So, I was listening to Rush Limbaugh the other day. I know, I know. You'd think I would know better than that... But he said something that I have heard other people say. The statement goes something like this:
Man! It sure is COLD today... What ever happened to GLOBAL WARMING?!? We could sure use some of that GLOBAL WARMING around here... (Chuckling about how everyone else is so stupid and only Rush has the REAL knowledge about what's going on...)
I don't blame Rush. He's a radio host. He's paid to be obnoxious and insulting and arrogant - it creates controversy that makes people listen. If it weren't so obvious it would be scary. But like I said, I hear it from many different sources, so it kind of bugs me.
Couple of things to keep in mind:
1. Global warming is happening. It is a matter of a few degrees measured over the past century or so. Whether or not human intervention into natural processes is contributing to the current trend, how much we are responsible for, and what (if anything) to do about it are matters for debate, but the fact that it is happening at all is pretty immutable.
2. Climate change as a result of global warming is also happening. It affects various species all over the world. Polar bears cannot take off their coats on a particularly warm day, and plants need certain specified conditions - warmth, sunlight, precipitation - in order to prosper. They have adapted over the course of many thousands of years to the climates in which they live. Changing the balance threatens their existence.
3. Daily temperature is in no way indicative of a warming GLOBAL environment. The trend is warmer. Thus, the statement, "Man, it's cold today - so much for GLOBAL WARMING!!!" is misguided.
4. What is important to note is the relationship between global warming and extreme climate events. The more energy in the atmosphere due to global warming, the more chances there are for stronger storms. Again, we're talking about things on a global level which have impacts on the local.
So what? What's the point? If we are simply in a natural thermal cycle, leading towards a warming trend, we need to be aware of what the result will be. Steps should be taken to ensure that valuable and vital ecosystems across the world are not irreparably damaged. The world is a small place, and we are all interconnected. What affects people in the Himalayas also affects people in the Okefenokee... Retreating glaciers has an effect on global sea levels, which impacts the swamps and low-lying regions of the world.
And if, as many experts suggest, people ARE having an impact on the environment, perhaps we should take reasonable steps to mediate that impact. We in the United States have a certain quality of life that we enjoy. Our forefathers have worked diligently that we might have these blessings. But that quality of life comes at a price, socially and environmentally. I think it's important to do those things within our power to reduce that impact. We are using resources now that our descendants may well have to strive to repair.
Ultimately, we are given this world for which we are to be wise and faithful stewards. Failure to take care of the earth is like failing to clean one's own home - they are one and the same, really. Just as we seek to have a peaceful, safe, clean environment to raise our children, our earth should receive the same care.
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