Climate change. It’s no longer controversial – and anyway it only was controversial as long as it suited the oil lobby to say so. Now that they see that there might be an end to the fossil cash cow, and that they’ve seriously invested in a diverse portfolio of renewable and nuclear energy and cars, they probably can stop paying scientists to say that there is no statistical evidence.
There’s always the percentage of humanity that says “i don’t care as long as i can buy that yacht/horse/porsche”, which has started to speculate on carbon credits. Kyoto has allocated a certain amount of ‘carbon spending’ to countries. Trading can ensue: countries that have more of a service industry, and will reach their targets with a margin, can sell their credits to, say, an asian country with high economic growth (losing somewhat sight of the original idea, which is to reduce overall emissions).
But I believe most of us have started to understand what’s at stake, and see and feel the effects.
In the meantime, some people wonder if we’re not past the point of no return. Which doesn’t mean that we should start pumping out CO2 like there’s no tomorrow: the most sensible course is still to save what can be saved.
My awareness of the subject heightened again this summer, when I visited the Canadian Rockies. Heart-breakingly beautiful landscapes. But get this: glaciers manage 70% of water storage. Every spring, snows melt from on the glaciers, and feed the rivers flowing through the forrested valleys. And the glaciers have been receding at a frightening pace – about half over the last century. Imagine those splendid ecosystems menaced by drought.
Most of British Columbia already has a very real problem: the mountain pine beetle’s expansion is usually curbed by the severe winters. But since the winters are less cold, the beetles are prospering and begetting, and whole forests are being devoured.
Then there are many species that are not equipped to deal with sudden temperature changes, and biodiversity takes a hit.
Anyway, cheerful thoughts. Past time for action, in a rational manner:
- pressure politicians to formulate and enforce regulations on businesses
- take the bike, insulate your house, and switch off appliances when they’re not needed
Your children will thank you.
I’ve been lucky this summer with my reading: good books. And a couple of new authors, too, which is even better, because it means even more books to come. Referrals by friends and acquaintances, mostly.