Paying for Climate Change

Modern "green" consciousness hit the mainstream just three years ago with the release of "An Inconvenient Truth," but proponents of the theory that we must make drastic changes in our economy and lifestyles are ascendent and are acting as if they believe they have captured the zeitgeist. Berkeley's "sustainability coordinator" has determined that Berkeley's residential housing stock is a direct cause of global warming and climate change, and is preparing to order homeowners to rehabilitate their homes. Incredibly, they have even attached a price tag to this effort: Hot debate ahead on Berkeley's energy plans

The classic Berkeley home - a creaky Victorian with drafty windows, a Wedgewood stove and musty furnace - will undergo a drastic makeover under the city's aggressive new plans to fight global warming.

Within the next few years, the city is likely to mandate that all homes meet strict energy standards. In many cases this would mean new double-paned windows, insulation in the attic, walls and floors, a new white roof that reflects heat, a forced-air furnace and high-efficiency appliances.

The cost: upward of $33,800.

$33,800! Hey, what are you going to do? "The science is settled," right? And, while progressives make a big show of being cool and groovy, they are ready to bring the hammer down sooner, rather than later:

Under the proposal, all homeowners in Berkeley will be required to hire an energy auditor to inspect their home for leaks and inefficiencies.

Each home will receive a rating, similar to a car's gas- mileage rating. The owner will be required to improve the home's energy efficiency to meet city standards.

In the beginning, the city will offer incentives, such as rebates and financial assistance, for homeowners to comply. But within a few years, the city will start imposing penalties for those who don't meet the standards, said Timothy Burroughs, the city's climate action coordinator.

"Climate Action Coordinator?" That's a job? Indeed, it is. And he will make sure that YOU hire someone to come "inspect" your house to determine how many thousands of dollars you need to spend to "save the earth" when even Emeryville, not to mention China and India, are doing nothing comparable. Feel safe, yet?

"We want to emphasize that this is in people's interest," he said. "If we're serious about reducing our emissions, it's only possible if virtually every building achieves significant improvements in energy efficiency."

The People! Yes! They must be made to pay their tithes!

The idea that you can "stop climate change" with double pane glass, and by sealing draughts is pure magical thinking. It certainly won't make Berkeley a more pleasant place to live. While the stereotype of Berkleyites is that of either students or Puppies (Progressive Urban Professionals), there are plenty of regular folks living there are well, some from the Left's supposed favored classes: public sector employees, non-profits, blue collar workers, minorities, seniors on fixed incomes. Asking them to pay thousands to treat an ephemeral problem is almost tyrannical. It is certainly inequitable.  

I have no idea how people will react to this enforced expenditure of their money. Given the high levels of conformity and apathy, I'd say it's 50-50 that most will meekly acquiesce, while griping about the "thems" who oppress them, rather than their actual political leaders who do the oppressing.