350. What's the significance of this number? It's the amount of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere, measured in parts per million, that is considered safe for humans according to leading scientists. What number are we at now? 390. We're already too big for our clothes.
Global warming is speeding up. It's our fault; we're addicted to dirty energy. But the international climate talks in Copenhagen this December provide an incredible opportunity to set greenhouse gas emission limits that get us to the magic number. We can't do this alone--"we" as individuals, and even "we" as the United States. We need to be accountable to each other, everywhere in the world, to save it.
I know it's easy not to think about climate change. Everyone likes a long summer. Unless we're dealing with a Hurricane Katrina, it's easy to forget, to focus on the economy, health care, the war(s), and making it through the day. Imagine, though, that we're on a very slowly sinking ship. Let's call it the Titanic. It has already hit an iceberg. It is going to take a really long time to sink--so long, you will barely notice the water levels rising. But we have this amazing new technology that will actually allow us to repair the Titanic's hole, and bail out the water. (A side note: implementing the technology will stimulate the ship's economy!) Do we want to use it? Or, do we want to forget about it and focus on the power struggle between the groups on the boat? It's all in the timing. By the time it's obvious we are going down, it will be too late for anything but a few life rafts for the wealthy. (Not their kids, though; they won't make it in the long run.)
I spoke with a prominent environmental law professor recently who thinks we're all doomed. A number of environmentalists have already given up on getting anywhere in Copenhagen. I agree we'd be doomed if we sat here in our SUVs, cranking the air up as it gets hotter. But I don't buy it. Remember "nothing can stand in the way of millions of voices calling for change?" Remember "yes we can?" Remember that, yes, we did? We can do this too. I have to believe this, and I want you to believe it, too.
Saturday, October 24 is International Day of Climate Action. So raise your voice. Tell your family and friends why Copenhagen is important. Tell your elected representatives that you think we need a climate bill now--to regulate ourselves, and to show the international community that we're serious. (Thanks, Senator Boxer and Senator Kerry, for getting the ball rolling on that in the Senate, after passage of the Markey-Waxman bill by the House in June.) Tell President Obama that if he can make it to Copenhagen to lobby for Chicago to host the Olympics, he can make it for this; it's a little bit more important. (And he'll be heading to Oslo anyway to accept his Nobel Prize...make it worth something, Obama!) Check out what's going on at 350.org, Hopenhagen.org, and globalobservatory.net.
And don't forget to turn off the lights and unplug your computer when you're done.
Leah Lamb: 350: The Climate Event That Might Just Save the World
350 parts per million is the number that leading scientists say is the safe upper limit for carbon dioxide. It's the number humanity needs to get back to as soon as possible to avoid runaway climate change.
Jessy Tolkan: From MIT to Copenhagen: How Obama Can Help Us Win Climate Victory
It's astounding to see how powerful this grassroots movement can be. Now we're in a position to end the year with major legislation in Congress and lead the world at Copenhagen in December.
Carl Pope: Walking Down the Avenue
While we should applaud the Administration for doing what the law and common sense require to protect the polar bear, we mustn't lose sight of the larger remaining challenges.
YouTube - 350.org: Because the world needs to know
Can Copenhagen Deliver a New Industrial Revolution? climatebiz.com
I do not believe that “weâ€, for the most part, would run our home finances in the same manner that national finances have been run. Since “we†are not consumed by a desire for re/election. I do not believe that “we†would not notice easier and more effective ways of doing things, and neglect to implement changes for our dependent’s sakes.
Unfortunately “we†have until now been at the mercy of individuals. Who once they have obtained power, through use of a system they themselves have devised and disguised. Are not directly accountable to “weâ€, until after damage has occured.
“the Titanicâ€.
Had the crew of that liner been consulted. Is it conceivable that they would not have pointed out that their inability to see sufficiently far enough ahead, at that speed of progression, tended to compromise the vessel’s maneuverability?
Wasn’t it the commander of that ship, under undue pressure from the “ownersâ€, who precipitated the disaster? Rather than “we†the crew.
“Weâ€, the crew, now have control of the intercom (internet). “We†can tell the engine room to reduce speed, if the commander will not. We can point out that a plan based on the reduction of CO2 is not the only response available. But many others, which will prove effective even if that gas isn’t the central cause of the problem after all.
It might become apparent that the ship of state isn’t going anywhere without us.
Japan is moving forward with every kind of nuclear reactor imaginable, yet we here in the US are tilting at windmills. Our solution is so inefficient, that we know it would never have nearly enough impact, without our government significantly reducing our freedom. I mean it's fine now for people to choose a Hummer or Prius, but lefties hope that such a choice will soon be removed through government mandate.
This generation of Americans has witnessed incredible scientific breakthrough; and yet now we are told that government coercion, higher taxes and energy prices, and austerity will be our only salvation.
I smell a rat. We can do better than to reduce ourselves to shackled and prostrate climate sinners; if we control Mother Nature's thermostat, let's do something savvy and innovative to make it colder outside.