Kyle Montanio

https://geekdom.social/@FantasticalEconomics

I'm an environmental economist who researches econ pedagogy to make learning economics marginally less dismal.

My pipe-dream is to write a fantasy novel/economics textbook, which is getting closer to reality every day.

#economics #TeachEcon #sustainability #DoughnutEconomics #degrowth

Profile pic is me smiling in front of a whiteboard with economics gibberish -- cause econ makes me happy.

Background is my dog, Freya, who is derpily sticking her tongue out while passed out.

About me: Making econ marginally less dismal one post at a time. I teach economics at the UC Denver and am an all around nerd. My goal is to combine my passion for all things fantasy/sci-fi and love of economics to lower the cost of learning econ.
Fantastical Economics: You can find my first-ever short story that covers the circular economy and sustainability in a sci-fi setting here: https://edgeryders.eu/t/circular-reasoning/19717

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fantasticaleconomics_at_geekdom.social@momostr.pink

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Published at

2024-08-04T21:45:17Z

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Last Notes

2024-11-03 13:53:38

My last appeal to leftists on the fence about voting for #Harris.
I was arrested at a pro-Palestine protest and the 19 other men arrested with me got to talking politics in the holding cell. 19/20 of us, all who care deeply about the genocide in Gaza, were, begrudgingly, planning on voting for Biden. (The one exception believed in Jewish space lasers.)
The point of this annecdote is it is very possible to care deeply about this issue and vote Democrat in this critical election.
#USPolitics

2024-10-25 13:05:33

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Oh god...
[@_noelamac_](https://spore.social/@_noelamac_ ) @npub13f9…ech3

2024-10-06 22:58:36

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Yeah that's fair. I'd just argue that how we feel about him shouldn't relate much to whether we agree with him on this case.
I've been in other discussions where folks entirely discounted the talk because they don't like him for other reasons.
[@Nigel_Purchase](https://mstdn.social/@Nigel_Purchase )

2024-10-06 22:55:37

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Haha very true.

2024-09-14 16:20:33

A quarter of US renters spend half their income on housing.
This is in no small part due to the price-fixing scheme all of the 6 biggest apartment companies took part in.
Even if rental markets were working well, which they aren't, we should still question why we would want private companies profiting off this necessary good. Seems like there is ample room for improvement here.
https://www.axios.com/2024/09/12/american-renters-housing-paycheck-spending
https://thehill.com/business/housing/4718252-large-apartment-companies-rental-fixing-scheme-profits-analysis/
#economics

2024-09-11 13:37:52

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We see, once again, that the Swiftie-ecfect on voter registration is real and meaningful. Love it.

2024-09-11 13:34:57

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Interesting. I hadn't read "baiting" with that negative interpretation, but fully see where you are coming from with it.
I read it more as "good strategy" rather than "low-handed tricks" which changes the message a lot depending on interpretation of that word.
I'm curious how others are interpreting that phrasing. I may be fully off-base with my initial claim if many interpret it similarly to you.

2024-09-11 13:05:11

Anyone else notice how the headlines aren't spinning last night's debate into positive framing for Trump?
I'm feeling the tide has turned. If we keep pushing hard, there might just be a giant #BlueWave to ride in this election.
https://www.axios.com/2024/09/11/trump-harris-debate-takeaways
#USPolitics
https://objstorage.f7it.net/masto1/media_attachments/files/113/119/039/173/269/738/original/8429f502ea29ddd3.png

2024-09-11 03:42:31

"With love and hope,
Taylor Swift
Childless Cat Lady"
That's how you stick the landing when endorsing #HarrisWalz2024.

2024-09-08 20:08:44

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Truth. A very public meltdown. And one I hope neither his ego nor campaign can recover from. (Though his ego appears to be nigh invincible so I'd settle for just the latter.)

2024-09-08 17:13:33

Trump is now threatening to lock up people for their political donations if he regains the Whitehouse.
Literal threats to lock up US citizens engaging in politics.
Listen to him and reflect on exactly what's at stake.
#USPolitics

2024-09-08 14:41:08

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I can't say I'm surprised anymore. Seems like every week there's a new story about foreign influence campaigns that get largely ignored for some reason or other.
I wish there were more outcry about it though.

2024-08-31 13:37:20

"Free market" is the most misused #econ term I've seen on here. A "free market" has nothing to do with a lack of competition, or free from price gouging, or free from externalities; it's solely about being free from government intervention.
A free market will (almost always) lead to market concentration and powerful firms that use their market power to extract the most from consumers and the environment. This is exactly why wealthy business owners push so hard for it.
#economics #TeachEcon

2024-08-29 01:17:42

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Agreed. I think it comes down to power. If a union becomes too powerful it can lead to just as bad outcomes (albeit different) than when workers have too little. Both extremes are not great, but right now we are often erring on the side of too little power for workers.
No I don't think I've read his work. I'll look into it, but wouldn't mind a source to look at if you have a good one handy?

2024-08-29 00:13:54

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I feel you there. They are pretty high-profile examples that don't make a good case for unions.
But I don't think that outweighs the large benefits of bringing more power to workers, overall. I definitely don't think new unions trying to start up run high risks of similar downsides.

2024-08-28 22:53:22

Union membership in the US is at an all-time low (10%) while support for unions is near an all-time high (70%).
That's a huge gap that we should work to change.
While many of us may not have access to a union due to industry or location, we can all do things to support unions - most notably by backing them in their efforts and boycotting companies who are notoriously anti-union until they change their ways.
https://www.axios.com/2024/08/28/labor-union-disapproval-gallup-57-year-low
#economics #unions

2024-08-22 16:37:38

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Truth. We really do need a Big Sustainability lobbying group to provide a little balance.

2024-08-22 16:30:09

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Or, as @npub1fqn…kr0d put it, "stockholders ;)"

2024-08-22 16:28:36

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Because that's not a "challenge" it's an "opportunity for profit", obviously ;)
(By that I mean you have a great point and, to needlessly answer your rhetorical question, it's because they are funded by BigOil and/or influenced by the many Fossil Fuel lobbying groups.)

2024-08-22 16:22:01

I do get a chuckle at how obviously biased sources try to frame hugely positive news - like Europe producing so much #renewableEnergy that energy prices become negative! - as a bad thing.
This article isn't the most agregious in that regard, but you can taste the negativity as they talk about how "renewable output has overwhelmed the grid" an how it "highlights the challenges of managing an energy grid increasingly reliant on intermittent renewable sources."
https://oilprice.com/Latest-Energy-News/World-News/Negative-Power-Prices-Hit-Europe-as-Renewable-Energy-Floods-the-Grid.html
#economics

2024-08-20 17:24:14

The horrors of #Project2025 are hard to keep track of. It's almost 900 pages of fascism that few of us have time to read.
Good news! The website 25 And Me has you covered. Choose the topics you care about (climate, democracy, reproductive rights, etc.) and it provides related quotes, page numbers, and a brief interpretation of the implications.
Seriously, sit down with the conservatives in your life with this resource and show them what they're supporting.
https://www.25and.me
#USPolitics
https://objstorage.f7it.net/masto1/media_attachments/files/112/995/469/169/587/875/original/5406bfb1b3a1e1a4.png

2024-08-17 03:17:29

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I genuinely love how the mud they try to sling at Walz just ends up making the guy look better. Every. Damn. Time.

2024-08-17 03:15:55

"Americans should be deeply concerned that Governor Walz, Kamala Harris's vice-presidential running mate, has a longstanding and cozy relationship with China," Oversight Committee Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) screams pointing to... school trips to China.
Yes, Walz spent a year teaching on China and then organized annual student trips to the country while teaching highschool. How nefarious.
https://www.axios.com/2024/08/16/house-republicans-investigate-tim-walz-harris
#USPolitics

2024-08-16 15:15:38

Prevention is, almost always, cheaper than treatment, but treatment is more profitable and will be pursued, almost always, in capitalist economies.
This simple rule can help understand healthcare, #ClimateChange, poverty, and the list goes on. In fact, I am pretty sure you can trace this back to, if not the root, a core consideration foundational building block of any arm of the #Polycrisis we are facing today.
#economics

2024-08-15 19:10:36

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Haha not something I hear often either :)

2024-08-15 19:09:00

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On a good day, I would call neoliberalism a religion. I think "cult" is more accurate when I'm feeling less charitable.
They created models obviously untethered from reality that they believe with such conviction to be willing to literally topple countries to test out. It's based on ideologic conviction despite the evidence against it and is still taught, almost like doctrine, in most principles classes.
Neoliberalism is not just a religion, it's a powerful one.

2024-08-15 18:49:48

In "one of the greatest crimes committed against a democracy in modern history. Russia, like China, was faced to choose between a Chicago Scool economic program and an authentic democratic revolution."
- Naomi Klein in The Shock Doctrine
It's almost like the #neoliberal religion preaching unfettered #capitlism is behind every major point of the #polycrisis - from wars to climate change to social unrest. Odd that.
#TeachEcon #economics

2024-08-13 15:17:34

“Only a crisis - actual or perceived - produces real change. When that crisis occurs, the actions that are taken depend on the ideas that are lying around. That, I believe, is our basic function: to develop alternatives to existing policies, to keep them alive and available until the politically impossible becomes the politically inevitable.”
- Milton Friedman
A doctrine to sow #capitalism may also seed our salvation. Are we ready for when #ClimateChange solutions become politically inevitable?

2024-07-31 19:17:28

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Not sure I get the reference.

2024-07-31 19:09:57

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I appreciate that. It's tough to figure out where/when to bend. We live in a complex world, and in complicated times.
This is definitely a case where the decision is out of our hands - the Harris campaign will lean into it regardless - and I think we need to make the best of it. A spot I'm willing to bend on for the greater good.

2024-07-31 16:05:00

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Agreed. It's there anything we can do proactively to prevent such blowback?
I'm hoping that our appreciation for the goodness of weird will help. It really can only be insulting if you value confirmity, after all. Maybe talking up that aspect here can help us stay proud of our weirdness even as we use the word to insult those less comfortable with being unique?

2024-07-31 15:54:47

Admitting a mistake. I got weird about using "weird" as an insult to the right. It still leaves me a tad uncomfortable and think there are downsides we should recognize.
But holy hell does it seem to be effective.
For those, like me, who are initially opposed to using the word, I think it's time to reconsider. Cause the benefits of putting the fascists, the rapists, the creeps, the GOP on a back foot far outweigh the costs of our discomforture.
Republicans are weird. #VoteBlue
#USPolitics

2024-07-31 15:19:41

Capitalism's greatest trick was stealing so much of our time that we cannot imagine living without the 'conveniences' it sells back to us.

2024-07-25 13:16:57

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Ha. I haven't seen that comic, but it sums it up nicely.
Not to mention another aspect of climate change is increased variability. More extreme extremes.
I'm sure if I've looked hard enough we'd find the hands of fossil fuel marketing on the phrase "so much for global warming." I doubt they were the first to use the phrase, but there is no chance they haven't helped promote the use of it.

2024-07-24 12:38:48

A graph that should be headline news everywhere.
#ClimateChange
https://www.axios.com/2024/07/23/earth-hottest-day-record-set
https://objstorage.f7it.net/masto1/media_attachments/files/112/841/500/686/645/745/original/969dc54279e8f27f.png

2024-07-23 03:35:02

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Actually, we may be able to get that answer.
@npub1uqz…sxyt can you shed any light on where the requirements of donations not coming from fossil fuel companies and lobbyists and such came from? Was that your specifications or requirements tied to the Harris campaign?
Also, my apologies for not giving you the deserved credit for staying this campaign in the OP. I saw one of your later posts about it and didn't realize it was your brain child. Thank you for it 🙏
@npub1g5c…8tcf @npub15sg…etks

2024-07-23 02:45:36

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Good questions. I don't think we will know for sure, but I do get a sense Harris has a strong commitment to fighting climate change, so I think she'd approve that message regardless of who wrote it.
I would be curious to know how consistent those rules are for other donations to Harris and aligned PACs though.
@npub15sg…etks

2024-07-23 01:04:03

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No, I was asking both questions! Just want sure what you were answering :)

2024-07-22 23:57:30

If you haven't seen the Mastodon-specific way to donate to the #Harris campaign, I suggest you check it out!
https://secure.actblue.com/donate/mastodon-for-harris
Pleasantly surprised to see the lack of information they request - no address nor email is required to donate - so you don't even need to worry about being placed on a donor list to receive endless requests in the future.
#USPolitics #VoteBlue

2024-07-22 22:36:19

I'm teaching a Law and Economics course for the first time next semester, so I'm following the liability of #CrowdStrike with interest.
Who will bearthe cost of this, perhaps, billion dollar disruption? Who should? Do their contracts shield them from liability?
If anyone from #LawFedi (or anyone with expertise, really) has any insights, I'm all ears!
https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/21/business/crowdstrike-outage-cost/index.html
#TeachEcon #Economics

2024-07-22 13:19:19

All y'all thinking Americans will vote for Harris are delusional. Do you even know that she eats on her pizza??
"The Vice President's pizza came with anchovies, her go-to topping."
-Axios
That's a deal-breaker if I've ever seen one.
(By that I mean I'm super stoked on #Harris2024 and hope I don't hear other silly reasons not to support her to defeat the party of fascist misogynistic rapists.)
#USPolitics #USPol

2024-07-19 13:51:44

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@npub14sz…ur2r do you have any solid sources on ChatGPT climate impact you can share with Michael?
I've been in the same boat where I've seen lots of metaphors and soft-statistics on energy and water usage, but am having difficulty nailing it down.
No worries if not! I just know it's your wheelhouse and I figured I'd ask :)

2024-07-09 23:08:13

Breaking: RNC drops a national abortion ban from their party platform and "pro-lifers say it's "a profound disappointment to the millions of pro-life Republicans that have always looked to the Republican Party to stand for life."
They say they will refuse to vote for Trump, or any Republican, for not supporting this issue they care about.
Except, obviously, that last line is false. Losing out on one issue isn't changing their votes. Something to consider.
https://www.axios.com/2024/07/09/abortion-ban-gop-rnc-platform
#USPolitics

2024-07-08 18:50:49

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Always assume plotting a murder. It may not always be most realistic, but it's safest. And it keeps life exciting. I don't let my wife keep cherry pits or appleseeds for this very reason.
(And yes, it has come up in conversation. Multiple times. She claims it would 'just be cool to distill poison from plants' but, as I said, it's safer to assume nefarious intent.)

2024-07-06 14:13:57

"Free markets ensure resources are put to the best use for society, that is to say resources are allocated efficiently."
This common #economics refrain is bullshit.
Take the life sustaining climate with its infinite value - seriously, consider how many trillions we are spending to try to get a handful of people to live on Mars, then realize how dependent they would still be on Earth - that markets value at next to nothing.
This is sufficient to know #neoliberalism is dead wrong.
#TeachEcon

2024-07-05 16:07:56

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I'll take a slow leak over someone taking a sledgehammer to the boat though.
I think the mistake people make is to think we can fix the system solely through voting. We can't. The vested powers of the system are too entrenched to beat them at their own game.
Voting a Democrat into office serves to keep the boat afloat, giving us a chance to make radical progress from outside the system. That's my take, anyhow.

2024-07-05 12:33:26

The USA has problems. We all know this.
We haven't fixed racism. Hell, we've barely made a dent. But comparing the open racist who says immigrants are "poisoning the blood of our country" to folks not doing enough to reduce racism is absurd.
Saying 'voting doesn't matter' because the 'US is already fascist' misses the point. Fascism isn't a binary, there are degrees. One side is trying to make us less fascist (albeit slower than we would like) the other side is pro-Nazi.
#VoteBlue #USPolitics

2024-07-04 21:32:05

Happy 4th! Though, I'm genuinely not sure what we are supposed to be celebrating today.
A SCOTUS imposed return to monarchy? Rampant imperialism? Scaring (and maybe scarring) innocent puppies with loud noises? Something, something 'Murica?
Whatever it is we're celebrating, I'm confident this American flag wrapped Cybertruck captures the essence of it.
https://objstorage.f7it.net/masto1/media_attachments/files/112/730/338/974/388/375/original/961a4eb5277365d8.png

2024-07-04 18:56:10

"Exclusive: U.S. Chamber tells politicians to put economic growth at top of agenda"
Whoa, you're telling me the "influential business group" is pushing for economic growth?? Shocking!
I do agree I'd love to have economic growth be a top issue of the 2024 election. Though I'd change the emphasis to 'which candidate can shrink the economy fastest with least impact on everyday people' rather than blindly promoting a growth shit storm. #Degrowth
https://www.axios.com/2024/07/04/us-economic-growth-2024-election-issue
#economics

2024-07-03 12:20:07

Just in case there was any question that "Biden's age" is a dog whistle "Kamala's color" for those on the right, the GOP wanted to make it abundantly clear for you.
From the Axios article: "A new digital ad by the GOP's House campaign arm features Vice President Harris.
Why it matters: Trying to leverage concerns about President Biden's age, Republicans are increasingly pushing the idea that a vote for him is really a vote for his running mate."
https://youtu.be/Hx0VztBkJYQ?feature=shared (link to the awful ad)
https://objstorage.f7it.net/masto1/media_attachments/files/112/722/487/263/965/536/original/2c0d1db54498e277.png

2024-07-03 01:21:59

My wife called me a radical leftist for the first time today, thanks Fediverse.
And because I know it's hard to figure out sarcasm, I just want to be clear this is not it. Conversations here have definitely pushed me further left, and I'm better for it.
Genuinely, thank you.

2024-07-02 12:43:47

New thoughts on how #HigherEducation should interact with #AI: become partners.
"For higher ed, it means a 'mindset change' whereby teachers act more like coaches and students are viewed as customers."
While I love the idea of teachers being more like coaches - guides on the side rather than sages on a stage and all that - treating students *more* like consumers is not my idea of a good time.
https://www.axios.com/2024/07/01/mary-meeker-ai-higher-education
@npub1pfc…9keq @npub12jg…fyj9

2024-07-01 17:29:43

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True, but an active majority can prevent it. So my answer to you is get active and activate your friends and family.
Get in touch with lost friends and family who have veered to the right and convince them they are on the wrong side of history.
That is the route I would encourage everyone to take in the next few months. That is what fighting fascism looks like.
@npub1j5x…flek

2024-07-01 17:13:02

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Nothing we are seeing leads me to believe fascism is inevitable. The far-right - the fascists - seem to have 1/3 of the population in their side in any given country. They are the definition of a vocal minority.
All that it would take to stop them is to get the rest of the country to vote against them. The situation in France may be the best example - if the centrists back the left, they have a dominant majority, from what I understand. That seems true everywhere.
@npub1j5x…flek

2024-07-01 16:58:39

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Fighting fascism with fascism guarantees fascism.
The logic that 'if my enemy will do it, I should do it first' is tragically bad. Would you condone genocide of a group or if fear they might commit genocide against your group? I hope not.
The talk of assassination is the same bad logic. 'Well Trump might use these powers to attack his political enemies, so let's just use them against him first.'
Hard no. This does not save democracy.
@npub1j5x…flek

2024-07-01 15:47:54

All this talk of Biden "Seal Team 6ing" Trump leaves me uncomfortable.
Strategically, I think it would be the worst possible move and one that would legitimize the utterly illegitimate #SCOTUS decision and would erode the high ground we have in the process.
The high ground doesn't win wars, nor elections, but it sure helps. If we are going to save (or, perhaps, create) US democracy, this is not the way. This is no holds barred fight time, and we need to fight smart. #VoteBlue

2024-06-30 21:56:07

Advancements in geothermal can bring a boost to #RenewableEnergy. This can help supplement intermittent renewables like solar and wind.
"Southern California Edison signed a 15-year purchasing agreement for 320 megawatts of electricity from geothermal wells in Utah. That's enough electricity to power 350,000 homes. It's the largest deal for enhanced geothermal energy in the world so far."
'Green' tech can't save us from #ClimateChange but can be part of a solution.
https://www.npr.org/2024/06/30/nx-s1-5021658/geothermal-energy-a-lesser-known-form-of-clean-energy-scored-a-big-win-this-week

2024-06-29 17:48:14

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Yeah I'll check it out. Now would definitely be the time to do so.
I do feel bad about feeding a creature a heavily processed food for their entire life. I'm sure this video will provide more depth and science beyond that though.

2024-06-29 13:06:55

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Luna has broken her hunger strike! She now acknowledges wet food - which many cats call "the good stuff" - is, in fact, not poison.
She is still not happy about not having her crunchy kibbles, but at least she is not going to wither away. Less than two weeks, cat, til you can have them again. You can make it.

2024-06-28 21:43:16

Luna is on a hunger strike. She (mostly) tolerated being drugged against her will, kidnapped, and having two teeth stolen, but we crossed the line when we took away her kibbles.
She is showing signs of caving today as she, magnanimously, agreed to take nibbles of one of the four wet foods we've tried to feed her (one of which was shredded chicken and veggies that I'm tempted to try*). But only once rolled into kibble-sized portions and fed to her by hand.
* Little bland, but not bad!
https://objstorage.f7it.net/masto1/media_attachments/files/112/696/418/723/860/410/original/701574682602449b.jpg

2024-06-28 20:50:34

BBC asking the tough questions: "are 'green' cruise ships good for the environment?"
No, BBC, no they are not. There is no way to make a party boat that is five times the size of the Titanic sustainable. Make this clear in your title. Everything you present makes the clear case this is just blatant #Greenwashing.
The actual title should read: "don't let the liars fool you, there is no such thing as green cruises" with optional byline: "stop taking fucking cruises."
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20240627-are-green-cruise-ships-good-for-the-climate

2024-06-27 23:03:46

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That makes sense to me. Unless you build in something like fission power - the breakthrough of which always seems to be a few decades away - or space/interplanetary habituation, population decline seems to be a given.
Do you often consider it to be smooth and gradual or is there a tipping point that causes a distinct change? For instance, I could see gen Z (or maybe Alpha) who were raised on clinate change fears refusing to procreate en masse.
@npub1zpl…sshp

2024-06-27 22:15:47

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Yes, that is certainly a crisis of fertility, and one I'm sure not included in the study here about changing demographics either...

2024-06-27 19:04:18

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Look, I've heard a lot recently about how dangerous batteries are in water (more dangerous than sharks, I think, if I followed the deranged rambling right) so I wouldn't try that approach. Instead just fund team orca ;)
@npub1ekj…wjxt @npub1mvk…8tmn

2024-06-27 13:24:12

No, CNN, there is no "fertility crisis" and, in fact, we should be celebrating that populations will begin falling. Hopefully that happens before the predicted 2064.
Changing demographics that will "upend the consumer culture upon which mature economies depend" is a problem of the economic system, not birth rates.
Time to move past the Ponzi scheme that relies on ever-increasing growth as the man-made economy is easier to change than biophysical constraints. #degrowth
https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/25/investing/premarket-stocks-trading/index.html

2024-06-26 14:46:58

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Haha I think this may be the first hard disagree I've had with you. Basic income is somewhere between sacrilege and evil-incarnate to neoliberals. I'm not sure there is any way not to immediately turn them off, is all I'm saying.
But it is a worthy goal and I'd love to hear anything you find that works so I can use it when I teach!
@npub1sgt…cgj5

2024-06-26 14:29:11

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Not exactly about unions, but I think #UBI fits in with your general theme. This meme is one of my favorites!
https://objstorage.f7it.net/masto1/media_attachments/files/112/683/381/614/291/283/original/28db96508f0057b2.jpg

2024-06-25 17:23:43

#Collapse may be just around the corner. We are starting to see governments, and people, prepare for the worst of #ClimateChange and interconnected increased risks of disruptions from war and pandemics.
"The Norwegian government on Tuesday signed a deal to start stockpiling grain, saying the COVID-19 pandemic, a war in Europe and climate change have made it necessary."
"The building up of a contingency stock of food grains is about being prepared for the unthinkable."
https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/norway-starts-stockpiling-grain-citing-pandemic-war-climate-111395804

2024-06-20 16:49:30

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Most (maybe all?) of the Just Stop Oil distributions have not damaged the art, to my knowledge. I've heard their recent action at Stone Henge could cause damage to rare lychen though.
So it seems like, from the guidelines you provided, that would be within the bounds of acceptability?
I definitely agree we are heading to a dark-oligarchical place where it is becoming illegal to challenge the wealthy, if we are not already there. Dystopic awfullness abounds.

2024-06-20 16:08:11

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Very much of interest! Thanks for the insights and recommendation.
I like the idea that, even if the different factions aren't directly working together, they are serving their own roles. I would be curious if that book addresses how large each flank should be, ideally.
If I'm to choose to ally myself with one camp, which should I choose? Does it depend on the relative sizes of the groups currently?
Not expecting answers to those, just questions it brought to mind!
@npub1hfw…pfwr

2024-06-20 16:02:53

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I like that a lot and will read more into it. As a preview, do they discuss what routes/actions are most persuasive to that largest group?
It seems to me, that's really what the question boils down to.

2024-06-20 16:01:05

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Thanks for the rec! I'll check it out.
I really like that take of looking at the end results of protests. While I think there are some casualty issues - can we clearly point to the disruption as what caused it to be successful or are protests where there is more clearly a 'right side' more likely to go violent?
Also, I would say the environmental movement has been largely unsuccessful (so far) and has deployed disruptive elements, like Green Peace. Is that a good counterexample?

2024-06-20 15:50:19

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Yeah, I think that would be a really interesting direction to take it.
Understanding the psychology and sociology of how ideas and sentiments spread through society would be an essential piece to understand the benefits (and the costs, maybe to a lesser extent).

2024-06-20 15:44:39

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So breaking laws is fine and good to advance the cause (in your view). But how do we know it will advance said cause?
Does stopping traffic do more harm than good? What about spray painting Stone Henge or gluing oneself to the Mona Lisa?
It's only a start to say it's fine to break the law, it doesn't fully answer if and when we should.

2024-06-20 15:35:51

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2/2
I hope to create projects for my upcoming Law and Economics and Environmental Economics courses, and would love to hear your thoughts and ideas about it!
I'm liking less for opinions about what is right, and more for ideas on what we would need to know to come to a more informed understanding of the underlying issues. What analysis would you like to see done?
Also, any research and examples you wonderful fediverse folks can steer me towards are very appreciated!

2024-06-20 15:32:49

How disruptive is too disruptive? At what point does activism go against the cause activists are fighting for? Should we break the law to promote what is right?
Most of us have opinions and thoughts on this, I know I do. But I can't say I have an informed opinion. I'm eager to discuss how we would answer these and quantify whether the benefits (like raising awareness of issues) outweigh the costs (like turning off people from the cause).
#StudentProtests #ClimateChange #JustStopOil
1/2

2024-06-20 04:27:37

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For instance, my mind goes to looking back at Green Peace - a prime example of a disruptive environmental movement/group.
Do we have evidence whether their actions helped or harmed the causes they were fighting for?
The only way I'd be interested in this conversation is if we progressed past annecdotes and the 'I thinks' and, ideally, both approached it with humility and a desire to learn the answer, rather than trying to defend the opposing sides we enter from.
@npub1jl3…vgvn

2024-06-20 04:24:37

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We've had similar conversations about this. You think the this kind of activism turns more people away (a cost) than we gain from increasing awareness (a benefit). My guess is it's the other way. I have no interest in hashing that out again.
Instead, if you wanted to discuss how we would actually quantify the costs and benefits to try to determine if it's successful or not, I'm very game.
What data would we want to see? What case studies can we draw on?
@npub1jl3…vgvn

2024-06-19 21:43:47

#JustStopOil took their activism to Stone Henge, spraying the stones with orange paint - which is cornstarch based and will wash off in the rain.
Their goal is to continue to raise awareness, so #ClimateChange doesn't drift to the back of our collective minds. This obviously needs to be coupled with action. But as time to act continues to dwindle, I know I'm becoming more and more supportive of this disruptive behavior.
https://abcnews.go.com/International/environmental-protesters-spray-orange-paint-stonehenge/story

2024-06-19 15:06:52

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Water wars are a real and growing danger. I'm actually surprised more cross-border conflicts haven't erupted over fresh water yet.
But they are brewing...

2024-06-19 12:08:10

Anyone taking bets on how long until the GOP changes it's platform to include something like "North Korea is great, very good people there, been our allys very long time."
https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/19/asia/north-korea-russia-putin-visit-thursday-intl-hnk/index.html

2024-06-18 15:06:07

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I don't think we can discount it entirely. My father in law is Republican entirely for the tax breaks (annecdote of 1, but I don't get the sense that's uncommon).
Of course, once they've settled into their camp, it becomes less about the money and more about the unwillingness to admit they could be wrong. So I agree it's not all, or even mostly, about the money, but I wouldn't discount it entirely.
@npub14xl…t7dc @npub1k8l…rpdx

2024-06-18 14:11:16

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I very much doubt he has - looking into climate change isn't his thing, he just likes holding strong opinions about it. Honestly, I haven't even heard of this guy and I follow this stuff pretty closely, so thanks for sharing!
I think sharing stories of climate skeptics who recognize their errors - especially prominent ones with a large financial stake in the game - may be another great route to sway others away from climate denial. I'll try it!
@npub14xl…t7dc @npub1k8l…rpdx

2024-06-18 12:37:11

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My father in law is a climate change denier and also a quant in the finance sector. I think the insurance industry is the only avenue to convince him that it's happening and that we are already seeing the effects.
So far, it has been less than successful, but I have hope. The more articles like this, the greater the chances of success.
@npub1k8l…rpdx

2024-06-18 02:13:47

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I agree. But I'm not sure they thought it was worth doing. It hasn't even been two years since it stopped being a constitutional right, after all.
Not sure they had time or even the numbers to pass out before the 2022 elections.

2024-06-17 23:09:40

A bill to enshrine a federal right to abortion is in the works.
"The floor action sets up the third vote this month on protecting women’s access to reproductive health care, following votes on the Right to Contraception Act and the Right to IVF Act. Republicans blocked both measures."
Stop claiming democrats prevent progress with the BS "rachet theory". The reason more progress isn't made is because there arn't enough elected folks on the left.
https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/4726213-schumer-bill-right-to-abortion/
#USPolitics #VoteBlue

2024-06-17 18:13:57

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It's not that social media is bad. It's that it has costs. And it's not so obvious whether those costs outweigh benefits - which would make it "bad".
This very much is a worthwhile discussion we should be having.
@npub1thv…jkz4
@npub1akj…7u7q

2024-06-17 15:15:51

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What data/studies are you basing that on?
I've seen so much mixed evidence on this (and much confusing between correlation and causation from both sides) that I'm genuinely unsure about the negative impacts of social media on mental health.
Given that, I'm leaning heavily into the precautionary principle and assuming it's harmful until sufficiently shown to be otherwise.
@npub1akj…7u7q

2024-06-17 15:12:32

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I sure hope so. But there is still pretty good odds Trump backs out of the dabates in the last minute.
Even better odds that there is literally nothing he can do or say to sway his voters away, so even a catostrophic debate blunder results in only a blip in the odds of him being elected.
Again, I truly hope you are right, but I'm not taking it for granted.
@npub1ym8…0kz7

2024-06-17 15:05:03

Last year's historic decline in crime is continuing. I wish more people knew it...
"New data released this week by the FBI reveals that both violent crime and property crime have dropped precipitously this year. The data, which is subject to revision, compares crime in the first quarter of 2024 with crime in the first quarter of 2023. It shows substantial drops in every category, including murder (-26.4%), rape (-25.7%), robbery (-17.8%), and property crime (-15.1%)."
https://popular.info/p/the-most-important-crime-statistics

2024-06-16 16:41:30

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Much appreciated. I'm not sure if there is anything to do but let the emotions run their course and think on the feels.
Will let you know if I think of anything though.

2024-06-16 16:12:27

I don't usually post this kind of thing, but it's been a weekend of complicated feels.
A close friend just realized she is gay. I'm thrilled for her discovering her truth, but grieve for her marriage to a loving husband.
My uncle (60) took a fall and hit his head yesterday. He's unresponsive and they'll likely pull the plug today, father's day. My two cousins are devastated. I'm not sure how I feel as I haven't talked to him since he went full MAGA in 2016.
Lots of emotions I'm figuring out.

2024-06-14 17:03:43

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That's a good question. I think I see some similarities here, but open to other suggestions.
I am not sure if it is a perfect analogy, but sometimes models break down when taken too far. Though I don't think we have reached that point yet ;)
@npub15lm…llkx
https://objstorage.f7it.net/masto1/media_attachments/files/112/616/046/702/555/171/original/428dad1e98baca74.png

2024-06-14 15:22:55

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Standardization?? That would go against free markets and competition, the horror!
I genuinely didn't know about France's approach and will look more into it. Thanks for the insightful comment.
@npub1mxw…n7uy

2024-06-14 15:19:39

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Let's see... cruel for the sake of cruelty? Check. Throws temper tantrums when he doesn't get his way? Check. Utterly despises the poor? Check.
... Yeah that checks out!
@npub1uk7…7mx4

2024-06-14 14:11:14

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Agreed, I think the allegory was meant as climate change. But the immediate nature of the threat makes it a better fit, perhaps, to rising tide of right-wing fascism.
Which, in a lot of ways, is the same fight. The only way to make progress on climate change is to prevent the climate change deniers of the far-right from gaining power.

2024-06-13 15:01:10

I'm struggling to find good writing advice that fits my personal style. I'm not really a plotter nor discovery writer.
Anyone know of a good writing advice book or blog or whatnot from a successful writer who bounces around between ideas, sections and projects and struggles with deep fears of completing anything?
That seems to be more my style and I'm looking for a mentor in it.
#AmWriting

2024-06-13 14:43:16

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I mostly agree. Though once private ownership of capital is capped, I'm not sure it would be "capitalism" anymore.
Regardless of what it's called, I cannot see a system that exalts in, and depends upon, unending growth to be viable. This core aspect of capitalism needs to be excised to have any chance of sustainability.
I think that goes beyond the regulated-capitalism you describe, though it would definitely be a major improvement to what we have now.
#degrowth
@npub1gg4…euuk

2024-06-12 16:19:44

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I haven't been able to find as much on specific technologies and direct impact on ecological pressures.
Most of the research seems to focus on energy use, which is impacted by technology and a decent proxy for ecological pressures.
That said, I don't think it fully addresses your questions and definitely does not get down to the micro-scale you are most interested in. Alas.
And yeah, now just to find time to read and internalize all of that info!

2024-06-12 16:17:44

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Ok, finally circled back around to this!
Here are some sources that I think relate
https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/14/20/13566
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959378020307512 - This one is global, not micro, but may have some good insights. I like the line "But ‘sufficiency’ is far more materially generous than many opponents often assume."
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41560-019-0497-9 - This one I like the case studies it chose: India, South Africa, and Brazil to get real-world examples of energy requirements in different systems.