You are correct. Carbon is objectively and scientifically meaningless. But since it is going to be an economic fact of life (taxes) for the foreseeable future, it is worth talking about in some sense.
The subject must be redirected. Climate change is predicted based on computer models that are man made.
It is computer modelers rather than coal burners that are the cause.
While the sky is said to be falling, there is no piece of sky one can find on the ground and hold in his hand.