Probably the single-most concrete and substantive thing an American, young American, could do to lower our carbon footprint is not turning off the lights or driving a Prius, it's having fewer kids...we'll soon see a market in baby-avoidance carbon credits similar to efforts to sell CO2 credits for avoiding deforestation.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes that reducing the number of children is a significant way to lower carbon footprints.
Andrew Revkin's quote suggests that one of the most effective actions young Americans can take to reduce their impact on the environment is to reconsider their choices about parenthood. By highlighting the environmental costs associated with population growth, he proposes the idea of 'baby-avoidance carbon credits' as a futuristic solution that parallels current markets aimed at reducing carbon emissions through lifestyle changes.
In practice
In a discussion about climate change solutions, one could reference this quote to highlight non-traditional methods of reducing environmental impact.
A revolution is coming – a revolution which will be peaceful if we are wise enough; compassionate if we care enough; successful if we are fortunate enough – but a revolution which is coming whether we will it or not. We can affect its character; we cannot alter its inevitability.
When she bleeds the smells I know change colour. There is iron in her soul on those days. She smells like a gun.
That's evolution. Evolution's always hard. Hard and bleak. No such thing as happy evolution
Society is made up of individuals. The thoughts and actions of each individual influence the culture of that society. Instead of waiting for others to improve, we should try to improve ourselves. Once our attitude has changed, we will be able to perceive goodness throughout world. If there is a positive change in us, it will also be reflected in others. It is only what we give that we can hope to get back.
Quitting, for me, means not giving up, but moving on; changing direction not because something doesn’t agree with you, but because you don’t agree with something. It’s not a complaint, in other words, but a positive choice, and not a stop in one’s journey, but a step in a better direction. Quitting-whether a job or a habit-means taking a turn so as to be sure you’re still moving in the direction of your dreams.
Come, come, my conservative friend, wipe the dew off your spectacles, and see that the world is moving.
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