Genuine answer: This is controversial because it is to intentionally alter the climate. We use fossil fuels for energy, not to alter the climate. The climate stuff is a negative side effect of fossil fuels.
Once you know the side effects of something, if you continue doing it, that’s intentional. So I don’t think that distinction makes much of a difference.
Why is there no “controversy” about destroying the planet, ongoingly with petroleum products?
Genuine answer: This is controversial because it is to intentionally alter the climate. We use fossil fuels for energy, not to alter the climate. The climate stuff is a negative side effect of fossil fuels.
Once you know the side effects of something, if you continue doing it, that’s intentional. So I don’t think that distinction makes much of a difference.
It makes a massive difference. It’s the reason why one of them is considered a controversial new technology.