Tesla and solar power have some possibility of solving climate change. Kill utilities, oil, and auto transport. That might get us somewhere. Paris treaty...just don't see it.
I'm in general agreement, I would not say climate treaties are a waste of time, but they have only made a minor contribution so far.
In terms of accelerating the mission of sustainable energy and transport Tesla has done far more than any treaty process or any government.
Every nation will be moving to clean energy and transport, China is pragmatic, but they want to end oil imports ASAP.
They are only burning coal because their energy needs exceed what they can currently make with clean energy.
Even in China, clean energy is cheaper ,the Chinese are smart enough and pragmatic enough to realize this.
For Tesla there are a number of compounding benefits:-
- The businesses are in sectors of the economy that are naturally expanding.
- Higher sales drives more price reductions as a result of of leaning curves, lower prices keep driving demand.
- These are new industries, R&D and improved products can make a difference further driving demand.
- The mission is motivating for customers and employees.
- Tesla will get credit for accelerating clean energy and transport for decades after the mission is accomplished.
- Tesla's values and image strongly align with the younger generation, below the age of 25 there are lots of aspirational buyers.
For the competition, specially ICE cars, oil, coal and gas, the future is not bright. That is because the alternative is getting better and cheaper each day, public awareness is growing, and their businesses are in terminal decline.
Climate treaties may have inspired some countries, states or regions to introduce some incentives for clean energy and transport, that has helped. But IMO without Tesla 100% clean transport would take at least 15-30 years longer, climate treaties only resulted in slow progress.
