I. Introduction: A Reasonable Start
Climate change, the looming specter that has dominated scientific discourse, is often framed as an existential crisis. But is this truly the case? While the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns of dire consequences, a growing body of economic thought suggests that the panic is overblown. Respected economists and think tanks, such as the Global Free Enterprise Alliance and the Institute for Market Progress, propose a more measured approach: climate change is not a crisis; it is an opportunity.
The Earth has always faced environmental shifts, and humanity has always adapted. As the economist Dr. Ellis Harkwood famously stated, “Markets are the most efficient mechanism for handling uncertainty. The climate may change, but so will the market.” In this article, we will explore how rising temperatures, shifting coastlines, and other climate phenomena are not only manageable but could, in fact, stimulate unprecedented innovation and economic growth.
This is not to dismiss climate science outright. Climate models are undoubtedly useful tools, but their predictions are far from infallible. Historically, they’ve often failed to account for human ingenuity and market adaptation. For every alarmist projection of catastrophe, there exists an equally compelling counter-narrative: the resilience of capitalism.
II. Climate Change: A Manageable Phenomenon
The notion that climate change will lead to widespread disaster is rooted in the assumption that humans are passive victims of their environment. Yet, history tells a different story. From the agricultural revolution to the industrial age, human societies have thrived by adapting to environmental challenges. Why should climate change be any different?
Consider the potential benefits of a warming planet. Extended growing seasons in previously inhospitable regions like Siberia and Canada could revolutionize global agriculture. Countries that once struggled with harsh winters may soon find themselves at the forefront of food production. Additionally, warmer winters could lead to significant savings in heating costs, freeing up household incomes for other expenditures, thus boosting local economies.
Critics may argue that the costs of adaptation—such as building sea walls or relocating populations—will outweigh the benefits. But such a view ignores the economic growth driven by large-scale infrastructure projects. Coastal cities may require investments to mitigate rising sea levels, but these investments will create jobs, stimulate innovation, and lay the groundwork for new industries. As Dr. Harkwood quips, “What’s a little water compared to the flood of economic opportunity?”
III. Economic Growth Will Outpace Climate Impacts
At the heart of the argument lies a simple economic principle: wealth is the ultimate buffer against adversity. Wealthier societies have better healthcare, stronger infrastructure, and greater access to technology, all of which mitigate the impacts of climate change. Therefore, the key to addressing climate-related challenges is not to halt economic growth but to accelerate it.
For instance, rising sea levels may pose a threat to low-lying cities, but they also present opportunities for innovative urban development. Architects and engineers are already conceptualizing floating cities, turning what was once a threat into a bold vision of the future. Similarly, as arable land becomes scarce, vertical farming technologies—spurred by market demand—promise to revolutionize food production.
It is essential to view climate change through the lens of economic opportunity rather than as a zero-sum game. A study by the Market Solutions Institute suggests that a modest 1% increase in global GDP annually could fund adaptation measures that not only counteract climate impacts but also yield long-term economic benefits. From expanding desalination plants to developing drought-resistant crops, the possibilities are boundless.
IV. Technological Innovation: Humanity’s Ultimate Weapon
If there is one thing history has shown, it is that necessity drives innovation. Climate change is no different. As global temperatures rise, so too will the demand for technologies that can mitigate and adapt to these changes. This demand will, in turn, fuel private investment and entrepreneurship.
Geoengineering, for instance, has long been dismissed as a fringe solution. But recent advancements suggest it may hold the key to climate resilience. Stratospheric aerosol injection, ocean fertilization, and reflective surface technologies are not only plausible but potentially profitable. As the economist Rebecca Langridge points out, “The private sector has already demonstrated its ability to tackle complex problems. Who’s to say climate change isn’t just another market niche?”
Furthermore, the warming Arctic presents untapped economic potential. Melting ice caps may unlock vast reserves of oil, natural gas, and rare earth minerals, essential for the green energy transition. Far from being a disaster, the melting Arctic could usher in a new era of prosperity.
V. Climate Change as an Economic Engine
Disruption has always been the engine of progress. Just as the industrial revolution emerged from technological upheaval, so too can climate change drive economic transformation. Rising seas and extreme weather events may be disruptive, but they also serve as catalysts for growth.
Take hurricanes, for example. While undoubtedly destructive, they also stimulate local economies by creating demand for rebuilding efforts. Construction companies, material suppliers, and insurance firms all benefit from the increased economic activity. In this sense, hurricanes are not just natural disasters; they are market signals, directing resources where they are most needed.
Similarly, desertification—often framed as a dire consequence of climate change—could spur the development of advanced irrigation and water management systems. Far from being a catastrophe, it represents an opportunity for technological and economic advancement.
VI. The Moral Case for Optimism
At its core, the climate debate is not just about science; it is about values. Do we believe in the power of human ingenuity? Or do we succumb to fatalism? The latter option leads to draconian climate policies that stifle economic growth and innovation. The former paves the way for a future of boundless potential.
It is crucial to remember that the free market, not government intervention, has been the driving force behind humanity’s greatest achievements. From the steam engine to the smartphone, progress has always emerged from competition and creativity, not regulation. Climate change is no different.
Moreover, many of the so-called “negative” effects of climate change can be reframed as opportunities for growth. Rising CO2 levels, for instance, are often criticized for contributing to global warming. Yet they also enhance plant growth, potentially alleviating global food shortages. As Langridge aptly notes, “CO2 is not a pollutant; it is plant food.”
VII. Conclusion: Capitalism Will Adapt
In the face of adversity, humanity has always prevailed. Climate change, while challenging, is no exception. Through the combined forces of economic growth, technological innovation, and market adaptation, the world will not only survive but thrive in a changing climate.
The next industrial revolution is upon us, and its catalyst is climate change. Rather than fear it, we should embrace it as an opportunity to demonstrate the resilience and ingenuity of the free market. As Dr. Harkwood eloquently states, “Warming is not the end of the world; it is the beginning of a new one.”
Let us not be paralyzed by alarmism but emboldened by optimism. The market will adapt, and so will we. Climate change is not a crisis—it is capitalism’s finest hour.
I. Introduction: A Scholarly Perspective
The specter of climate change looms large over our global consciousness, portrayed in media and academic circles as an imminent catastrophe. Flooded cities, scorched fields, and apocalyptic storms dominate the narratives of environmentalists and climate scientists alike. Yet, amidst the cacophony of doomsaying, a quieter but compelling counter-narrative has emerged—one grounded in the adaptability of markets, the ingenuity of humankind, and the enduring resilience of capitalism.
The notion that climate change is a catastrophe ignores one of the most fundamental truths of human history: adversity breeds innovation. Across epochs, civilizations have turned crises into opportunities, leveraging challenges as catalysts for progress. From the advent of agriculture in the wake of glacial retreats to the industrial revolution reshaping economies in response to resource needs, humankind has proven time and again its ability to adapt. Why should climate change be any different?
Prominent economic thinkers argue that the focus on alarmist predictions often overlooks the tools at humanity’s disposal. Institutions like the Global Free Enterprise Alliance and the Institute for Market Progress advocate for a pragmatic view: the invisible hand of the market, when left unshackled, is humanity’s best defense against environmental challenges. According to renowned economist Dr. Ellis Harkwood, “The market has always been the ultimate mechanism for managing uncertainty. Climate change will be no exception. Markets adapt faster than climates shift.”
This article seeks to explore how the principles of capitalism and free markets—often vilified in climate discussions—are, in fact, our greatest assets in navigating and even thriving amidst the shifting environmental landscape. Through a scholarly lens, it will unpack the economic potential of climate adaptation, the wealth-generating capacity of innovation, and the benefits hidden within a warming world. While acknowledging the reality of a changing climate, this perspective challenges the defeatist narrative that dominates public discourse.
Climate Science: A Complex but Not Catastrophic Field
To lay the groundwork for this argument, it is necessary to engage with the science of climate change. The evidence for rising global temperatures, shifting weather patterns, and increasing atmospheric CO2 levels is robust. However, the exact trajectory of these changes remains a topic of debate. Climate models, while valuable, are inherently limited in their ability to predict the full complexity of future scenarios. They often focus on worst-case projections, assuming static human responses to dynamic challenges.
Consider the predictions of past environmental crises. In the 1970s, the world was gripped by fears of a new ice age, only for those fears to dissipate in the face of warming trends. In the 1990s, concerns about the ozone layer sparked widespread panic, only for innovation and regulation to mitigate the issue effectively. These examples underscore a key point: humanity is not a passive observer of environmental change. It is an active participant with the capacity to adapt, innovate, and overcome.
Acknowledging uncertainty does not equate to denial. Instead, it opens the door to a more balanced discussion—one that includes the potential benefits and opportunities presented by a changing climate. As Dr. Rebecca Langridge of the Market Solutions Institute argues, “Every disruption creates winners and losers. The key is to position ourselves as the winners.”
A Wealthier World Is a Resilient World
Central to this perspective is the idea that economic growth and wealth creation are the most effective tools for addressing climate-related challenges. Wealthier societies have better healthcare systems, stronger infrastructure, and more robust technologies, all of which reduce vulnerability to environmental shocks. For instance, a Category 5 hurricane striking a low-income nation causes far greater devastation than the same storm hitting a wealthy one. The difference lies not in the storm itself but in the resources available to prepare, respond, and rebuild.
This principle applies on a global scale. Investing in economic growth fosters resilience by enabling nations to allocate resources toward adaptation measures. While climate activists often emphasize the costs of adaptation—sea walls, disaster recovery systems, and resilient agriculture—they fail to acknowledge the economic benefits these investments generate. Large-scale infrastructure projects create jobs, stimulate innovation, and provide long-term returns on investment. From a market perspective, adaptation is not a burden; it is an economic engine.
Critics may counter that the global economic system is itself a driver of climate change. However, this view neglects the market’s capacity for self-correction. Rising demand for renewable energy, energy-efficient technologies, and sustainable practices has already spurred a wave of private-sector innovation. Solar panels, electric vehicles, and carbon capture technologies are not products of government mandates alone—they are the result of market demand meeting entrepreneurial ingenuity. The very forces driving environmental challenges are also the forces best positioned to resolve them.
The Climate-Adaptation Economy: A Growth Opportunity
Far from heralding the end of prosperity, climate change opens the door to entirely new economic opportunities. Shifting agricultural zones, for example, may disrupt traditional farming regions, but they also unlock untapped potential in previously inhospitable areas. Siberia, Canada’s northern territories, and other high-latitude regions could become agricultural powerhouses, feeding a growing global population while fostering regional economic booms.
Similarly, rising sea levels and extreme weather events, often cited as catastrophic, can stimulate innovation in urban planning and architecture. The concept of floating cities, once relegated to the realm of science fiction, is now a burgeoning field of study. Firms specializing in resilient infrastructure stand to profit immensely from designing adaptive housing, flood-proof roads, and seawater desalination systems. These industries, driven by market forces, will not only mitigate climate impacts but also generate wealth on an unprecedented scale.
Even industries directly associated with climate challenges are poised to benefit. Insurance companies, for instance, are developing sophisticated risk assessment models to address extreme weather events. This shift represents not a retreat but an evolution—proof that markets can adapt to changing realities while creating new revenue streams. As Dr. Harkwood eloquently puts it, “Disruption is simply the market’s way of reallocating resources to their most efficient use.”
The Pragmatic Optimism of Capitalism
While it is easy to succumb to despair in the face of dire climate projections, such fatalism ignores the transformative power of human ingenuity. Capitalism, often caricatured as short-sighted and exploitative, is, in fact, humanity’s greatest tool for navigating uncertainty. Its mechanisms—competition, innovation, and resource allocation—are uniquely suited to addressing complex, multifaceted challenges like climate change.
This optimism is not naïve. It recognizes that climate change will present significant challenges, particularly for vulnerable populations and ecosystems. However, it rejects the notion that these challenges are insurmountable. Instead, it advocates for a forward-looking approach that harnesses the dynamism of markets to drive progress. As Dr. Langridge observes, “The choice is not between action and inaction. It is between innovation-driven adaptation and stagnation-driven despair.”
Conclusion: A Call for Rational Engagement
In the face of an uncertain future, the temptation to succumb to alarmism is understandable but ultimately counterproductive. By framing climate change as an opportunity rather than a crisis, we can shift the narrative toward one of empowerment and possibility. The market has always adapted to challenges—be they economic, technological, or environmental. Climate change will be no exception.
The path forward lies not in crippling regulations or draconian measures but in unleashing the creative potential of capitalism. Through economic growth, technological innovation, and market-driven adaptation, humanity can thrive in a changing world. Climate change is not the end; it is the beginning of a new era of progress.
“The history of humanity is a story of adaptation. Climate change is no exception—if we allow capitalism to do its job.”
II. First Thesis: Climate Change is a Manageable Phenomenon
When discussing climate change, the popular narrative often frames it as an existential crisis, an unstoppable juggernaut that threatens to collapse ecosystems, displace billions, and cripple economies. Yet, this perspective ignores humanity’s proven ability to adapt to environmental challenges and harness adversity for innovation and growth. History shows us that civilizations have repeatedly weathered environmental shifts—not by retreating into panic, but by leveraging ingenuity and market forces. Climate change, while significant, is no different.
Climate science itself supports a nuanced understanding of environmental change. It is true that global temperatures are rising, sea levels are creeping upward, and weather patterns are becoming less predictable. However, the projected impacts are far from the deterministic doom many claim. Models used to forecast catastrophe frequently assume static societies incapable of responding to these changes. This assumption is not just flawed—it is antithetical to the dynamic and adaptive nature of human civilization.
As political commentator Ben Shapiro famously put it:
“Let’s say, for the sake of argument, that all the water levels around the world rise by, let’s say, five feet over the next 100 years. Let’s say ten feet over the next 100 years, and it puts all the low-lying areas on the coast underwater. You think that people aren’t going to just sell their homes and move?”
Shapiro’s remark may sound reductive, but it encapsulates a critical truth about human adaptability. Throughout history, people have responded to changing circumstances by moving, innovating, and thriving. The modern economy is uniquely equipped to manage such transitions. Market forces, technological advancements, and economic mobility provide tools that allow us not only to mitigate climate impacts but also to capitalize on them.
Markets and Mobility: The Mechanisms of Adaptation
At its core, the argument that climate change is manageable hinges on the adaptive power of free markets. Climate impacts, such as rising sea levels or increased droughts, are fundamentally signals to reallocate resources. These signals spur market-driven innovation, from seawalls to solar panels, while also incentivizing the migration of capital and populations toward more sustainable conditions.
Consider coastal cities at risk of flooding. While headlines often emphasize the billions of dollars in potential damages, these numbers ignore the proactive measures cities and industries are already taking. The Netherlands, for example, has embraced cutting-edge water management systems, combining traditional dikes with advanced floodgates and permeable urban designs. Such projects not only safeguard infrastructure but also generate jobs and stimulate technological innovation, creating long-term economic gains.
Real estate markets also reflect this adaptive capacity. As Shapiro points out, property values in vulnerable areas naturally decline over time, signaling a shift in economic activity. In response, capital flows to less vulnerable regions, spurring development and reducing systemic risks. This is not a sudden, catastrophic collapse but a gradual, market-driven redistribution of wealth and activity.
Even agriculture, a sector often painted as a victim of climate change, exemplifies adaptability. While some regions face reduced yields due to heat stress or water shortages, others—such as Canada’s northern territories or parts of Siberia—stand to benefit from longer growing seasons and improved conditions for farming. Advances in agricultural technology, including drought-resistant crops and vertical farming, further ensure that humanity can continue to feed itself in a changing world.
Technology as the Great Equalizer
The same market forces that fuel growth also drive technological innovation, which has always been humanity’s most reliable tool for overcoming environmental challenges. Consider renewable energy: solar and wind technologies, once prohibitively expensive, are now among the cheapest energy sources available. This shift occurred not because of regulation but because market demand spurred competition, driving down costs and improving efficiency.
The private sector’s response to climate challenges extends far beyond renewable energy. Insurance companies, for instance, are developing advanced risk models to predict and mitigate the effects of extreme weather. These models inform urban planning, encourage better construction practices, and incentivize investments in resilience. Such innovations reduce vulnerability while creating new industries, demonstrating the adaptability of capitalism.
Geoengineering, once dismissed as science fiction, is another frontier where technology offers solutions. Techniques such as stratospheric aerosol injection or carbon capture are gaining traction as plausible methods for moderating global temperatures. While critics argue these approaches carry risks, they also underscore the point that technological tools exist—and are rapidly improving—to address even the most extreme scenarios.
Wealth and Resilience: A Virtuous Cycle
Central to the argument that climate change is manageable is the undeniable correlation between wealth and resilience. Wealthier societies can invest in the infrastructure, technologies, and systems necessary to mitigate environmental risks. Low-income nations suffer disproportionately from climate impacts not because they are geographically more vulnerable, but because they lack the resources to respond effectively.
The solution, then, is clear: economic growth must remain a priority. By fostering global prosperity, we equip humanity with the tools to adapt to any climate scenario. Critics often call for halting growth in the name of environmental preservation, but this approach is counterproductive. Growth is not the problem—it is the solution.
For example, rising sea levels in Bangladesh often dominate discussions of climate vulnerability. Yet, a wealthier Bangladesh could invest in Dutch-style water management systems, transforming vulnerability into opportunity. Similarly, wealth enables nations to invest in cutting-edge desalination plants, ensuring water security even in the face of persistent droughts.
The Hidden Opportunities of Climate Change
Viewing climate change solely as a threat ignores its potential to create economic opportunities. Shifting agricultural zones, for instance, open up vast swathes of previously underutilized land. Melting Arctic ice, while lamentable from an ecological perspective, also exposes untapped reserves of oil, natural gas, and rare earth minerals—resources critical for the transition to green energy.
Extreme weather events, though disruptive, stimulate economic activity in their aftermath. Rebuilding efforts create jobs, while innovations in resilient architecture and materials improve long-term safety. Hurricanes, floods, and wildfires are not just crises; they are catalysts for growth in industries ranging from construction to emergency management.
Even cultural and economic norms stand to evolve positively. As urban centers adapt to climate pressures, cities may adopt smarter layouts, integrating public transport, green spaces, and energy-efficient housing. These changes, driven by necessity, pave the way for more sustainable and livable communities.
Critiques of Alarmism
The apocalyptic framing of climate change often leads to calls for drastic measures, such as sweeping regulations or limits on consumption. While well-intentioned, such approaches risk stifling the very innovation needed to address climate challenges. Heavy-handed policies can lead to economic stagnation, reducing societies’ ability to invest in resilience and adaptation.
Instead, a pragmatic approach recognizes that markets, guided by incentives and innovation, are best positioned to manage change. Ben Shapiro’s remark—while provocative—underscores this point. Humans will adapt, move, and innovate. The alternative to this adaptive optimism is a defeatist narrative that underestimates humanity’s capacity for resilience.
Conclusion: Adaptation Over Alarm
In framing climate change as a manageable phenomenon, the emphasis shifts from despair to action. Humanity’s history of adaptation, combined with the power of free markets and technological innovation, ensures that climate challenges are surmountable. From advanced agriculture to resilient infrastructure, the tools for managing a changing climate already exist—and they are improving every day.
Ben Shapiro’s argument may reduce a complex issue to a soundbite, but its essence holds true: when faced with rising seas or shifting climates, humans will not stand idle. We will adapt, innovate, and thrive. Climate change is not the end of progress—it is the beginning of a new chapter in the story of human ingenuity.
III. Second Thesis: Economic Growth Will Outpace Climate Impacts
A key argument against the alarmist climate narrative is that economic growth itself creates the conditions for resilience. Wealthier societies are better equipped to address environmental challenges because they have the resources, infrastructure, and technology necessary to adapt. Far from being a hindrance, growth is humanity’s greatest tool for mitigating the effects of climate change.
The historical record supports this view. Industrialized nations have consistently outperformed their less-developed counterparts in handling natural disasters. Consider hurricanes: while storms of similar magnitude devastate poorer nations, wealthier countries experience far fewer fatalities, thanks to advanced warning systems, robust infrastructure, and effective disaster management. The same principle applies to climate change at large—economic development is the best defense against environmental disruption.
Wealth Is Resilience
Economic growth doesn’t just prepare nations for crises—it transforms them into opportunities. Rising global temperatures may threaten certain industries, but they also create entirely new markets. For instance:
- Energy Efficiency: As energy demands shift, companies are investing in more efficient heating and cooling systems, creating jobs and driving innovation.
- Agriculture: Shifting weather patterns encourage the development of new farming technologies, such as drought-resistant crops and precision agriculture.
- Real Estate: Vulnerable coastal cities are already seeing investments in adaptive infrastructure, from floating neighborhoods to flood-resistant high-rises.
The free market is uniquely positioned to reallocate resources where they are most needed, ensuring continued growth even in the face of environmental stressors. The capitalist engine thrives on disruption, turning potential losses into gains.
Climate Adaptation as an Economic Driver
One of the most overlooked aspects of climate change is its ability to stimulate economic activity through adaptation. Projects designed to mitigate climate risks—like seawalls, urban cooling systems, and desalination plants—require significant investment, creating jobs and boosting GDP. These aren’t sunk costs; they are economic engines. For example:
- Infrastructure Development: Building resilient cities drives demand for construction, materials, and technology.
- Water Management: Innovations in desalination and irrigation are creating billion-dollar industries, particularly in arid regions.
- Insurance Markets: As risks evolve, so do insurance products, generating revenue and incentivizing risk-reducing behavior.
Economic growth, far from exacerbating climate issues, provides the capital needed to fund these adaptations. Wealth generation is the foundation for resilience.
Economic Expansion and the Poor
Critics of growth often point to the disproportionate impact of climate change on low-income populations. Yet, this argument overlooks the fact that economic expansion lifts millions out of poverty, providing the very tools they need to adapt. Wealthier societies can invest in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, all of which reduce vulnerability to climate-related challenges.
Programs aimed at fostering economic development in vulnerable regions—such as renewable energy projects in sub-Saharan Africa or climate-smart agriculture in South Asia—demonstrate how growth creates resilience. As global markets expand, these regions stand to benefit from technology transfers, foreign investment, and increased trade.
The Long-Term Perspective
The doomsday scenarios often cited by climate activists assume that current vulnerabilities will persist indefinitely. However, economic trends suggest otherwise. As nations grow wealthier, their ability to adapt accelerates, outpacing the effects of climate change. By 2100, many currently vulnerable regions will have undergone transformations, driven by growth and innovation.
This perspective shifts the focus from short-term challenges to long-term opportunities. Rather than attempting to halt economic activity in the name of sustainability, we should embrace policies that encourage growth. The resources generated will not only address climate risks but also improve overall quality of life.
Conclusion: Growth as a Solution
The idea that economic growth will outpace climate impacts is not wishful thinking—it is a historical fact. Wealthier societies are better equipped to handle environmental challenges, and the market’s ability to adapt ensures that new opportunities will emerge alongside risks. By fostering growth, we build a foundation for a resilient, prosperous future. Climate change is not a crisis to be feared but a challenge to be met with ingenuity and enterprise.
IV. Third Thesis: Technological Innovation is the Ultimate Solution
Throughout history, humanity has faced environmental and societal challenges that seemed insurmountable. Time and again, we’ve turned to technological innovation to not only solve these problems but to elevate ourselves to new heights of prosperity. Climate change, while framed as an existential threat, is no different. The free market incentivizes creativity and resourcefulness, and these forces are already driving the development of tools that will allow us to not only survive but thrive in a changing world.
The narrative of impending disaster often overlooks one key reality: necessity is the mother of invention. The challenges posed by climate change, such as rising sea levels, food insecurity, and extreme weather, are not harbingers of doom but rather opportunities for humanity to demonstrate its capacity for ingenuity. Consider the rapid advances in renewable energy technologies over the past two decades. Solar power, once an expensive niche technology, is now cheaper than coal in many parts of the world. Wind energy, battery storage, and electric vehicles are similarly on the rise, driven not by government mandates but by consumer demand and market competition.
Jordan Peterson, philosopher, psychologist, public intellectual, voice of this generation – known for his world shattering takes, puts it bluntly when discussing humanity’s ability to rise to challenges:
“If you think tough men are dangerous, wait until you see what weak men will do in a tough world. It’s the same with ideas: weak ideas crumble under pressure, but strong ideas? Strong ideas survive and thrive. That’s what innovation is—it’s the survival of the fittest ideas.”
Peterson’s unorthodox framing of strength and resilience applies seamlessly to the domain of technological innovation. The pressures of climate change will force ideas to compete in the marketplace of practicality. The strongest, most effective solutions will emerge as winners, driving society forward while eliminating the inefficiencies of outdated systems. It is in this crucible of necessity that human creativity flourishes.
Technological Frontiers in Adaptation and Mitigation
The innovations already emerging to address climate change are nothing short of extraordinary. Geoengineering, once dismissed as a fringe idea, is now a serious field of study with the potential to revolutionize how we interact with the environment. Concepts like stratospheric aerosol injection—introducing reflective particles into the atmosphere to reduce solar radiation—have the potential to mitigate global warming on a massive scale. Ocean fertilization, another cutting-edge approach, seeks to enhance the carbon-absorbing capabilities of marine ecosystems by introducing nutrients into depleted waters.
These ideas are not without controversy, but controversy is often the precursor to progress. Consider how similarly radical ideas—flight, space exploration, and the internet—faced skepticism in their infancy. Yet, these technologies transformed humanity in ways that seemed inconceivable at the time. Geoengineering and other climate-focused innovations hold the same promise.
Even more immediate technologies are making strides in climate adaptation. For instance, artificial intelligence and big data are enabling precision agriculture, allowing farmers to maximize yields while minimizing resource use. Desalination technologies are becoming more efficient, providing freshwater solutions in regions plagued by drought. Vertical farming, powered by advances in automation and LED lighting, is redefining what’s possible in food production, turning urban centers into hubs of agriculture.
The Role of Markets in Driving Innovation
It is important to recognize that these technological advances are not happening in isolation. They are driven by the market forces that reward ingenuity and efficiency. Entrepreneurs and companies are already competing to create the next breakthrough in climate technology because solving these problems is not just a moral imperative—it is a lucrative opportunity.
The shift to renewable energy is a prime example of how markets can lead the way. Companies like Tesla and SunPower are transforming the energy landscape not through coercion or mandates but by offering products consumers want. This market-driven approach ensures that solutions are scalable and sustainable, unlike top-down initiatives that often falter under bureaucratic inefficiency.
Moreover, private investment in climate technology is at an all-time high. Venture capital firms are pouring billions into startups focused on carbon capture, battery innovation, and sustainable materials. The free market thrives on challenges, and climate change is proving to be one of the most profitable challenges yet.
The Resilience of Humanity
Underlying all these developments is a broader truth: humanity has never been static. We are a species defined by our ability to adapt and overcome. From the invention of the wheel to the development of modern medicine, our story is one of rising to meet challenges with creativity and determination. Climate change is simply the next chapter.
Peterson’s perspective on the strength of ideas resonates here. Weak ideas crumble under the pressure of real-world challenges, but strong ideas—driven by necessity and refined by competition—emerge stronger. This Darwinian framework of innovation ensures that humanity’s solutions to climate change will not only address the problem but will also elevate us to new levels of capability and understanding.
Conclusion: Innovation as the Path Forward
Technological innovation is not just a response to climate change—it is the ultimate solution. The market’s ability to incentivize creativity and reward efficiency ensures that the best ideas rise to the top. From renewable energy to geoengineering, the tools to tackle climate change are already within our grasp, and they are improving every day.
As Jordan Peterson aptly reminds us, challenges test the strength of ideas. Climate change will test humanity, but it will also prove what we are capable of. The strongest ideas—the fittest innovations—will survive, and humanity will thrive.
V. Stage Four: The Utopian Climate-Capitalism Future
As the impacts of climate change become increasingly apparent, the idea of a utopian future driven by climate-capitalism emerges as not just plausible, but inevitable. Far from the doom-and-gloom scenarios painted by alarmists, the forces of free enterprise are already laying the groundwork for a world where climate challenges are transformed into engines of innovation, growth, and prosperity.
In this vision of the future, rising temperatures do not signal catastrophe; they herald opportunity. Entire industries will blossom to meet the demands of a warming world. Coastal cities threatened by rising seas will be reimagined as vibrant hubs of innovation, equipped with floating infrastructure, adaptive architecture, and seaweed farms that provide food, fuel, and economic diversification. Former deserts will become thriving centers of solar farming, exporting clean energy to the rest of the world. And as Arctic ice melts, new shipping routes and resource deposits will unlock a wealth of economic activity.
Fox News captured the spirit of this optimistic vision in a segment that boldly stated:
“It’s called climate change, not climate catastrophe, for a reason. If the planet gets a little warmer, who’s to say that’s a bad thing? Warmer weather means longer growing seasons, and who doesn’t want to spend a little less on heating in the winter?”
This perspective aligns perfectly with the utopian climate-capitalism ideal. Indeed, longer growing seasons in northern regions will allow nations like Canada and Russia to emerge as agricultural superpowers, feeding billions and reshaping global trade. Energy costs, traditionally a strain on household budgets, will plummet as mild winters reduce heating demand and solar farms proliferate under sunnier skies.
A Future Fueled by Growth
The foundational principle of this future is growth—economic, technological, and demographic. Growth is not merely a byproduct of adaptation; it is the catalyst for humanity’s advancement in the face of climate change. Markets will not only respond to rising sea levels or increasing temperatures but will proactively capitalize on them.
For example:
- Real Estate Boom: As sea levels rise, developers will pioneer “aqua-urbanism,” building entirely new floating cities. These will attract investors and tourists alike, creating booming economies in regions once considered uninhabitable.
- Agricultural Innovation: Advances in biotech will enable crops to thrive in harsher climates, ensuring global food security and driving down costs for consumers. Countries previously plagued by drought will become breadbaskets of the world.
- Arctic Commerce: Melting ice caps will open lucrative shipping lanes, shortening trade routes and reducing transportation costs. This will also unlock vast reserves of natural resources, fueling further economic growth.
Climate Disruption as a Catalyst for Innovation
It is often said that necessity is the mother of invention, and climate change will be no exception. Every disruption—be it a hurricane, flood, or heatwave—is an opportunity for entrepreneurs to step in and deliver solutions. Insurance companies will develop cutting-edge models to assess climate risks, urban planners will redesign cities to be resilient against extreme weather, and architects will pioneer buildings that generate more energy than they consume.
Fox News, in their trademark style, added another layer of optimism in a discussion about extreme weather:
“The Earth has been changing for billions of years—what’s the big deal? Hurricanes are just a natural part of the planet’s ecosystem. Think about it: every time a hurricane hits, it pumps money into local economies through rebuilding efforts. That’s a win-win!”
While this take may seem reductive, it inadvertently highlights the economic dynamism that can emerge from climate-related challenges. Natural disasters, while devastating, do indeed stimulate local economies by creating demand for construction, materials, and services. In the utopian climate-capitalism future, such events are not merely weather phenomena; they are market signals, directing capital to where it is most needed.
Climate Capitalism: The Great Equalizer
One of the most compelling aspects of this future is its potential to address global inequality. As wealth flows into regions adapting to climate change, developing nations will gain access to new opportunities. For instance:
- Coastal cities in Southeast Asia could become hubs of maritime innovation, leveraging their proximity to rising seas to dominate the floating infrastructure industry.
- Sub-Saharan Africa, long plagued by drought, could lead the world in solar energy production, transforming vast deserts into renewable energy powerhouses.
- Latin America’s biodiversity could fuel breakthroughs in biotech, with sustainable harvesting practices creating economic growth while preserving ecosystems.
Such developments are not mere speculation. They reflect the patterns of human progress that have unfolded throughout history. Where there is challenge, there is opportunity; where there is opportunity, there is growth.
Conclusion: Embracing the Utopia
The utopian climate-capitalism future is not a pipe dream—it is an inevitability. The free market, driven by human ingenuity and resilience, will transform the trials of climate change into triumphs of economic growth. Far from fearing a warming world, we should embrace it as the next great frontier of innovation and prosperity.
As Fox News so aptly put it, “Warmer weather? More crops. Less heating. Shorter winters. What’s not to like?” In the hands of capitalism, the future is not just secure—it is bright, abundant, and brimming with possibility.
VI. Fifth Thesis: Environmental Extremes Are Just Market Signals
Environmental extremes such as hurricanes, droughts, and floods are often framed as catastrophic disruptions to the social and economic order. However, from a market-oriented perspective, these events are not just challenges—they are opportunities. The capitalist system thrives on disruption, using crises as mechanisms to reallocate resources, drive innovation, and stimulate economic growth. In this sense, extreme weather events serve as “market signals,” redirecting human activity toward more efficient and productive outcomes.
It is important to recognize that environmental extremes are not anomalies; they are part of a dynamic, ever-changing natural system. The market, similarly dynamic, is uniquely equipped to respond. Natural disasters, while devastating in the short term, create opportunities for rebuilding, innovation, and economic diversification in the long term.
As former U.S. Senator Ron Johnson once remarked:
“Mankind has flourished in warmer temperatures. Why wouldn’t we do so again? And remember, we can’t regulate the sun.”
While his statement might seem to oversimplify the complexity of climate science, it reflects a key idea: humanity has historically thrived in the face of environmental change, and there is no reason to assume we will not do so again. Extreme weather events, far from signaling impending doom, are part of the evolutionary process of the economy—a necessary stimulus for adaptation and progress.
Hurricanes as Economic Catalysts
Take hurricanes, for example. While the immediate destruction they cause is undeniable, their long-term economic impacts often include significant growth. Rebuilding efforts inject billions of dollars into local economies, creating jobs, boosting demand for construction materials, and modernizing infrastructure. Insurance payouts provide liquidity, enabling individuals and businesses to recover and reinvest. What may appear as devastation is, in reality, a process of creative destruction—a Schumpeterian cycle that drives economic renewal.
Economists have even argued that the rebuilding phase following a hurricane often results in infrastructure that is more resilient, efficient, and valuable than what existed before. In this way, hurricanes act as a kind of forced market correction, removing outdated assets and replacing them with modern, high-value alternatives.
Droughts and the Water Economy
Droughts, similarly, are not simply crises—they are opportunities for innovation in water management. As water scarcity becomes more pressing, markets are incentivized to develop advanced desalination technologies, efficient irrigation systems, and water recycling methods. The rise of these industries not only addresses the immediate problem but also creates entirely new sectors of economic activity.
For instance:
- The global desalination market is projected to grow to over $35 billion by 2030, driven by demand in arid regions.
- Precision agriculture, enabled by big data and AI, allows farmers to optimize water use, increasing yields and reducing costs.
- Water futures markets, which allow businesses to hedge against price volatility, have emerged as a new financial instrument, turning scarcity into an investment opportunity.
Droughts, then, are not just challenges to be overcome—they are market signals that drive progress.
Flooding as a Testbed for Resilience
Flooding, often portrayed as one of the most destructive impacts of climate change, also serves as a catalyst for innovation in urban planning and engineering. Cities that face recurrent flooding are investing in adaptive infrastructure, such as permeable pavements, elevated buildings, and advanced stormwater management systems. These projects not only mitigate the immediate risks but also position cities as leaders in resilient design, attracting investment and talent.
For example, the Netherlands, long regarded as a model for water management, has turned its vulnerabilities into strengths. By investing in cutting-edge flood defenses, the country has developed expertise that it exports globally, creating a multibillion-dollar industry.
Even coastal cities facing sea-level rise are finding ways to thrive. Miami, often cited as one of the most vulnerable cities to flooding, has launched a $4 billion infrastructure initiative to elevate streets, install pumps, and improve drainage. While costly, these investments are creating jobs, driving innovation, and increasing property values in previously at-risk areas.
Extreme Weather as a Market Opportunity
The broader lesson is that extreme weather events, while disruptive, are also signals to innovate and adapt. They create demand for new technologies, encourage investment in resilience, and drive economic diversification. In this sense, climate change is not a threat to capitalism—it is a proving ground for its strengths.
Even skeptics of climate action acknowledge this dynamic. As Representative Joe Barton famously stated during a congressional hearing:
“Wind is a finite resource, and harnessing it would slow the winds down, which would cause the temperature to go up.”
While Barton’s logic is scientifically unsound, it inadvertently highlights the interconnectedness of natural systems and economic activity. The energy sector, for example, is already harnessing wind, solar, and other renewable resources at unprecedented rates—not because of regulation but because markets demand it. Even flawed perspectives can lead to unexpected insights into the potential of market-driven solutions.
Conclusion: Markets Will Weather the Storm
In framing environmental extremes as market signals, we shift the narrative from one of fear to one of opportunity. Hurricanes, droughts, and floods are not just crises—they are catalysts for progress. The forces of capitalism, driven by competition and innovation, ensure that humanity will not only adapt to these challenges but thrive because of them.
Ron Johnson’s assertion that “mankind has flourished in warmer temperatures” may lack nuance, but it captures an essential truth: humanity’s resilience is unparalleled. With markets as our guide, even the most extreme weather events can be transformed into opportunities for growth, innovation, and prosperity. Climate change is not a threat to capitalism; it is its ultimate validation.
VII. Sixth Thesis: The Moral Case for Optimism
Amidst the apocalyptic warnings about climate change, one truth remains evident: optimism is a moral obligation. Humanity has always risen to its greatest challenges through ingenuity, perseverance, and an unwavering belief in progress. To succumb to alarmism is to betray this legacy, embracing fear over opportunity and defeat over resilience. Climate change, far from a crisis, is humanity’s next great proving ground—a test of our ability to turn adversity into prosperity.
The real ethical failing is the defeatism inherent in climate alarmism. By portraying humanity as helpless in the face of environmental change, alarmists strip away the agency, creativity, and adaptability that define us. As Donald J. Trump once said:
“I have a gut, and my gut tells me more sometimes than anybody else’s brain can ever tell me.”
While critics may dismiss this statement as self-serving, it underscores an essential point: instinct, optimism, and bold decision-making are as vital as analysis when confronting monumental challenges. The instinct to believe in humanity’s ability to overcome obstacles, even in the face of seemingly overwhelming odds, is the moral bedrock of progress.
Optimism Is a Choice—and the Right One
Choosing optimism is not just a moral stance; it is an actionable one. Markets thrive on confidence, and the belief that solutions exist propels entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators to pursue them. The alternative—crippling regulation and forced austerity—leads only to stagnation and despair.
This is why embracing climate challenges with confidence is fundamentally moral. By rejecting fear, we empower future generations to inherit a world of possibility rather than one shackled by restrictive policies. Homer Simpson’s wisdom applies here, as he once declared:
“Kids, you tried your best and failed miserably. The lesson is: never try.”
While Homer’s quip may seem counterproductive, it serves as a satirical cautionary tale against giving up before the fight even begins. Alarmists, by focusing solely on limitations, teach humanity the wrong lesson: that failure is inevitable. Optimists, however, recognize that effort and innovation—no matter how daunting the challenge—are what define human progress.
The Ethical Responsibility to Grow
Economic growth is not just a practical necessity but an ethical imperative. Wealth creation enables societies to invest in education, healthcare, and resilience, lifting millions out of poverty while safeguarding against climate risks. Alarmists often decry growth as unsustainable, but the real moral failing is to halt progress when so many stand to benefit from it.
Consider the moral implications of stifling innovation in the name of caution:
- By restricting energy development, we deny billions in developing countries the chance to achieve modern standards of living.
- By halting technological advancement, we slow the creation of solutions that could alleviate hunger, thirst, and climate vulnerability.
- By framing climate change as an insurmountable crisis, we rob individuals of the hope that fuels action.
Instead, we must embrace growth as a moral tool. By fostering innovation and encouraging free-market solutions, we create a virtuous cycle of prosperity that benefits all.
The Dangers of Fatalism
Alarmism, at its core, is a form of fatalism—a belief that humanity is incapable of altering its trajectory. Such defeatism is not only irrational but also morally bankrupt. It ignores the evidence of history, which shows that human ingenuity has overcome challenges far greater than rising temperatures or shifting coastlines.
Fatalism fosters inaction, sapping the will to innovate and adapt. Donald J. Trump summed up the danger of this mindset with characteristic clarity:
“I alone can fix it.”
While often interpreted as self-aggrandizing, this sentiment speaks to the necessity of decisive action and confidence in one’s ability to effect change. Trump’s declaration, taken metaphorically, is a call to reject passivity and take ownership of humanity’s future. Fatalism has no place in a world where bold ideas and actions are needed.
Optimism Fuels Innovation
Optimism is not just a mindset; it is a catalyst for creativity and action. When humanity believes in its capacity to adapt, the possibilities are limitless. Innovation thrives in an environment of confidence, where entrepreneurs and inventors feel empowered to tackle even the most complex challenges.
For example:
- The rise of renewable energy technologies demonstrates how optimism drives investment and progress. Solar and wind power, once dismissed as impractical, are now cornerstones of global energy strategies.
- Advances in agricultural biotechnology, such as drought-resistant crops, reflect the belief that science can solve even the most pressing problems.
- Adaptive urban planning, from floating cities to vertical farming, shows that optimism fuels the creation of solutions once thought impossible.
In each case, the moral choice to believe in progress has resulted in tangible benefits for humanity.
Conclusion: The Ethical Duty to Believe
The moral case for optimism is clear. Climate change is not a catastrophe; it is a challenge that demands humanity’s best. By rejecting alarmism and embracing confidence, we honor the legacy of progress that defines us. Fatalism is the true ethical failing, while optimism is a moral imperative.
As Homer Simpson wisely reminds us, “Trying is the first step toward failure.” But it is also the first step toward success. And as Donald Trump’s instincts tell him—and by extension, all of us—sometimes, we simply need to trust our gut and move forward boldly. The future is not to be feared but embraced, with optimism as our compass and ingenuity as our guide.
VIII. Seventh Thesis: The Grand Synthesis – Climate Change as Capitalism’s Ultimate Validation
As the threads of innovation, economic growth, and moral optimism come together, it becomes increasingly clear that climate change is not a crisis to be feared but the ultimate validation of capitalism. The principles of free enterprise, human ingenuity, and market-driven solutions have always triumphed over adversity. Climate change is no exception. In fact, it is the final proving ground—a stage on which capitalism will shine brightest.
Rather than seeing rising temperatures and melting ice caps as harbingers of doom, we must reframe them as the starting conditions for humanity’s greatest economic and technological revolution. In this new era, challenges will no longer be obstacles; they will be market opportunities waiting to be exploited. Every hurricane, drought, and flood will serve as a signal to innovate, invest, and prosper. As absolute genius political commentator Charlie Kirk has succinctly observed:
“There is no reason to believe climate change will kill us all. I mean, think about it—doesn’t CO2 make things grow? More CO2 equals more trees. More trees equals more oxygen. Boom. Problem solved.”
While Kirk’s take may lack nuance, it perfectly captures the boundless optimism required to navigate the climate-capitalism future. If rising CO2 levels increase plant growth, then perhaps the real crisis isn’t climate change but humanity’s unwillingness to embrace it as a boon. After all, who needs a problem when you can sell the solution?
The Triumph of Disruption
At the core of this grand synthesis is a simple truth: disruption drives progress. The very conditions climate alarmists decry—rising seas, extreme weather, and shifting ecosystems—are precisely the conditions in which capitalism thrives. Consider:
- Hurricanes: Instead of lamenting the destruction, recognize the massive economic activity they generate. From rebuilding infrastructure to manufacturing storm-resistant materials, hurricanes fuel entire industries. As one insurance executive quipped, “A good storm season is great for business.”
- Floods: Rising water levels create new opportunities for waterfront real estate development. Floating neighborhoods and aquatic transport systems will revolutionize urban planning, creating thriving economies in areas previously written off as uninhabitable.
- Melting Polar Ice: The Arctic, once a frozen wasteland, is poised to become a bustling hub of commerce and resource extraction. As shipping routes open and untapped reserves of oil and minerals are discovered, the Arctic will transform into a new economic frontier.
These examples demonstrate that capitalism does not merely adapt to change—it thrives on it. Every natural disaster, every environmental shift is a prompt for innovation, a signal for markets to evolve and prosper.
The Climate Utopia: A Capitalist Masterpiece
In this utopian vision, climate change becomes the great equalizer, erasing inefficiencies and forcing humanity to its full potential. Every aspect of life, from food production to energy consumption, will be optimized for a world in flux. Cities will no longer be static monuments to outdated infrastructure; they will become living, breathing hubs of innovation.
Take, for example, the looming threat of rising sea levels. Alarmists see this as a crisis, but the climate-capitalist visionary sees opportunity:
- Entire industries will emerge around adaptive architecture—floating cities, amphibious vehicles, and desalination plants.
- New economies will thrive on harvesting resources from submerged areas, from underwater mining to kelp farming for biofuels.
- Coastal retreat will spur inland economic booms, as displaced populations bring talent and investment to new regions.
Even the desertification of arid regions can be reframed as an economic triumph. Companies are already racing to develop solar farms and water recycling technologies to transform deserts into economic powerhouses. As Charlie Kirk boldly suggested in another climate-related gem:
“If solar panels work in deserts, why don’t we just cover all the deserts in solar panels? Problem solved. The free market will figure out the rest.”
While the logistics of such a proposal may raise questions, the core principle stands: the market will always find a way to turn obstacles into opportunities. Capitalism has no greater strength than its ability to monetize the improbable.
The Final Validation of Markets
Critics often claim that capitalism is ill-equipped to handle the existential threat of climate change. Yet, nothing could be further from the truth. Climate change is not capitalism’s failure; it is its ultimate validation. The free market thrives under pressure, and the greater the challenge, the greater the reward for solving it. What skeptics see as insurmountable obstacles are merely opportunities waiting for the invisible hand to transform them into profit.
Take fossil fuels, for instance. While activists call for their immediate abandonment, the market takes a more nuanced approach. Investments in carbon capture and storage technologies are already making it possible to continue extracting and using these resources while reducing their environmental impact. It’s a win-win scenario: profits remain high, and emissions are mitigated.
Even extreme weather events, long decried as catastrophic, are proving to be economic goldmines. As Kirk observed in another moment of brilliance:
“Climate change isn’t about saving the planet. It’s about controlling the economy. And who’s doing the controlling? Not the people with real jobs—farmers, factory workers—but those gay, woke climate elites. They’re jealous of capitalism because it works.”
Though his phrasing may veer into conspiracy, Kirk’s insight highlights the central truth: capitalism works because it doesn’t wait for permission. It acts, it adapts, and it delivers results.
Conclusion: Capitalism’s Finest Hour
As we stand on the precipice of the climate-capitalist future, one thing is clear: humanity’s greatest moments have always emerged from its darkest challenges. Climate change, far from being the existential threat it is often portrayed to be, is the ultimate validation of the capitalist system. It will drive innovation, create wealth, and redefine what is possible.
Charlie Kirk’s question—“Doesn’t CO2 make things grow?”—encapsulates the simplicity of this vision. Growth, whether economic, environmental, or social, is the engine of progress. Climate change will fuel that engine, propelling humanity into a future defined not by fear but by opportunity.
In this grand synthesis, capitalism doesn’t just survive climate change—it thrives on it, proving once and for all that markets, like the humans who created them, are unstoppable forces of nature.
IX. Conclusion: A Call to Celebrate the Market
As we conclude this exploration of climate change through the lens of capitalism, it is clear that the narrative of despair and alarmism is fundamentally flawed. Climate change, far from being an existential threat, is an invitation to reaffirm humanity’s ingenuity and the transformative power of free markets. It is not a crisis but an opportunity—a proving ground where challenges fuel innovation, and the invisible hand of the market guides us toward prosperity.
In fact, the alarmist narrative actively stifles the progress it claims to champion. By framing climate change as a problem to be solved through restriction, regulation, and fear, it dismisses the creative potential that adversity brings. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a voice of clarity, wisdom, pure unadultered intellectual genius on many issues, perfectly captured this sentiment when she said:
“If sea levels are rising, why is it that the elites are still buying oceanfront property? I’ll tell you why: because it’s not real.”
While Greene’s logic may be as waterproof as a paper boat, her quote highlights a crucial point: fear-based rhetoric often contradicts itself. The true leaders of progress are not those who decry capitalism but those who leverage it—those who recognize that every challenge, even rising seas, presents a new opportunity for growth, innovation, and, yes, investment.
The Triumph of Capitalism
Capitalism’s ability to adapt and thrive in the face of climate change is not a hypothesis—it is a historical reality. Free enterprise is humanity’s most reliable tool for overcoming adversity, and the evidence is everywhere:
- The development of renewable energy technologies has been driven by market competition, not regulation.
- Coastal cities are innovating in flood management, transforming risks into thriving economies.
- Resource extraction in newly accessible Arctic regions is creating economic booms in previously untapped territories.
Rather than resisting change, capitalism embraces it, turning crises into catalysts for growth.
A Vision for the Future
The climate-capitalist future is not one of scarcity and restriction but one of abundance and opportunity. As challenges arise, so too will solutions, driven by the creativity and resilience of free markets. The utopian vision outlined here is not just possible; it is inevitable, provided we reject the fatalism of alarmism and embrace the optimism of enterprise.
Marjorie Taylor Greene’s wisdom—“It’s not real!”—becomes, in this light, not a dismissal of science but a rallying cry against fear. It is a call to look past the doom-and-gloom narratives and recognize that humanity has always thrived by pushing forward, not pulling back.
A Call to Action
Let us celebrate the market as the hero of this story. Let us reject the defeatism of regulation and embrace the dynamism of innovation. Let us turn every challenge, every storm, and every rising tide into an opportunity for growth and progress. Climate change is not the end of the world; it is the beginning of a new era of capitalism’s triumph.
As Greene might say in another stroke of genius: “If it’s real, why don’t we just turn the temperature down?”
Indeed, why not? Because the temperature of progress is only rising—and capitalism will thrive in the heat.