We have seen the consequences. We know what we are facing. Climate change is the issue of this generation. This is the sentiment shared by the near 10,000 bloggers writing on this B
log Action Day, and so many citizens of this planet. Of course, there ar
e those who doubt the reality of climate change. I am not going to write today to persuade disbelievers with facts. That isn't something I feel qualified or willing to do.
Because I hold firm to my opinion that we are past the time of persuasion. We have entered the realm of pure, immediate action. That being said, I urge you, skeptic or no, to explore books like "Hot, Flat and Crowded" by Thomas Friedman, or "The Weather Makers:How Man Is Changing the Climate and What It Means for Life on Earth." by Tim Flannery. Go to the website 350.org, visit the Climate Orb on tcktcktck.org, or http://consequence09.org/.Look at this graph, keeping in mind that scientists claim that 350 parts per million CO2 in the atmosphere is the safe amount of CO2 for humanity. CO2 ppm today is dangerously above that number.
Climate change calls for a societal shift. Movements, large and small throughout the world. We need to remind ourselves of the staggering amount of CO2 in the planet's atmosphere. We have to remember that we can't function inside the current ppm of CO2. Mindset has to change.
We know the drill already. Carpooling, biking, reusing or simply eliminating plastic bags, unplugging electronics, installing compact flourescents lightbulbs. That spectrum of the Green Revolution is becoming commonplace. I don't want to demote those crucial actions at all (in fact, right now, jump up and turn off an unnecessary light in your house, or unplug your cellphone charger). No! We need to continue this efforts tenfold! We all know the power of the chain reactions- the aluminum water bottle you carried into the grocery store might just inspire someone else to recycle their plastic water bottles and pick up one of these:
But of course, there is more to be done. We need to return to our roots, to the earth, to living without a carbon footprint. Let's look to the example of Denmark- running off of the wind, and achieving near carbon neutrality nationwide. Let's examine societies where public transportation really works, and assess what needs to be changed in countries with poor public transportation systems. Let's urge lawmakers in the United States to switch agricultural subsides off of corn, and therefore make the localvore affordable and accessible. You know yourself where sustainable changes in your community should be made. For example, the independent high school I attend does not have a bus system to transport students to school. As a result so a huge number of personal vehicles driven by parents and older siblings arrive at school each morning and afternoon. Though the community prides itself on it's carpooling initiative, the bottom line is to many cars motor to school each morning. I know that my school community needs to alter this system, and I also know we must start now.
First steps are arguably the most stubborn stumbling blocks of most ingenious ideas. Your green efforts might falter in the beginning, especially proposals that challenge a whole communities' comfort zones. But this is the time for the big ideas, for plans that shake the lull we're resting in. We need them more than ever. Remind yourself of that. So organize a group to not only install solar panels on your home, but your whole street's homes. Don't just recycle in you own home, petition that for every trash can in your city a recycling bin should be match it.
Install biodiesel van pools or buses, plant a community garden. Think of individual actions that add up. They will add up. They will pay off. Start now.
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