Global Warming Can’t Buy Happiness

In a draft report for the United Nations, the US admits that its carbon emissions will continue to rise over the next decade, not drop. In sum, the US and others find it difficult to sacrifice – and blithely contribute to crisis by expending energy in wasteful ways. “For the last century, our society's basic drive has been toward more — toward a bigger national economy, toward more stuff for each of us,” writes journalist Bill McKibben. “And it's worked. Our economy is enormous; our houses are enormous.” But Americans are not much happier than citizens who live in nations with smaller economies. Indeed, large homes and complicated lives often contribute to discontent. One solution to improving satisfaction and addressing global warming is rebuilding local communities, McKibben suggests. Global warming or not, growth on this planet cannot continue forever. – YaleGlobal