California Dreaming

Well here's another example of compartmentalized and dangerous thinking from our optimistic species. According to the delusional US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) there will be 1.4 million new planes clogging the world's skies by 2020. By 2025, we'll also have 9 billion passengers annually in the air around the world. The only problem according to the FAA will apparently be getting these passengers on board and safely to their destinations.

Was this report prepared in a total vacuum? No considerations but the economic quite blatantly. Civilization will continue indefinitely with no controls on our destructive activities. Unfortunately we can pretend to not rely on the earth but at some point you have to face facts . . . unless you're the FAA.

First no mention as usual of peak oil. Did anyone notice that elephant in the corner? What the heck are we going to make jet fuel out of if not oil? I dread a nuclear airplane but I suppose that's where we're headed. Can't wait until one of those blow up scattering radioactive debris through the stratosphere. That'll be great. I expect that elites will hold back some oil for trips to the Galapagos while the world burns. But 9 billion passengers! I don't think so. Air travel is a bad bet. Save your portfolios my dear yuppies.

And then there's climate change. Clearly there is no desire to take the tough steps to reduce our impact on our beloved home. This report might as well have just said that climate change is not a serious concern (Wow! Just had deja vu typing this). If you're ready to put 1.4 million new planes in the air and 9 billion individual trips that's essentially a big fuck you to the planet and its human and non-human inhabitants. Air travel makes your ecological footprint an asteroid strike.

But of course you'll still pay lip service to the fight against climate change and pledge to do more.

Is it time to wake up yet?

Hit the snooze button just one more time; what's ten more minutes?