Decisions, decisions. I do some of the easy green things already - mini-flourescents and LEDs; restricted driving with small, fuel-efficient car; motorcycle when practical; small house kept on cool; new windows - that sort of thing.
I do these things but I'm torn about whether it really matters? I'd like to take a vacation too but then there's the issue of fossil fuel consumption and jet engine emissions and so on. If two or three percent of the population skips those things, will it make the slightest difference?
I do believe in athropogenic global warming, not the slightest doubt. I also am convinced that there are several, climate change tipping points that we may not keep ourselves from reaching.
A year and a bit ago I wrote that there are several solutions to global warming, the best of which slipped through our fingers in the 60's before we knew any better. There are today's solutions which aren't nearly as good but they too are slipping away fast. Then there are tomorrow's solutions which are going to be a lot more miserable yet. Sooner or later we'll have to opt to solve the problem and, when we do, we'll have to accept whatever options remain to us at that time.
But, in the meantime, what do we do as individuals? Do we transform ourselves into environmental monks or is a limited measure of conservation and restraint enough?
What do you think?
I do these things but I'm torn about whether it really matters? I'd like to take a vacation too but then there's the issue of fossil fuel consumption and jet engine emissions and so on. If two or three percent of the population skips those things, will it make the slightest difference?
I do believe in athropogenic global warming, not the slightest doubt. I also am convinced that there are several, climate change tipping points that we may not keep ourselves from reaching.
A year and a bit ago I wrote that there are several solutions to global warming, the best of which slipped through our fingers in the 60's before we knew any better. There are today's solutions which aren't nearly as good but they too are slipping away fast. Then there are tomorrow's solutions which are going to be a lot more miserable yet. Sooner or later we'll have to opt to solve the problem and, when we do, we'll have to accept whatever options remain to us at that time.
But, in the meantime, what do we do as individuals? Do we transform ourselves into environmental monks or is a limited measure of conservation and restraint enough?
What do you think?
You only really have to do one thing and everything will be taken care of through the gentle natural course of evens ... vote GREEN. It is your most powerful weapon.
ReplyDeleteHerb you would be right if, but only if, the Greens had any reasonable prospect of winning seats in parliament, enough to have an impact. Yesterday's endorsement of Stelmach means any progress on a green agenda is going to require a party that can realistically rid us of Harper.
ReplyDeleteIf the Canadian people were to support the Greens, that would more than have the prospect of winning seats in Parliament....it begins with herbinator who sounds like he/she has begun already, you MOS and me....it's called taking a chance and shaking things up.....gawd knows it definitely needs to happen in this country big time...what in heck would we lose that we haven't already lost? Cheers
ReplyDeleteI hear ya, I hear ya.
ReplyDeleteIf you approach the topic with the rational, "What can I do to lower my foot print and also save myself money long term based on Peak Oil and rising energy costs?" You will be able to rationalize making changes even if 2 or 3% of people making the change are not enough.
ReplyDeleteAs more people look at it from this perspective, far more than 2-3% will jump on the band wagon. There also is a large monkey see monkey do aspect to these life changes, setting examples for your extended family, friends, neighbours and kids will make a larger impact than just yours.
Also considering the performance of Harper and Dion, is it that hard to make a leap of faith that anyone else would have to be better?
I'm willing to make changes, GAB, but I suppose I'm having difficulty getting confidence in others. As for Harper and Dion, I won't be looking to them on this topic.
ReplyDeleteSwim to Fantasy Island.Greener
ReplyDeleteFantasy Island. That's quite intelligent, anon. Funny how discussing changes that have absolutely no impact on your type gets you so exorcised. Just what is your malfunction?
ReplyDelete