Over the past few years much has been made of the growing climate crisis, with global warming being the most known aspect of the climate crisis. While there has been no scientific proof showing that humans are the main cause or sole cause of this climate crisis, it shouldn’t strike anyone as a surprise that yes, we are indeed, the main cause. That is not to say that there are not naturally occurring causes and phenomena that are contributing as well.
The point that I am trying to make is that we need to sit down and think about what it is that we are doing to the Earth. We only have one Earth. It is up to us as people, a singular human race and species, to take care of this majestic and astounding planet of ours. We should take into account just how vastly our world has changed since our technological revolutions and sense of enlightenment. We have utilized and exploited what the Earth has given us. We have dug, drilled, cut down, blown up, and any other method possible to extract the valuable and limited resources that this world has provided us.
And, while these resources have provided us with the opportunities and means to provide comfort, luxury, basic necessities, and the means to live our lives as we see fit, that doesn’t mean that we should neglect what has been given to us. For centuries, before our technological revolution, mankind lived as one with nature. Humans used what they needed, and they used all that was given to them.
The Native Americans of the Great Plains were nomadic in nature following the Buffalo herds. When on hunts, the Native Americans would kill only what they needed to survive. They used all parts of the Buffalo, whether it was for food, clothing, tools, or any other means. They used it all, but only what they needed. Tribes that still exist in the rain forests of the Amazon and Africa use nature as a means to survival. The rain forests are their means of survival. Without the rain forests, they will have to choose to adapt themselves into a world in which they know nothing, or they will die.
While I don’t want to be the messenger of doom, it has to be said that what we do to our world has an effect on everyone and everything else. Our insanely gluttonous nature in extracting the non-renewable resources, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, is creating a world that is becoming increasingly difficult to live in and protect. Now, apocalyptic scenes, such as in the move “The Day After Tomorrow”, will most likely not happen. But that doesn’t mean consequences won’t be apparent. It is already beginning. The Earth’s temperature is steadily increasing, oceans and seas are rising or receding (depending on location), deserts are expanding, forests are shrinking, animal and plant species we have never seen (and some we have) are becoming extinct, and the Ozone layer is being depleted.
We need to take this time to save our world. Do whatever you can, even if it isn’t much. Every little bit counts. Get energy efficient appliances, windows and lightbulbs. Limit your consumption of electricity. Carpool if you can, or take public transportation. And for crying-out-loud, recycle. These are simple steps that we can do to save our planet. If you want to be more active, write a letter to your local Congressman, Senator, or other political representative. Ask them to do something, see if they can put pressure on your government to induce change.
For now, this is our only planet. We have to take care of it as much as we can. I encourage all of you to participate in Earth Hour this Saturday, March 28th @ 8:30pm local time. For one hour turn off all of your appliances, electronics, and anything else that consumes electricity. That one hour may not make a difference, and then again, it might. But like I said, every little bit helps.
Some people out they may want to continue driving gas guzzling automobiles and live their lives as they currently are, and that’s ok. There isn’t anything I can do to make them do otherwise. All I can do is hope that they take a moment to think about what they are doing, and maybe just change one thing here or there. Just be environmentally conscious, that’s all I ask
For more informaton about Earth Hour, please visit http://www.earthhour.org/home/ .
3 Comments
Sad part is we can still have this luxurious lifestyle and still be environmentally friendly by changing just a few of our habits. A select few feel the need to halt these changes because they may not financial benefit from our new eco-friendly habits. So instead of helping the situation by looking ahead and trying to lead the green revolution. Possibly making money in the process they would rather throw money at stopping viable solutions.
Love the topic and great stuff as usual!
stop drinking the Al Gore coolaid.the earth’s temperature has been going up and down for millions and millions of years [It was a major factor in our evolution]. Let’s not forget the sun spots that occur every now and then.
Climate Change is real, but it is a Natural Phenomena.
While I did not address that in my post, I do understand and agree with your statement, Emeka, that climate change is a natural phenomena as well. However, the rate at which climate change has occurred is staggering. The alarming rate at which it is happening can’t be attributed solely to natural events. It is preposterous to think that the exponential increases in carbon emissions and other greenhouse gases, by humans, has not had an impact on the environment.
And yes, I may have taken a sip of the Al Gore kool-aid, but that does not mean that I cannot see that he has found facts to fit his theory. As a student of Political Science at a major United States university, I do have the basic know-how in conducting research and analyzing other types of research. It is undeniable, however, that Al Gore has brought both the natural phenomena and man made phenomena of global climate change into the public psyche.