Interesting choice using the tragedy of the commons metaphor and approaching it from your perspective. The property system in the US often looks to the English enclosure movement and their privatization "fix" of the overuse/underdevelopment problem inherent with the commons. However, it is also cast as a response to the…

I get your sentiment, but I think you're presenting a false choice. Vague goals lend themselves more easily to group organizing and the construction of narratives. It's important to get beyond that level, but I don't think anything is preventing a mature conversation about refrigerants just because you started with…

Ah, but I think we do agree on that point. Economics and ecology are inseparable. Same Greek route (Oikos, like the yogurt). Eco/nomos - “house rules” eco/logos - “study of (the) house.” Resource management, crop yield, air/water quality, and extreme weather are all very very “economic.” It’s all “the house.” …

Well needed post. Despite the incredible emphasis placed on Roman history in the US (and the excessive comparisons), most people know very little about actual Roman history. The next point of subtly you missed, the Visigoths that sacked the Roman Empire were about as “Roman” as anyone else who ruled…

First off: I really admire the tone you took here and the conversation you’re trying to start. Respectful disagreement is necessary, especially when it involves problem-solving. I hope you find my response equally respectful. I think you make a few good points that are worth keeping in mind: 1) Fossil…

I think this is where you and I differ. You're talking a lot about economic theory, but I don't think you're actually talking about climate change. The rapid extraction and widespread use of fossil fuels (among other things) drastically increased GHG emmisions, and these changes certainly occured under the stewardship…