One result cut against the old idea that apocalyptic believers simply stop caring about the future.
Instead, people who expected the end soon often supported stronger intervention, especially when they thought human actions were driving it.
That response challenges the simpler story that end-times believers only shrink their time horizon and stop investing in tomorrow.
As Carlin put it, maybe mother nature wanted plastic, so she made people. People made plastic, and now, it’s time to get rid of people. What will remain after all the people are gone? The Earth! Plus plastic!