Climate change: a phrase that is
all too common yet too infrequently acted upon. For decades scientists have
produced hard evidence showing the disastrous effects of climate change and the
potential global threat it could become if continuing on the same path.
However, nations are too concerned with sacrificing tried and true policies
which hurt the economy due to fear for losing in the global market because of
newer environmentally safe practices. Though more and more nations are coming
forward and declaring a new commitment to clean and renewable energy, questions
arise as to what it would take for every nation to confidently step forward and
declare full commitment to clean practices. Does it take every nation stepping
forward promising to adapt these promises? Does it require a more immediate and
dire consequence for not taking steps to fix this global threat? An unfortunate
reality is that though we are not under immediate threat of annihilation by
environmental forces, the lives of many already are.
The citizens of Tuvalu are already
facing the reality that their homeland may not be habitable within a few
decades if the rising water levels do not cease. For being a consequence that
is widely known, the melting ice caps pose a threat greater than just polar
bears (not that I don't care about polar bears) by threatening many island
nations and shorelines with an ever approaching threat. Unfortunately, a common
attitude held by people living inland treat rising sea levels as a joke.
"More beach front property" is not the reality, less habitable land
and a displacement of a living population is. Environmental security is in line
with all other forms of security as well, because the displacement of
populations means not only the abandonment of national security as the nation
will no longer exist as a habitable location, but the ignoring of ontological
implications for both the displaced population and the accepting population.
The transitioning of culture, language, and traditions is one that cannot be
ignored, as undoubtedly history is lost in such a drastic change. Thus, the
priority of climate change prevention is to minimize or reduce the effects of
global warming if possible.
International policies and
agreements such as the Paris Agreement have attempted to take steps in unifying
the globe against the dangers of global warming, but as it stands even with
nations standing together, many of the citizens do not. Until the public
attitude on energy conservation and aim for renewable energy resources becomes
popular, there will be a consistent problem. As it currently stands, lobbying
to change reforms originally meant to change energy policy for the bettering of
the environment to still aid traditional non-renewable resources is a common
occurrence. The only way to truly make a 180 degree turn to change the destiny
of our planet is for a large-scale attitude shift towards renewable energy;
this shift is necessary for both citizens and corporations. For the safety of
the planet, climate change is a threat that needs to be addressed by all, as it
is a threat that is for all.
Wow is all I can say! Very inspiring Chase. I think it's extremely important, like you said, that we adopt a new view on climate change because nothing can get done until we all acknowledge climate change as a real threat. Though the majority of people do see it as a threat or at least possible threat, certain top officials do not see the threat. The issue with this is that just because they don't view it as a threat does not mean the problem does't exist. The proof is in the pudding, climate change is real and we need to change our attitude towards it. Fantastic post!
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Chase, I agree with this post. You covered the material well and included your own opinion intertwined within the post. I wish you talked about the many global conventions that have taken place that revolve around climate change. Is there something that these conventions have not covered? Are they coming to a nationwide consensus? If anything, what do you think they should talk about at the next upcoming one? Just some food for thought in order to have a more complete blog post. Great job.
ReplyDeleteChase, i liked your blog as you were able to share your opinion while, also backing it up with facts and background on the events surrounding climate change. Furthermore, it was good that you mentioned the conventions surrounding climate change and how they have done virtually nothing to help with climate change.
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