A few people might consume a ton of gas but compared to everyone as a whole they wouldn't make much of a difference. But if everyone starts consuming less then of course there's be a massive difference. Is that not obvious?
Let's keep this civil and not insult each other during a debate. My elementary-aged students can do it, I'm sure we can as well.
Yes, our economy is tied to consumption. Unfortunately, we'll kill ourselves off at this rate of consumption, especially since developing countries are starting to ramp up their consumption. But it won't be the ones living now that really suffer; it'll be the generations down the road.
There are ways of dealing with reducing our consumption that don't destroy our economy. Nobody expects you to immediately move out of your suburban house and stop commuting to work. But long-term decisions need to be made over time. And gradually increasing costs of gas and products will influence those decisions.
