I have largely stayed out of such debate, and once claimed a "fence-sitter" attitude with regards to "climate change", AGW, Global Warming, etc.
My entire life has been financed by the production of liquid hydrocarbons. As was my father's life, and his father's life. My children's births, diapers, food, clothing, schooling... all paid for by receipts of sale from liquid hydrocarbons.
I've personally witnessed every Democrat President after Eisenhower (AND Nixon) attempt to dismantle my family's way of life. We fought through repression and suppression, "Windfall Profit" taxes, $8 oil, public resentment, ridicule, contempt, and outright vilification.
I am well versed in the science, technology, methodology, practices, and usage of hydrocarbons.
And I am sick and ******* tired of being the whipping boy.
Yet here I sit. On the fence.
Am I contributing to the destruction and degradation of earth's natural balance? Has my father done so? Did his father?
I think, no more so than anyone else on this planet who has ever lived and consumed.
And so I am committed to the continual production of a much needed and vital commodity that all of humanity so dearly needs to simply exist in today's world.
And for that I am proud. Of myself, my father, and his father.