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Global warming and climate change Based on current and subsequent media coverage surrounding the events of the Copenhagen Summit in 2009, few can deny that global warming and climate change are hot issues.
National Geographic addresses the topic of climate change on the worldwide web, stating: “Scientists have spent decades figuring out what is causing global warming. They’ve looked at the natural cycles and events that are known to influence climate. But the amount and pattern of warming that’s been measured can’t be explained by these factors alone. The only way to explain the pattern is to include the effect of greenhouse gases emitted by humans.” To understand both the function and effect of greenhouse gases one might visualize the globe comfortably wrapped in an electric blanket. Minus human interference, Mother Nature regulates the blanket’s temperature. That regulation is very important. Without it, scientists predict Earth’s average temperature would be 54 degrees colder than it is, much too cold for the ecosystem to survive. When humans get their hands on the imaginary blanket’s controls, their actions—from filling their car tanks to importing exotic foods and operating factories—increase the levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) as well as other greenhouse gases in Earth’s atmosphere. These activities drive Terra Firma’s temperature up at a faster, much more worrisome rate, than if Mother Nature were left alone. Deforestation is another activity that negatively impacts the control of greenhouse gases since trees do the important job of inhaling carbon dioxide and exhaling oxygen. Population growth factors in, too, since as that number inches up, so do the accompanying carbon footprints, particularly in industrialized nations. With the United Nations at the forefront of world efforts to reduce greenhouse gasses, those on Main Street are doing their best to help. Believing as one environmental slogan reads that, “Every Action Counts,” they are calculating their own carbon footprints using carbon and ecological calculators such as those found on The Nature Conservancy’s website or Carbon Footprint Ltd.’s website. The Global Concerns Committee of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, mindful of LCWR’s 2009 Resolution to “…take measurable steps to reduce our congregational/community footprint,” suggests the following practices: 1. Reuse cloth, paper and string, instead of plastic, bags; 2. Remove your name from catalogue and direct mail lists; 3. Reduce the use of disposables like bottled water, dinnerware, prepackaged foods; 4. Install energy saving compact fluorescent light bulbs; 5. Drive hybrid cars, carpool, combine errands; 6. Invite elected officials to develop environmental policies and strategic plans to reduce the carbon footprint in government buildings and public spaces. Each of these actions is a doable one for those who live by the mantra, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” |
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