[redpoint5]

I've really enjoyed this thread and have learned a lot from the comments/links others have posted. While I haven't changed my main stance that there is little that can be done to curb CO2 emissions by any individual (or individual country), it has opened my eyes to the enormous challenge to replace fossil fuel power with alternatives. Perhaps a negative GDP growth rate is inevitable in the near future.

I'm all for efficiency and conservation, but without a near 100% commitment and enforcement of a well thought out plan on a global scale, CO2 output is unlikely to be reduced any significant amount. You might say my philosophy on this is more pragmatic than idealistic.