A Planet At Peril, But Politics As Usual

This article, from a NASA scientist, argues that it would be dangerous to use fossil fuels extracted from sand and shale.  They would yield a fuel that has a higher carbon content than coal.  He describes some of catastrophic effects that would likely occur as a result.  I find it curious that our political economy is centered around decreasing long term budget deficits, while we ignore the dangers of unacceptably high short term unemployment.  Those who give priority to austerity now, tend to be those who ignore the long term dangers from climate change.  Unfortunately, the few who benefit from these policies, have a greater influence on policy than the many who are put at risk.