I agree with everything you say. But let me offer a slight critique of "As I'm posting a lot of such disbelieving comments". Please consider that HN is also a media outlet. And while mainstream media wouldn't engage in consumption reduction brainwashing, you can offer a counter voice and do your own brainwashing. And HN crowd is the right audience. I believe a fair share of us belongs to the top 10% that emits half of carbon globally (https://www-cdn.oxfam.org/s3fs-public/file_attachments/mb-ex...).
The absolute emissions reduction from individual lifestyle adjustments is not that important in itself. But it should create a cultural space required for the current and future politicians to take action. Politicians don't lead, they follow. We live in a democracy after all. But hopefully it apparently takes only 3.5% of the population to take an active stance on something to cause a change (https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=YJSehRlU34w).
I want to be part of that 3.5%. And I will keep brainwashing (eh, I mean inspiring) people around me.
I always try to argue honestly and use HN discussions as a way to pick up even more sources and information to get better understanding of climate and energy security issues, but yeah, I am aware that there's plenty of people reading these comments and I may be convincing some. If so, and to the extent people are convinced by information and not accidental rhetoric, I'm happy I could contribute. I do want to see meaningful climate change happen and I want to do what I can to help it. Since I'm not yet involved in it in professional capacity, HN discussions is one of the few things I can do.
(We also have MEP elections today; I'm currently agonizing on who to vote. It so happens that the people with sanest (IMO) climate and energy policy goals are also the people I disagree with on other topics. I feel I'll go with the climate though - it's really a critical issue.)
The "brainwashing" part was a bit tongue-in-cheek - a better word would be "influencing" or "convincing", or maybe even "inspiring". But I like to take opportunities to remind people that all of those are, to an extent, the same things, and that we have an industry full of professionals whose job is to do that regardless of the content of the message they're delivering.
EDIT: Keeping with the spirit of your comment, I know there are some regulars here working in cleantech and energy sector. I won't name any names, you know who you are - but remember, your input in these topics is very appreciated and important!
The absolute emissions reduction from individual lifestyle adjustments is not that important in itself. But it should create a cultural space required for the current and future politicians to take action. Politicians don't lead, they follow. We live in a democracy after all. But hopefully it apparently takes only 3.5% of the population to take an active stance on something to cause a change (https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=YJSehRlU34w).
I want to be part of that 3.5%. And I will keep brainwashing (eh, I mean inspiring) people around me.