Why do I always forget about Global Warming??
Alarmingly, global warming has fallen by the wayside yet again in my perception of current events and global issues. It resides in a nebulous sphere behind all of the tangible issues of the present, from political strife to economic shifts. It is vastly more important than either, however, as it is the one thing that truly concerns everyone on Earth.
Our world is heating up, and we are just beginning to discover the consequences of our actions. A study published in the public health journal The Lancet on Wednesday determined that we don’t see the effects of global warming on an individual level. Rather, Kristie L. Ebi, a professor of global health at the University of Washington, stated; “we see them jointly. We see them coming at communities all at the same time.” These often imperceptible factors of global warming have huge impacts, however. Heat stress both kills and leads to kidney or cardiovascular disease. Moreover, changing climates create a chain reaction of detrimental health developments. Recently, more and more cases of so-called “tropical” diseases have been registered in the US, pointing towards a shift where foreign bacteria can travel farther due to warmer climates. The effects of climate change aren’t limited to humans, however. Food production in “over 30 countries” is declining, and it is painfully apparent that climate change will only become more destructive for life around the globe. And all this is, to use a terribly accurate pun, just the tip of the iceberg. As our oceans continue to rise along with global temperatures, weather events such as hurricanes, storms, tsunamis, and monsoons will all increase in frequency.
Frankly, I am always shocked when I hear climate change statistics: shocked because they are so extremely large and shocked because I am always so nonchalant about them. I always forget about global warming because forgetfulness is convenient. It is easy to forget about the scariest thing in front of you. I know that I am not alone. Many well-educated, bright people can pass through their day-to-day lives and completely forget that climate change is destroying our planet. No longer can we make this easy choice by conveniently forgetting about climate change. Every day, we must remind ourselves of its severity, for it is more important than almost any other issue on the planet. The time to take climate change seriously was 30 years ago. Today, we are beyond acknowledgment. The mounting effects of global warming demand that we take immediate action. And so, today, I have decided that I will try and control my carbon footprint as well as advocate for what truly is the world’s biggest issue: the end of the world.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/28/climate/climate-change-health.html
Our world is heating up, and we are just beginning to discover the consequences of our actions. A study published in the public health journal The Lancet on Wednesday determined that we don’t see the effects of global warming on an individual level. Rather, Kristie L. Ebi, a professor of global health at the University of Washington, stated; “we see them jointly. We see them coming at communities all at the same time.” These often imperceptible factors of global warming have huge impacts, however. Heat stress both kills and leads to kidney or cardiovascular disease. Moreover, changing climates create a chain reaction of detrimental health developments. Recently, more and more cases of so-called “tropical” diseases have been registered in the US, pointing towards a shift where foreign bacteria can travel farther due to warmer climates. The effects of climate change aren’t limited to humans, however. Food production in “over 30 countries” is declining, and it is painfully apparent that climate change will only become more destructive for life around the globe. And all this is, to use a terribly accurate pun, just the tip of the iceberg. As our oceans continue to rise along with global temperatures, weather events such as hurricanes, storms, tsunamis, and monsoons will all increase in frequency.
Frankly, I am always shocked when I hear climate change statistics: shocked because they are so extremely large and shocked because I am always so nonchalant about them. I always forget about global warming because forgetfulness is convenient. It is easy to forget about the scariest thing in front of you. I know that I am not alone. Many well-educated, bright people can pass through their day-to-day lives and completely forget that climate change is destroying our planet. No longer can we make this easy choice by conveniently forgetting about climate change. Every day, we must remind ourselves of its severity, for it is more important than almost any other issue on the planet. The time to take climate change seriously was 30 years ago. Today, we are beyond acknowledgment. The mounting effects of global warming demand that we take immediate action. And so, today, I have decided that I will try and control my carbon footprint as well as advocate for what truly is the world’s biggest issue: the end of the world.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/28/climate/climate-change-health.html
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| A roadside worker laying pavement in swelteringly hot weather |
So true. Easy to forget (or that is an easy coping mechanism). We are working on a GIP-Sci Dep Climate Change evening.
ReplyDeleteI like your honesty and clarity. Thank you!
ReplyDelete