The world takes all kinds

My article on the environmental impact of meat consumption in Scientific American has elicited a wide range of response. I have gotten emails from climate change skeptics, Mother Gaia Earth fanatics and everyone in between. I am happy at the response, and I gladly answer all emails, sometimes with a verbosity that can only come from someone that keeps a blog and has no shame.

I would like to make clear to anyone reading though that I do not value all opinions equally. So, for your future consideration, I do not consider your opinion reasonable if:

• You think climate change is going to happen any time and we are all doomed. I like to call this the Day After Tomorrow syndrome.
• You are sure, 100%, that there is no such thing as human induced climate change and anyone that thinks there is has somehow been coopted by a liberal media conspiracy. Such certainty is clearly insane and based on no evidence.
  
• You are convinced that biofuels are going to eliminate feed for the animal industry, and that Americans will all be vegans within a year as they will clearly choose their cars over their food.
  
• You are hoping I will join you in a conspiracy like cabal to ensure all Americans become vegans within a few years.
• You believe there is any chance that Americans will all become vegans in the next 10 years.
• You think the carbon cycle is a conspiracy propagated by the UN and EPA on behalf of big business.
• You think only nuclear fusion will solve our energy needs and that wind, solar and hydroelectric power is a complete waste of time.
  

There are many things that one should not take moderate stances about: slavery, murder, helping other people, etc. Climate change though, like most science, is something that we should all keep a level head about, and pay attention to the data, not our personal ideologies.

In fact, my favorite comment thus far has come from Rhys Gerholdt of Carbon Free DC, who noted that he liked my work because it shows how normal people, rather than having to "live off the grid", can make important contributions to the environment by making small but important changes to their lifestyles.