Hydrocarbons have affected the climate but is a bit of a con I agree. The real problem is the amount of habitat destruction and pollution that has been created since the industrial revolution. They are tied together and as hydrocarbons are a finite resource, have to find alternatives sometime.
Recycling is the big con. Better to move away from single use consumer crap with all the packaging......but that's not good for economic growth is it? If products lasted a long time like the old days eg only a few years ago got rid of a 60'sera fridge, doubt new ones would last that long. Mobile phones the same.