Topic: Greenhouse Gas

A 40-year lag exists between carbon dioxide emissions and the resulting atmospheric temperature rise, meaning current warming is the result of 1974 levels. McPherson notes that more CO2 has been emitted in the last 29 years than in the previous two centuries, suggesting catastrophic warming is already "baked into the cake." He offers a perspective that individuals are not personally to blame, as these systemic actions occurred before most current adults had agency.

The San Onofre nuclear plant in Southern California is cited as an example of poor design and maintenance during an era of economic decline. McPherson argues that humanity faces a binary choice: continue industrial civilization and accelerate lethal climate change, or allow the civilization to collapse and face radiation from the world's 407 nuclear plants. He suggests the lack of capital in an age of contraction makes managing these facilities increasingly impossible.