There's a lot of controversy surrounding the issue of Global Warming. Some say it's a conspiracy by the left to push a liberal agenda, while others strongly believe that man is indeed negatively impacting the longterm survivability of the planet.
Personally, it appears to me that we can't take the chance of being wrong. That said, how do we move forward in developing a cohesive strategy for avoiding potential environmental catastrophe, I mean, just in case those liberal, tree hugging, left leaning wingnuts are right?
First, I think we need to get agreement on the fact that the earth is a living system, just on a larger scale. Just like humans and other living things, it can be damaged if its natural order is knocked out of kilter.
If we continue to dump toxins into the water and air at ever increasing levels, destroy the rainforests and continue "old style" farming practices across the globe, which allow precious topsoils to flow to the oceans through runoff, then it only makes sense that a negative impact will eventually be the result. It is already evident that this is the case.
The immensity of our planet makes it difficult to fathom that we tiny humans can actually cause measureable damage. But if you look at it in terms of our own bodies, then you'll remember that even the smallest bacterial or parasitic invader (usually at the "invisible" molecular scale) can enter our bodies and wreak havoc on our health, even causing death in many cases.
Why would the earth be any different? Can't a relatively small influx of toxins do it great harm as well? And doesn't it make intuitive sense that the earth, as a living being, might possess a biological defense system?
Is it possible that an increase in hurricanes and tornadoes, drought, fires, etc. are the earth's way of defending its natural balance? Or, if that sounds too far out, isn't it feasible to believe that the extreme weather and the dramatic increase in arrid zones across the planet is a by-product of industrial man's presence?
There's a lot we don't understand about this planet and the universe. And, for that reason, we need to remain open to at least listening to what others are saying about the impact of man. Be present and don't listen to the evidence while still engulfed in your own preconceived notions.
If nothing else, thinking of the planet in terms of it being a living system, just like us, may make us think twice before we dump toxins into its rivers and oceans or destroy millions of acres of its life-giving rain forests.
Do what you can to learn about the issues regarding our world. Be open to other opinions about the damage we humans may be doing to the planet. We have only one earth, and as much as we like convenience, it isn't disposable.
Signs are everywhere that the earth is warming and the long term effects of that are not too promising. There are a couple of excellent books on the Books To Read list on this topic and I highly suggest you read them.
If Global Warming concerns you, send a note to your Congress person to let them know your feelings and thoughts. If enough people do this, perhaps it will raise the level of awareness among our leaders. Go to MORELINX on the left column to contact your Congress person.
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