The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued its 23rd annual “State of the Climate” report for 2012 as a supplement to the August 2013 issue of the “Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society.” This was covered in a very brief NPR piece entitled, “Earth Scientists Pin Climate Change ‘Squarely On Humanity’”
One interesting aspect to the change in our climate was mentioned in the NPR article. It quoted a Texas A&M climate scientist, Gerald North, who said, “This thing (sea level and temperature) doesn’t just go up continuously, but is kind of like a ratchet. It goes up, then it steps back a little bit, then it goes up some more.” Perhaps this is one of the reasons that some people are unsure if the climate is actually changing or not.
Another group of scientists, the American Geophysical Union, represents 60,000 scientists who study the Earth, issued a two-page statement with the headline:
“Human-induced climate change requires urgent action.“
and additionally states:
“Humanity is the major influence on the global climate change observed over the past 50 years.“
But wait! There’s also a bit of good news:
“Rapid societal responses can significantly lessen negative outcomes.“
Here are some of the ways our scientists are monitoring our climate:
As can be seen in the image above, some of these measurements have only been studied for a few years or decades. This is used, by some, to say we’re just observing typical changes to the climate, like a pendulum that swings back and forth. We also have methods of evaluating atmospheric conditions that go back hundreds of thousands of years, such as ice cores extracted by drilling in the Antarctic.
One assertion I’ve seen, is that these dire warnings about our climate are an effort to establish a new world government, under the United Nations. In fact, one blogger for Scientific American wrote an opinion piece entitled, “Effective World Government Will Be Needed to Stave Off Climate Catastrophe.” The point being made, is that the technical advancements needed to affect a change in our habits are easy, compared to the societal changes that will be required. This argument about climate control being a ruse to create a world government, reminds me of Superman comic books and movies. Do you remember why Kal-El was sent to Earth to become Superman? His father, the scientist Jor-El, had predicted the imminent destruction of their planet. When he presented this information to the leaders of Krypton, he was accused of trying to grab power and was banned from speaking of his findings to others. Sound familiar?
Developing nations could easily ask, “Who are the United States, Great Britain, Germany, Russia and China to tell us we cannot cut down forests to increase farm land? They did it in their time! Who are they to say we should not burn coal or have nuclear power? They do those things even today!”
And they would be right.
If we are to affect change throughout the world without giving up any sovereignty, regardless of how little or how benign the intent, we must lead by example. Eventually, each nation will see that the costs of uncontrolled pollution and development are not worth the economic benefits. This is starting to happen in China now. However, we as a species, cannot afford for each developing nation to make the same mistakes we did. The future of our world is at stake. We cannot dictate their development to them. They are sovereign, just as many in the United States wishes to remain. We can however, admit to our past mistakes and lead by example. If we can show a way to economic development that is more environmentally friendly, we can show those, not as far along in economic development, a safe way through the minefield. In this way, the United States can become, as Ronald Reagan said, “…a shining city upon a hill whose beacon light guides freedom-loving people everywhere.”
Here is a way that both sides of the political spectrum can join forces. We first have to accept that industries die and are replaced by others. I’m sure many people were upset that their jobs assembling typewriters and making typewriter ribbons were ended by the advent of computers. All those livery stables that went out of existence, due to the rise of cars, cost jobs as well. Big deal. Other, better jobs replaced them. Eventually, the largest companies of our times, coal mining, oil and gas production, etc will shrink to a fraction of what they are today. Those with vested economic interests in those firms will resist change. And those people are very powerful. Nevertheless change will occur. The smart people, vested in those concerns, will begin to divest themselves of them, when the change becomes inevitable. Others will cling to their way of life, even at the cost of the future of our planet. We cannot let the short-sighted ones take us down with them.
Look at your own behavior and modify it. Change to cleaner energy, even if it means your costs are increased a bit. Evaluate better transportation options like mass transit, car pooling or electric vehicles (if powered by renewable energy). Recycle, when possible. Donate, rather than discard, to reduce the need to manufacture new goods. Most importantly, as you adopt a long-term view of the world:
Align your investment strategy with companies and industries that have a long-term view, not just a short-sighted view of profits this quarter. (vote with your dollars)
Invest with a long-term view. Pick companies in whose products and services you believe. Don’t trade stocks daily or weekly. Actually invest for a change, instead of placing a bet. (This might be how we eventually regain control of Wall Street!)
Elect leaders who want to err on the side of caution and who are not willing to risk our world to curry the favor of those tied to the powerful interests of industry. Elect those supporting mass transit, recycling, cleaner energy sources and ways of reeducating our workforce for the new industries we need. (vote with your vote!)
Stand up for the world, instead of being silent, when those around you are debating climate change. Isn’t it obvious that even if 99% of scientists are wrong about climate change, that it would be in our best interests to heed their warnings, just to be safe?
This is social and industrial evolution. It feels like starting over, and in a way it is. Once you’ve climbed to a level of comfort, no one wants to start over, but that’s what America does. We invent new ways. We lead. So let’s stop moaning and get on with it.
It’s what makes us great.
