from Paul Graham | by Paul Graham

When people say that technology can't help prevent climate change, it's either a profession of faith or a prediction about the future of technology. And since no one can predict the future of technology, it's basically always a profession of faith.

If you really think a problem is serious, then take it seriously. Be empirical and tentative, as a scientist would, instead of dogmatic.

Why would someone make a profession of faith of this type? I think it's usually some existing grievance. They hate x, and thus want to believe climate change can't be fixed without ending x, which in turn requires them to believe it can't be fixed by other means.

Which in turn creates a bizarre piecemeal unanimity. All the different groups who want to believe climate change can't be fixed without ending their own x (capitalism, economic growth, racism, inequality, fossil fuels, etc) each thus have to claim technology can't help.