Climate Change has at last become a headline issue, not just something that idealistic environmentalists talk about. But has it become noticed soon enough for us to address the issues it throws up? I think the recent catastrophic flooding in England demonstrate that the issue is already really serious. Will people be prepared to make the lifestyle changes they need to make to prevent the worst case scenarios? Will we be able to reduce our consumption of oil, rather than expecting that we can find a technological fix to magically allow us to continue to live our current unsustainable lifestyles?
Some people think that there is still scientific debate over whether Climate Change is a natural phenomenon or whether it is due to human activities. According to reports I've read, there is actually a scientific consensus that it's mostly due to our activities (I think the historic evidence of natural climate change would certainly allow for an element of the natural in the current situation, but a minor element). In my opinion though, whether climate change is a natural phenomenon or human made, the reduction of the world's oil supplies, means we most certainly need to find ways to reduce our consumption, eg to fly less frequently, use less plastics, drive less, use less electricity.
Phenomenon for Sunday Scribblings
It seems like An Inconvenient Truth has open some previously closed eyes. We all better act now before this window of opportunely is shut for good.
ReplyDeleteI do my share by not driving. I walk and take public transit. Nothing upsets me more than watching a single passenger hummer circling around for a parking spot at the mall. It is just so wasteful, and the consequences of this scene repeated all across the country are unfathomable.
Great post topic!
Ahhhh simplify...good plan!!! Well put! Wonderful concept!
ReplyDeleteI like your 'birds singing' thing - instead of just 'comments'. When I saw the flooding in Britain I was quite taken aback - because it's England and you don't really see that happening there. There's a lot of talk and no real action (yet) on a mass scale in terms of cutting down and cutting back. I don't think the human race fully understands what is happening. Many people say we have gone beyond the point where we can help ourselves and there is no turning back. But I disagree. We have the opportunities to lighten the burdens we are placing on the Earth.
ReplyDeletewhere would we be if there had never been an ice age..... i think the convenient truth is they have found something to strike fear and empty pockets,,, and who can argue with a sales pitch like that????
ReplyDeleteHerb- I think that An Inconvenient Truth has brought issues to a lot of people's attention. Definitely.
ReplyDeleteGiggles - thanks!
Elspeth - not since 1947 anyway. I agree there is hope if we all wake up in time.
Paisley - is that cynicism I hear?
Hi Crafty,
ReplyDeleteI am not confident that enough changes can be made in time. People are too comfortable with their lifestyles to care about the future.
Rose
xo
Hi Rose - that's my worry too. I have to hope otherwise though...
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely - we all have to get off our lazy bums and take responsibility for our part in the problem - and take measures every single day to try to undo the damage to the environment. Those people who say there's nothing to worry about need to wake up and smell the very strong coffee before it's too late.
ReplyDeleteClimate change is definitely on the way and little matter who or what is causing it. It is a shame though, that only the threat of global warming can kick start us into treating our planet a little better.
ReplyDeleteThere is hope for the environment. We just have to start young. I have motivated a lot of students to use cloth bags and recycle paper.
ReplyDeleteI use the public transport and/or walk to places with 5 km.
As always, your post is great.
Paris - exactly!
ReplyDeleteMountain dweller - yes, it is a shame!
Gautami - its great to have teachers like you who encourage ther istudents and pupils to be environmentally friendly.
This is one of the few treatments of this subject which states clearly that WE need to change. Congratulations.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to link your heart and soul, crafty green poet, with the SS for the week. Bravo. Now i have to get going! ANd I second elspeth--love the "birds singing". So clever.
ReplyDeleteWe need people like you who constantly keep us on our toes as far as awareness goes on this huge issue! Thanks for sharing your ideas on global warming. Living in Florida, we have our share of warming!
ReplyDeleteIve lives in NYC my whole life - 45 years.
ReplyDeleteAnd I can tell you that in the last 20 years summers have significantly changed.
There's no more spring or fall really.
It's incredibly humid and every year more and more close to 90 or above days.
We need to do something fast.
Thanks for a great share,
Frances
http://blogforth.com/2007/07/29/sunday-scribblings-july-29th/
I think most people are getting it but like you said are choosing to wait for the "magical quick fix."
ReplyDeleteYes, we're all waiting for the phenomenon of the quick fix to save us. A very good post, as always.
ReplyDeleteI'm reading The Weather Makers at the moment and it makes for very frightening reading. George Monbiot at Monbiot.com also has some interesting articles about the need for political action to tackle Climate Change. Awareness is gradually rising and we all need to take personal action, but there's no denying that Al Gore could do a lot more as President than putting on Live Earth events.
ReplyDeletevery scary. my son doesn't own a car, washer, dryer or most of the things you listed. i'm not nearly as green as he is although I'm trying, but i raised him so i get extra points there:)
ReplyDeleteAnnie - you certainly do get points for raising someone who is environmentally aware!
ReplyDeleteVerilion - I think Al Gore could do more too. george Monbiot writes a lot of sense. I'll look out for Weather Makers, not seen that.
Tammy, Patois - yes its scary really because there is no quick fix.
Frances - I've noticed lots of changes in the climate here too.
Regina - I like to keep people on their toes!
Andrea - thanks
Paul - thanks - its because of the expected quick fix that so many people don't talk about what we all need to do.
This whole issue has been on my mind a lot lately. In South Africa, not an awful lot is being done about climate change etc. I think AIDS etc are far further up on the agenda, which I suppose is understandable; but still, we have to look to the future don't we?
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Juliet. I try to do my part buI can always do better. I drive a prius due to the distance my work is.Congrats on being nominated for the positive change award. I think you deserve it.
ReplyDeleteCrafty -
ReplyDeleteThanks for continuuing to raise awareness of this issue; a natural phenomenon hastened and warped by our own mechanical phenomenon.
I have not had a car for a few years now. I do have a motorcycle for when I have to absolutely get somewhere far and of course now that I have a fabulous g/f I have her car if needed. However, I typically find a way. I ride the train to work and walk the four miles home. If I need to get to and from work quickly there is my bicycle. A bicycle is a handy device and I recommend it to all.
Keep up the good work!