Is living in the most carbon intensive society (U.S.) the real reason for the resistance to accept AGW theory?

Question

I realize there are those that are skeptical based on the science, as they understand it, but based on the fact that the U.S. is the most carbon intensive country on the planet [Energy Consumption (Btu)], shouldn't we expect resistance to a necessary change in lifestyle? And, does this resistance affect how one views AGW theory?

http://www.eia.doe.gov/pub/international/iealf/tablee1.xls

Answer 1

No because it's the Sun, not man that causes changes in the earth's climate.

Typically, sunspots flare up and settle down in cycles of about 11 years. In the last 50 years, we haven't been living in typical times: "If you look back into the sun's past, you find that we live in a period of abnormally high solar activity," Dr. Weiss states.

Answer 2

Yeah there's no doubt that our addiction to oil plays a big role in American AGW denial.  That's why you've got guys like Ted Stevens and James Inhofe accepting contributions from oil companies and then turning around and saying global warming is just a hoax.  That's why our gas prices are half what they are in Europe, yet Americans drive SUVs and complain about how expensive gas is.

If we didn't rely so heavily on fossil fuels, I'm sure there wouldn't be nearly as much resistance to AGW as there is in the US.  After all, nearly every European country has less resistance to the theory than we do.  Though most of them probably have better schools too.

Answer 3

No, because the people United States has since the beginning always been suspicious of anything that those in government readily accept and want to impose on the masses, especially when they say the cure for it is more taxes and restrictions on freedom and liberty.  Couple that with all the moving evidence that can refute everything an alarmist will tell you and then you have you have your reason.

Answer 4

Why don't you go preach this in the China section, we are not near as bad as they are these days. ;)

The planet cycles, it's not our fault, and we are just along for the ride for no telling how long, so live it up while you are here.

God help our children! :D