/tidal/geothermo don't). And, a massive scale carbon collecting infrastructure to significantly capture the greenhouse gas in the atmosphere. Unfortunately that technology doesn't exist (at least not outside of the labs or proven scaling massively yet).
There is only so much everyone can do - using LED lighting, reduce energy consumption etc. but without a coordinated political will and a major driving force in technology, it's fruitless. And most importantly, it's too little too late.
Put it simply, there is simply no technical solution and daily habits can change the trajectory of an extinction event. Now it's clearer than ever why Musk and Bezos are exploring space and Mars colonization given their tremendous amount of fortune and resources behind their teams of smartest people working for them - rather than say saving our planet and happily ever after.
Lastly, I still believe in doing something is better than nothing, that's the only positive aspect of this story.
Even if it was reversible, that would require a negative carbon economy and completed rebuild energy structure that rely upon massive scale zero-carbon energy sources (currently only hydro and nuclear qualify at that scale but either not practical or facing opposition, solar/wind/tidal/geothermo don't). And, a massive scale carbon collecting infrastructure to significantly capture the greenhouse gas in the atmosphere. Unfortunately that technology doesn't exist (at least not outside of the labs or proven scaling massively yet).
There is only so much everyone can do - using LED lighting, reduce energy consumption etc. but without a coordinated political will and a major driving force in technology, it's fruitless. And most importantly, it's too little too late.
Put it simply, there is simply no technical solution and daily habits can change the trajectory of an extinction event. Now it's clearer than ever why Musk and Bezos are exploring space and Mars colonization given their tremendous amount of fortune and resources behind their teams of smartest people working for them - rather than say saving our planet and happily ever after.
Lastly, I still believe in doing something is better than nothing, that's the only positive aspect of this story.
[1]: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=7777869