So it’s Earth Day, our yearly reminder of the fragility of our collective home. But of course these reminders no longer come in annual increments. Daily, moment to moment, we see reports put in stark relief the perilousness of our current course.
To get the conversation started, I thought it might be interesting to look back to my own thoughts from the past. This was two years ago…
Now in 2021, we are still in the midst of a global deadly pandemic. I would have hoped that we would have learned a bit of humility about the limits of our power to bend nature to our will. Sadly, too many have not. There are several lessons from public health that are also strongly repeated in our climate crisis. Ignore science at our peril. The dangers of wishful thinking. The importance of planning, resilience, and empathy.
For all the despair, however, there are many signs of hope. The Biden Administration seems to be putting climate change and the environment at the center of its policies, from transportation and housing, to national security, to the general economy. A new generation of leaders is rising up to demand action. Industry is at least starting to say the right things. Even mine workers are now supporting Biden’s green energy policies.
So the question is, on this Earth Day, how do YOU feel about the direction we are heading in? Do you feel more hope or more despair? Do you believe we have turned a corner of innovation and action or will the forces of denial and cynicism win out?
Some ground rules for these Wednesday chats (and also the comments sections on other posts):
I want a space where people feel safe to express their views, as long as they are offered in good faith.
I want a space where ideas can be challenged, especially my own.
I want debate. But I want it to be civil.
I want people to come here with open minds, and open hearts.
I want this to be fun as well as serious.
We can agree to disagree without being disagreeable.
During the lockdowns to contain covid, the planet began to heal. We all saw this around the world. The smog cleared out from Denver and Los Angeles. The canals cleared up in Venice.
Unfortunately for the globe, the minute restrictions are lifted, the beating of Mother Earth continued. I have been a protective force for the Earth since my earliest memories. I grew up on a tiny family farm and had a great education from that. To this day I grow much of the food we eat, use battery powered lawn care machines. We don't just jump in the car for any reason. Trips for essential items are planned for the least amount of miles and no backtracking. The Earth can be healed, but it will take an Army. We must begin immediately! I read that the swirling plastic patch in the ocean would cost something like six million dollars. It was also noted that Jeff Bezos makes that amount daily. He could make a real difference with just one day's pay. I have planted more trees than I can count. I only wash laundry in cold water. Of course I have a clothesline! Unfortunately, my efforts need repeated by millions and not many are taking up the challenge.
I feel so guilty and ashamed that our country was founded on the Christian doctrine of "manifest destiny" which somehow allowed Anglo Saxons to plunder and dishonor the Earth. Now we are reaping the sowing of our forefathers. It is a tragedy to witness what we can do nothing about.
I find it laughable when the politicians say "Too expensive we can't afford it. How many TRILLIONS OF DOLLARS have gone to fighting endless war? Where do we find the money for that?
If we can find the money to destroy other countries we definitely can find the money to save ours! We need high speed trains ! We need public transportation that actually works. We have a responsibility to future generations to leave the planet better than it is and we have failed miserably.
We need to put research dollars into cleaning up this planet before we go trashing others.
I have a lot more hope with our new President but pray that the system in place does not overpower his Administration. My Father was a conservationist and worked hard to promote the Bill that established our National Parks. The Congress made a grave error in that Bill, created a loophole that allows industry to drill in sections of them. I feel that loophole needs to be closed.
Overall, I feel more despair than hope. The trend of actions that have been taken in the past are baby steps when we really need to make giant leaps. There is hope in the direction that President Biden is attempting to direct all who will listen, and hopefully, some who do not want to listen. But severe damage has been done to the current ecosystem. Any corrective actions, which are undertaken will have to be sustained, worldwide. I see how humanity is doing with the task of wearing masks to attempt to control this worldwide pandemic and my hopes get further bruised.
So I count myself in the corner of believing the forces of denial, inaction, and cynicism will win out. I mean we can't even get the Senate to vote unanimously in favor of a hate crimes bill. SMH
The worst part about Earth Day is the Republican answer to climate change -- that it doesn't matter what the US does because China and Russia won't do their part. This is the tragedy of the commons -- We don't have to care because no one else does. That's no way to exercise global leadership, it's frankly embarrassing for our country, and I think it's not even true. The cost of doing nothing overwhelms everything else -- we can't let it happen.
Science has clearly shown that the world is warming. What it cannot prove (underline prove) is that the warming is a result of human activity, though the evidence would certainly make it appear that way. So what I tell the nay-sayers in my circle is that we are also unable to prove that the climate change is NOT the result of human activity and we cannot afford to risk that it isn’t and do nothing. We must act. When they say that the United States is not the worst offender, so why should we lead these efforts, I simply say because that is what we do in the United States - we lead the world in doing what is right. We cannot risk inaction waiting on someone else to step up. I am heartened by Biden’s actions, and I believe a gradual transition to more and more green solutions (every bit helps!) will allow us to make an impact while creating jobs and not destroying the economy.
I wish that more people cared about the Earth. Even people who I love and who I am close to don't believe in Climate Change. They acknowledge that humans are poor stewards of the Earth, but they don't believe that human activity is changing the climate. If humans don't get on the same page now, I shudder to think of the world that we are leaving to future generations.
President Biden has recently stated that ALL Americans must be COVID-19 vaccinated in order to publicly celebrate July 4, 2020. WOW! This must mean that I am no longer an American. BECAUSE I CHOOSE NOT TO EVER BE! My focus is entirely on NATURAL HEALING and PREVENTION! I post about this publicly on my YouTube page (click on ABOUT) and MeWe.
ETERNAL LIFE BLESSINGS FOR YAHWEH'S SAINTS! HalleluYah! Hebrew: "Praise ye Yah!"
Reading the linked article about coal unions coming on board with the Green deal, they want assurances that Biden will retrain them for jobs that pay as well, I was stuck with those that question the fact the job would need to keep them where they are living. So many of us have had to relocate bc of jobs, not always easy but necessary. They want the same rate of pay. Understandable. The other concern is , why get rid of what works (fossil fuels) make it so it will be clean by recapturing the pollutants. Then there is the, my dad was a miner, and I’m a miner and love my job, so why should I get it taken away. This is going to be a hard sell. Humans have a difficult time with change. All those in the newspaper business lost there jobs as well. Things change for many reasons. If we are to survive we must adapt.
I think Biden’s choice to make the environment a top priority is the right decision, not going to be popular with many, but the only way we are going to survive on the Earth.
How do I feel about the direction we are heading in . . . I do not feel that we are yet headed in any direction. I hear talk that sounds good, but will it actually come to fruition?
Do you feel more hope or more despair . . . I suppose I feel more hope than despair, but my answer is the same as above. I am looking for action more than just talk. Especially given the Republican decision to essentially veto anything promoted by the Democratic/ Independent parties.
Do you believe we have turned a corner of innovation and action or will the forces of denial and cynicism win out . . . I do not believe we have turned any corners, yet. I fear the forces of denial, cynicism, and trumpism getting in the way making progress related to positive climate decisions.
I feel good about growing awareness and about steps being taken, but overall discouraged because I know every. Step. Will be a fight. Possibly war - within our own nation. Too much divisiveness has been sown these past few years and shows no sign of petering out now. My own family doesn't buy climate change, it's all-out industry because that's where the money is, and no regulations accepted. They're either incapable of grasping the concept of sustainability, or are otherwise of the opinion the world isn't worth saving once the money goes. I'm afraid to ask.
I pray that we, as a species, continue to move in the right direction as rapidly as necessary to reverse the already frightening damage caused by us and hopefully reverse course. Our very existence likely depends on it. I'm sorry to say, however pessimistically, that I don't know if science, common sense and real evidence right before our own eyes will be sufficient to overcome the greed and ignorance which has a stronghold over mankind!
I believed we were heading on the right track before 45 took over, his move(s) set us back some and now that Biden is reversed the course again, IMHO, even though it's very early in that reversal, I believe there is reason for HOPE again. Can't have much more delays to get progress in the right direction. My proverbial fingers are crossed again.
I have always dreaded some future archeologist looking at our history and determining that we really did mean to trash the planet. I am relieved that we are making progress at the national level and in a few progressive states. I pray it lasts beyond the current administration.
Even though the Biden Administration is focusing on climate change it will not halt the consequences of destructive environmental policies. So I am feeling pessimistic, the world will continue to experience catastrophic weather events far into the foreseeable future. The environment cannot magically heal itself, and humans cannot either. We have destroyed our home - I grew up in the 80s, and everyone was warned this would happen if environmental policies were not taken seriously.
I am a retired teacher. During my last ten years I have emphasized to my students to pay more attention to politics and to noticed how are they approaching the way we use and treat our environment. To question themselves : what are we doing with our natural resources and why it is important/ imperative for us to be aware of our participation in basic decision making. To engage in activities like recycling ( direct/indirect) at school and in our community. For them to be inquisitive when it comes to understand the cause and effect of our way of thinking and actions; to stay informed about the world environmental issues, and more importantly, to take action or assume a pro-active position towards the changes and challenges in front of this reality.
I am teacher and I am 52 years old. Every year, I tell my students the awful truth (I have sort of cleaned up the language), "I am sorry that my generation as F-ed up the Earth and are leaving it shut crappy shape for you'll. Your generation has to come up with the solutions that my generation failed to, just for you'll to survive. It is a crap sandwich for you but you guys are going to have to take the biggest bite."
I know that sounds unprofessional but I want my students to know the truth and to realize how grave the situation is.
As much as I try to live more environmental friendly lifestyle, I see others who don't care. For example, It is a ten minute walk to Starbucks from my house but I see people getting into their cars and driving there and make fun of me because I walk there.
I get a lot of crap because I love taking public transportation if can. I hear stuff like, "Ewww, that is for poor people" and stuff like that. It is a small commitment to help the environment.
People want to continue to live in the way their parents did and it is not sustainable.
I actually heard this and it pissed me off. "Why should I care about the environment, Jesus is coming back". I don't think that Jesus would be happy in the way we are treating his father's planet.
I've definitely moved from the despair of the past four years -- four years we could not afford to waste! I'm thrilled that the Biden administration is taking it seriously, and I'm hoping to find employment with an organization on the front lines of the climate emergency.
But, it is an emergency. Ideally, we should treat it like the pandemic -- taking drastic measures, shutting things down, causing industries and businesses to make changes to help the greater good. To do so would be mind-blowingly complicated, so I'm thankful for any and every step in the right direction.
May there be a snowball effect as we move forward -- may the whole world decide to take care of our home.
I am more hopeful now under the Biden Administration than I was this time last year... but we have a lot of work to do to address climate change, habitat loss, and many other issues affecting our planet to make up for the lost ground. I just hope it isn't too late to do something.
Fifty-One Years Ago....I was in high school and had a marvelous science teacher. He got us so hyped about helping the earth that we spent many projects doing just that on weekends. I have been an ardent "365 1/4 Earth Day Warrior" since. (it's what the teacher called us as he hoped we practiced it every day)
It takes a long time to slow down and turn a speeding Ocean Liner or stop a speeding Train as that is what he compared our future task to. I have found this to be true, I have seen both Politicians and Corporations dig their feet in and resist changing. The most recent example being the Trump Administration and the Auto/Oil Industries. But I have also seen great strides toward a solution. The most recent example is the Biden Administration and the Auto/Oil Industries. Do we see a coloration here between Corporate America and Politics? If you don't you're as blind as a bat to the situation.
We need politicians in D.C. that truly want America to be as good as we know it can be! We need politicians that will work together, not against one another. The "Good ole Boy" politics of "I'll scratch your back if you scratch mine" between Washington and Corporations needs to stop if we are going to turn the Climate Crisis Steam Ship around sooner than later. Later being "Sorry folks, you are all going to die, but if you can afford a trip to Mars you can still be alive there." (off world is going to be the only hospitable place left for us)
This kind of thinking has damaged our country for generations and it only gets a small reprieve when Republican politicians are not in office. I say small because it is undone as soon as the Democrats are edged out once again.
What we need is to reform, reform the way the common people think about everything from what they buy to whom they vote for. It's a big task, but we, America, can do it.
I don’t think the forces that will win out are denial and cynicism but greed and denial. Greed is a powerful motivator and all we have to do is look at what corporations and politicians have done for the last 40 years to know that for most of them, greed comes first and foremost above all else. Denial is in the mix too but is nowhere near greed. I know it is highly depressing to consider but I don’t think humans have the common sense and wherewithal to pull their collective heads out of their nether regions to think and act beyond their greed. I hope I am wrong.
First I want to say that I love your ground rules.
I have to admit that I'm not that hopeful. I think most humans are not willing to do what they need to do in order to tackle both climate change and other environmental issues such as pollution, extinction, deforestation, etc.
I'm very disappoint in most mainstream media, discussions, and environmental organizations about animal agriculture as a major cause of, not only climate change, but pollution, water use, deforestation, and more. I'd like to see more serious discussions and policies and innovations surrounding agriculture in general. We need to end animal agriculture entirely. I've been vegan for over 12 years, but it's not enough. We need to change the way we fund and grow food. There are some companies out there doing amazing work in this area, but it's still an uphill battle, and quite frankly, by now it shouldn't be.
I am cheered by Biden's urgency that has been sorely missed over too many years--so many opportunities missed. However, I am a grandmother and still very ashamed and frightened about the world we are leaving for them. he have a tough road ahead.
O.K., I admit I read way too much about climate change, its ever-increasing speed of advance, the uncertainty around just how bad the worst of outcomes might be, and when the worst might arrive.
Not too long ago, I read about ancient viruses lying in wait, frozen beneath the tundra. We know they’re there. We don’t know if they are dangerous to humans, but what if they were? Not just “you have a cold dangerous” but “you’re gonna die” dangerous?
What would the world be like if a previously unknown and deadly virus emerged from the permafrost of the far north? Viruses’ are known to sleep (and survive) in the frozen earth. That they will escape into our environment is an accepted fact, although no one thinks they are capable of the devastation that worries me.
I believe in the climate crisis, and I think it will make our children’s and grandchildren’s lives a dreadful experience, far more appalling than it would otherwise have been.
I hope the world’s governments will come together and agree to make the dramatic changes required to ensure a safe and hospitable planet for future generations; I really do.
Do I believe they will? No! Nor do I think the world’s citizens understand the danger and will support actions to slow or halt the damage to our planet? Will they make sacrifices if sacrifice is needed? Again, no.
I could be wrong. I pray that I am.
The odds are future generations will live a harsher, more miserable life in the not too distant future. That statement assumes they survive at all. If the worst comes about, many won’t.
It’s not just increasing heat, and stronger, more frequent storms, rising sea waters. What if historians in the distant future find themselves writing about water wars, food wars, raging diseases, the mass migration of millions from flooded coastal cities, or the unbearable heat of a scorched and dying earth.
My biggest concern is that climate change (already accelerating beyond scientist’s predictions) will devastate our grandchildren’s future.
It will steal their health, diminish their water and food supplies, and might even take their lives if we continue to do nothing to stop it.
I think about these things. I even wrote a book with a couple of novellas about how the planet might die, taking human life with it into the dark. It’s not a popular book, few have read it, and I’m not a famous author. It’s just an old man’s hobby.
I do not believe I am an alarmist. The things I talk about, from deadly viruses to flooded cities, forestes burning out of control, vicious storms, crops dying in the fields from lack of water –are all possible.
Sooner or later, the things I see in my imagination will become real if we do nothing or if we do too little, too late.
We are often reminded to be thankful, and we think about our families. We also need, everyday, to think about how perfectly designed is the Earth, its air, its gravity, the beautiful plants and animals that grow in the Earth's Ecosystem.
We are truly blessed to live on Earth. Let's be grateful and mindful. When we shop look for merchants who use some of their profits to plant trees or clean the ocean. Love...
I am timidly hopeful...but still despair at the many long years wasted by politicians and big business. So much depends on whatever administration is in power, on large corporations doing their part. We as individuals can protest, write letters, do our little bit in our own corner of the world but is it too little too late? I hope not.
Dan I worry about my country..I am 70 years old and I hope when I pass away more and more has been done for the climate. I do my best not to leave a carbon imprint....but I know others who don’t care...I do this for future generations not just for me...the earth is beautiful and I hope it stays this way but we ALL have to help and do what we can...
No one is talking about dealing with the elephant in the iitala (Finnish crystal) store, the world's most serious problem - overpopulation. The Earth's population rate is obviously unsustainable, yet humans - particularly the poorest ones, in the world's worst hellholes of poverty, https://www.prb.org/international/indicator/hh-size-av/map/country/ ,where the average family size is between 8-9 - continue to breed like rabbits, and liberals ("my people" except the anti-science, optional-reality crowd) don't touch that issue with a ten-foot pole, because it's insulting to some destitute nation's cultural tradition and/or religion (thank you Catholicism and Islam - two of the world's four largest religions; both consider contraceptives "evil" - for being at the top with poverty and ignorance in contributing to the world's greatest problem). Yes, solar and wind, and many green policies are great, but a problem cannot be solved if its main cause is not dealt with, not even discussed. Seems like common sense, but... To quote H.L. Mencken: "One of the most irrational of all the conventions of modern society is the one..that religious opinions should be respected. …[This] convention protects them, and so they proceed with their blather unwhipped and...unmolested, to the great damage of common sense and common decency."
We are, by our history, a selfish, self-absorbed country. We got ours and to hell with the rest of the world. Our collective arrogance is going to be one of the greatest obstacles to overcome if we are able to address global warming. Just as the multitude have blatantly ignored the need to mask up, saying "I'll do what I want to do because it is my 'right' as an American," so with all the changes that must be made if we are to make even a dent in the ecological challenge ahead of us. Economic inequality and the struggles of the poor to make ends meet overrides the greater concern of the needs of the world. I hate to sound like a sour puss, but at 76 I have seen clearly what this country is made of. Will it take a 9/11-type crisis to move the country as one in saving our planet? I hope not, but am discouraged to think otherwise.
Humans don't have the best track record for taking care of the Earth. But, I believe Earth will be OK. I'm not so sure about humans and our fellow inhabitants. We are all complicit, too. Every time one of us gets in a car, or on an airplane, or we heat or cool our homes, we are complicit. How do we collectively change these things?
What if now we face similar challenges that the FDR administration faced in 1933? And what worked then in that time? Will that generations solutions have a similar parallel to meet today's challenges?
In my humble opinion, a good read is The Fourth Turning by Neil Howe. It theorizes that we meet similar generations/movements of the early 30s. During that time was the rise of climate crisis of that time i.e. "The Dust Bowl", the rise of youth-based common purpose for conservation i.e. "The CCC", pragmatic quicker decision making i.e. "FDRs first 100 days", and foundational policy creation "The New Deal programs". I feel very optimistic for environmental policy in particular, but those who pursue individualistic success over common goals may end up isolated and forgotten like Andrew Mellon. However, those who embrace a humble, collective purpose may choose to go with the flow of this generational wave, and echo what Harvey J Kaye wrote about The Greatest Generation:
"in addition to ending isolationism, most Americans of the Greatest Generation wanted to curb the power of capital, create economic growth and development, end poverty, and 'enable people to advance themselves.'"
I like this new format. I like that a guy in his 80s is on the forefront of technology and content presentation, as you are with Steady, Dan. I also agree with a lot of your content decisions (so many topics, so little time!). Earth Day (or the earth, period!) is certainly an important topic that needs addressing, especially by you, someone who embodies true journalism (i.e. at least attempting to be objective).
Your need to quote yourself, however, detracts from your purpose. It comes across as self-indulgent, and egotistical. I was surprised to see this from you.
If quoting yourself comes across to me (someone who likes you) in this way, then it more than likely comes across that same way to someone who doesn't like you (or doesn't know you). You are missing an opportunity to capture minds you haven't already captured. And I want you to capture more minds.
In the future, if you want to highlight or reinforce a point, quote someone who is an expert in the topic. In this instance, quoting a leading climate researcher (and linking to his/her website) would extend reader knowledge, and give them a resource they did not have before. Quoting an climate change activist/advocate like Greta Thunberg - or someone less well known - would again, extend knowledge and available resources.
Apparently, the pockets of a green revolution are finally gaining ground on the wanton aggressive capitalism of the last 3 centuries of industrialism and it’s failure to address the needs of a living planet. Mass extinctions are not new. Only new to the species of Homo sapiens. When the mass of scientific understanding and belief reaches the tipping point of positive desire to Save and Shepherd All Life on earth, perhaps then we will experience a change of direction from planetary catastrophe to the balanced equilibrium of life on earth.
Climate Change remains one large , glaring factor of humanity’s work in process.
While Forces of planetary catastrophe are on a collision course, we still have a short window of opportunity to save the Planet from ourselves.
I'm sick. I'm sick at heart from witnessing what we have done to our rare and precious home, this earth. I'm sick in my lungs from breathing in the poisons we've pumped into our air. I am sick with despair over knowing how callously we disregard the evidence of what is going on around us. The sickness in my lungs means I won't be around to watch our planetary systems go to pieces. I won't be here for the wars to come as desperate people compete for shrinking resources. It won't matter anyway, for I will be dead and beyond caring. The question I have to ask is this, who among you is ready to give up and perish? Will you just watch and wait for the end, or will you finally come to your senses and do whatever is necessary to save this earth?
Our way of living needs to change so drastically that I don't think we can even begin to undo the damage done. I started reading books about nature, our climate, impact of humans & all that brings with it, about 40 years ago. The warning bells were sounded 15-20 years ago...mostly to deaf ears. The population has only continued to grow and our wants and needs with it. I've taken public transportation, walked & biked most of my adult life. Most people where I live have NEVER considered it. They hop into an automobile to go around the corner. Inconvenience is not a way of life for us in the United States and unfortunately, that is what it's going to take to make any realistic impact on our warming planet, polluted waters & polluted air.
I am absolutely inspired by the United Mine Workers of America supporting Joe Biden's approach and leaning into the local economic benefits he is committed to provide. I am so glad you mentioned this. (Some people probably also don't realize that the UMW was also one of the very few non-segregated, non-whites-only unions in the early days of the labor movement.) Some of the stories I've read about this say that UMW members saw that coal mining was reduced just as much, if not more, under Trump, so it's clear that something needs to bridge these communities to the future -- a change in party either way will not bring coal back as it was before. Others say that American-made steel by its nature requires coal, so buying into a giant infrastructure bill that relates to bridges, airports, ports, and other steel structures may well benefit them anyway, even if the investments ultimately make changes to reduce carbon emissions. I simply say, I'm glad the Senate includes a wide range of voices, even if some of them occasionally drive me nuts. This important step forward would never have happened without Senator Joe Manchin.
I don't believe denial will win out, but it sure slows us down enough to do major damage. I fel more hopeful now that some people in high places care again. The setbacks during the recent years were very disheartening, but now I need to look ahead again. I can look ahead again. We went so far backward on so many things that I feel a more urgent need to progress - hurry up a bit if you will. My attitude of the recent past has become more cynical - I am hoping for a swing the other way. Will we outgrow our planet first or destroy it first? Will we be accountable for the past and responsible about change? Up to us....
I'm afraid that I have to weigh in on the side of despair. No one is prepared to address the Elephant in the Room - Population. Since my birth in the late forties, the Earth's human population has more than Quadrupled. Regrettably, its land mass has not. On the contrary, it has been effectively reduced because all these people need a place to live. The same people who pooh-pooh science regarding the perils of unchecked population growth are apparently counting on science to miraculously come up with a way to feed all these people (Manna from Heaven maybe?). World conflicts are all eventually the result of the need for more food, water, and liviing space. Since a viable solution doesn't appear to be imminent, I'll stick with despair.
I am not hopeful. I invited my state representative to the Strike for Climate event in St Louis in 2019, and found out he is a climate change denier. The Republican supermajority in the Missouri legislature has its head in the sand about the crisis, and there are many other states with a similar view. They are determined to take us backward instead of forward. I do not see this changing in time to make a difference.
The Earth was here long before humans existed. It will be here after we are gone. The only reason for taking care of the many environments we live in is for our own benefit. Greed and ignorance will surely speed our demise. Education is the answer. I’m not saying “schooling”; I mean understanding and selflessness.
I have equal moments of despair that we are too late and hope that we can make sufficient changes more quickly to offset the damage done. We are long time bird, wildlife and insect lovers and have suffered with the awful decrease in species both local, national and international. Poisons are still offered in retail stores for lawns, weeds...we are killing ourselves and nature. The rain forests are being decimated and oceans polluted. There is SO much we have to do and at the individual level especially-lots of small changes in habits CAN make a difference and we have to try. I do have hope that President Biden can stimulate some change and redirect the failures of the past years.
Optimistic I am, at seventy seven...because, I know that death is imminent for many of the nasty old folks who currently control America's journey. Then the house of cards they created will collapse as a bright, energetic generation organizes and acts decisively. The GOP and Fox is not forever. We are currently watching their death struggle up close.
I admit that in my younger days, I was a climate change skeptic. It's not that I didn't believe the planet was warming. It's more that I believed it was all a part of the naturally occurring cycles of climate throughout the entirety of Earth's history.
As I have grown in my adulthood, and in my chosen career field, I'm less of a skeptic about the severity of climate change as I pay close attention to the longer seasons and increased frequency of damaging tropical storms and hurricanes, wildfires, and other dangerous weather phenomena. While I'm grateful that there is a new administration that is poised to take action on climate change, the pessimist in me can't help but wonder if it's too late - if the damage has been done - if my children will be inheriting a planet that is beyond repair. If I were to go back to school to get my my Ph.D. (I'm not going to), I think I'd be interested in doing a study of how pandemic related lock downs reduced fossil fuel emissions from commuters across the entire globe. I think it would be interesting to study if there is any global climate benefit if the majority of the world's population of folks who have sedentary desk jobs could do their jobs from home.
Regardless of all that, I try to do my part as much as I can. I try to teach my children to love and respect the planet we call home. We clean up litter in our neighborhood when we come across it (though we're much more careful about that in the pandemic world we live in now as opposed to the pre-pandemic world we lived in a little over a year ago). We avoid littering, we recycle as much as we can. We're still working on getting into the habit of using our reusable grocery bags. Since the pandemic began, we telework full time, so we're not using as much gasoline in our cars, but we're using more energy at home, so perhaps those things cancel each other out.
It's hard to feel as though any one act of civic responsibility will make a difference, but the other side of me - the optimist in me - would like to believe that if enough people engage in those individual small acts to benefit the world around them, then maybe there's hope for the future, That said, it's hard to see it right now, especially in the isolated pandemic world I still find myself living in.
If we are to make progress, two things will have to happen: (1) The dangerous ignorance of science denial must be stomped out, and (2) The obstructionism of selfish and self-serving "conservatives" must be voted out.
During the lockdowns to contain covid, the planet began to heal. We all saw this around the world. The smog cleared out from Denver and Los Angeles. The canals cleared up in Venice.
Unfortunately for the globe, the minute restrictions are lifted, the beating of Mother Earth continued. I have been a protective force for the Earth since my earliest memories. I grew up on a tiny family farm and had a great education from that. To this day I grow much of the food we eat, use battery powered lawn care machines. We don't just jump in the car for any reason. Trips for essential items are planned for the least amount of miles and no backtracking. The Earth can be healed, but it will take an Army. We must begin immediately! I read that the swirling plastic patch in the ocean would cost something like six million dollars. It was also noted that Jeff Bezos makes that amount daily. He could make a real difference with just one day's pay. I have planted more trees than I can count. I only wash laundry in cold water. Of course I have a clothesline! Unfortunately, my efforts need repeated by millions and not many are taking up the challenge.
I feel so guilty and ashamed that our country was founded on the Christian doctrine of "manifest destiny" which somehow allowed Anglo Saxons to plunder and dishonor the Earth. Now we are reaping the sowing of our forefathers. It is a tragedy to witness what we can do nothing about.
I find it laughable when the politicians say "Too expensive we can't afford it. How many TRILLIONS OF DOLLARS have gone to fighting endless war? Where do we find the money for that?
If we can find the money to destroy other countries we definitely can find the money to save ours! We need high speed trains ! We need public transportation that actually works. We have a responsibility to future generations to leave the planet better than it is and we have failed miserably.
We need to put research dollars into cleaning up this planet before we go trashing others.
I have a lot more hope with our new President but pray that the system in place does not overpower his Administration. My Father was a conservationist and worked hard to promote the Bill that established our National Parks. The Congress made a grave error in that Bill, created a loophole that allows industry to drill in sections of them. I feel that loophole needs to be closed.
Overall, I feel more despair than hope. The trend of actions that have been taken in the past are baby steps when we really need to make giant leaps. There is hope in the direction that President Biden is attempting to direct all who will listen, and hopefully, some who do not want to listen. But severe damage has been done to the current ecosystem. Any corrective actions, which are undertaken will have to be sustained, worldwide. I see how humanity is doing with the task of wearing masks to attempt to control this worldwide pandemic and my hopes get further bruised.
So I count myself in the corner of believing the forces of denial, inaction, and cynicism will win out. I mean we can't even get the Senate to vote unanimously in favor of a hate crimes bill. SMH
The worst part about Earth Day is the Republican answer to climate change -- that it doesn't matter what the US does because China and Russia won't do their part. This is the tragedy of the commons -- We don't have to care because no one else does. That's no way to exercise global leadership, it's frankly embarrassing for our country, and I think it's not even true. The cost of doing nothing overwhelms everything else -- we can't let it happen.
Science has clearly shown that the world is warming. What it cannot prove (underline prove) is that the warming is a result of human activity, though the evidence would certainly make it appear that way. So what I tell the nay-sayers in my circle is that we are also unable to prove that the climate change is NOT the result of human activity and we cannot afford to risk that it isn’t and do nothing. We must act. When they say that the United States is not the worst offender, so why should we lead these efforts, I simply say because that is what we do in the United States - we lead the world in doing what is right. We cannot risk inaction waiting on someone else to step up. I am heartened by Biden’s actions, and I believe a gradual transition to more and more green solutions (every bit helps!) will allow us to make an impact while creating jobs and not destroying the economy.
I wish that more people cared about the Earth. Even people who I love and who I am close to don't believe in Climate Change. They acknowledge that humans are poor stewards of the Earth, but they don't believe that human activity is changing the climate. If humans don't get on the same page now, I shudder to think of the world that we are leaving to future generations.
President Biden has recently stated that ALL Americans must be COVID-19 vaccinated in order to publicly celebrate July 4, 2020. WOW! This must mean that I am no longer an American. BECAUSE I CHOOSE NOT TO EVER BE! My focus is entirely on NATURAL HEALING and PREVENTION! I post about this publicly on my YouTube page (click on ABOUT) and MeWe.
ETERNAL LIFE BLESSINGS FOR YAHWEH'S SAINTS! HalleluYah! Hebrew: "Praise ye Yah!"
Reading the linked article about coal unions coming on board with the Green deal, they want assurances that Biden will retrain them for jobs that pay as well, I was stuck with those that question the fact the job would need to keep them where they are living. So many of us have had to relocate bc of jobs, not always easy but necessary. They want the same rate of pay. Understandable. The other concern is , why get rid of what works (fossil fuels) make it so it will be clean by recapturing the pollutants. Then there is the, my dad was a miner, and I’m a miner and love my job, so why should I get it taken away. This is going to be a hard sell. Humans have a difficult time with change. All those in the newspaper business lost there jobs as well. Things change for many reasons. If we are to survive we must adapt.
I think Biden’s choice to make the environment a top priority is the right decision, not going to be popular with many, but the only way we are going to survive on the Earth.
You ask such great questions.
How do I feel about the direction we are heading in . . . I do not feel that we are yet headed in any direction. I hear talk that sounds good, but will it actually come to fruition?
Do you feel more hope or more despair . . . I suppose I feel more hope than despair, but my answer is the same as above. I am looking for action more than just talk. Especially given the Republican decision to essentially veto anything promoted by the Democratic/ Independent parties.
Do you believe we have turned a corner of innovation and action or will the forces of denial and cynicism win out . . . I do not believe we have turned any corners, yet. I fear the forces of denial, cynicism, and trumpism getting in the way making progress related to positive climate decisions.
I feel good about growing awareness and about steps being taken, but overall discouraged because I know every. Step. Will be a fight. Possibly war - within our own nation. Too much divisiveness has been sown these past few years and shows no sign of petering out now. My own family doesn't buy climate change, it's all-out industry because that's where the money is, and no regulations accepted. They're either incapable of grasping the concept of sustainability, or are otherwise of the opinion the world isn't worth saving once the money goes. I'm afraid to ask.
I pray that we, as a species, continue to move in the right direction as rapidly as necessary to reverse the already frightening damage caused by us and hopefully reverse course. Our very existence likely depends on it. I'm sorry to say, however pessimistically, that I don't know if science, common sense and real evidence right before our own eyes will be sufficient to overcome the greed and ignorance which has a stronghold over mankind!
I believed we were heading on the right track before 45 took over, his move(s) set us back some and now that Biden is reversed the course again, IMHO, even though it's very early in that reversal, I believe there is reason for HOPE again. Can't have much more delays to get progress in the right direction. My proverbial fingers are crossed again.
I have always dreaded some future archeologist looking at our history and determining that we really did mean to trash the planet. I am relieved that we are making progress at the national level and in a few progressive states. I pray it lasts beyond the current administration.
Even though the Biden Administration is focusing on climate change it will not halt the consequences of destructive environmental policies. So I am feeling pessimistic, the world will continue to experience catastrophic weather events far into the foreseeable future. The environment cannot magically heal itself, and humans cannot either. We have destroyed our home - I grew up in the 80s, and everyone was warned this would happen if environmental policies were not taken seriously.
I am a retired teacher. During my last ten years I have emphasized to my students to pay more attention to politics and to noticed how are they approaching the way we use and treat our environment. To question themselves : what are we doing with our natural resources and why it is important/ imperative for us to be aware of our participation in basic decision making. To engage in activities like recycling ( direct/indirect) at school and in our community. For them to be inquisitive when it comes to understand the cause and effect of our way of thinking and actions; to stay informed about the world environmental issues, and more importantly, to take action or assume a pro-active position towards the changes and challenges in front of this reality.
I am teacher and I am 52 years old. Every year, I tell my students the awful truth (I have sort of cleaned up the language), "I am sorry that my generation as F-ed up the Earth and are leaving it shut crappy shape for you'll. Your generation has to come up with the solutions that my generation failed to, just for you'll to survive. It is a crap sandwich for you but you guys are going to have to take the biggest bite."
I know that sounds unprofessional but I want my students to know the truth and to realize how grave the situation is.
As much as I try to live more environmental friendly lifestyle, I see others who don't care. For example, It is a ten minute walk to Starbucks from my house but I see people getting into their cars and driving there and make fun of me because I walk there.
I get a lot of crap because I love taking public transportation if can. I hear stuff like, "Ewww, that is for poor people" and stuff like that. It is a small commitment to help the environment.
People want to continue to live in the way their parents did and it is not sustainable.
I actually heard this and it pissed me off. "Why should I care about the environment, Jesus is coming back". I don't think that Jesus would be happy in the way we are treating his father's planet.
I've definitely moved from the despair of the past four years -- four years we could not afford to waste! I'm thrilled that the Biden administration is taking it seriously, and I'm hoping to find employment with an organization on the front lines of the climate emergency.
But, it is an emergency. Ideally, we should treat it like the pandemic -- taking drastic measures, shutting things down, causing industries and businesses to make changes to help the greater good. To do so would be mind-blowingly complicated, so I'm thankful for any and every step in the right direction.
May there be a snowball effect as we move forward -- may the whole world decide to take care of our home.
I am more hopeful now under the Biden Administration than I was this time last year... but we have a lot of work to do to address climate change, habitat loss, and many other issues affecting our planet to make up for the lost ground. I just hope it isn't too late to do something.
Fifty-One Years Ago....I was in high school and had a marvelous science teacher. He got us so hyped about helping the earth that we spent many projects doing just that on weekends. I have been an ardent "365 1/4 Earth Day Warrior" since. (it's what the teacher called us as he hoped we practiced it every day)
It takes a long time to slow down and turn a speeding Ocean Liner or stop a speeding Train as that is what he compared our future task to. I have found this to be true, I have seen both Politicians and Corporations dig their feet in and resist changing. The most recent example being the Trump Administration and the Auto/Oil Industries. But I have also seen great strides toward a solution. The most recent example is the Biden Administration and the Auto/Oil Industries. Do we see a coloration here between Corporate America and Politics? If you don't you're as blind as a bat to the situation.
We need politicians in D.C. that truly want America to be as good as we know it can be! We need politicians that will work together, not against one another. The "Good ole Boy" politics of "I'll scratch your back if you scratch mine" between Washington and Corporations needs to stop if we are going to turn the Climate Crisis Steam Ship around sooner than later. Later being "Sorry folks, you are all going to die, but if you can afford a trip to Mars you can still be alive there." (off world is going to be the only hospitable place left for us)
This kind of thinking has damaged our country for generations and it only gets a small reprieve when Republican politicians are not in office. I say small because it is undone as soon as the Democrats are edged out once again.
What we need is to reform, reform the way the common people think about everything from what they buy to whom they vote for. It's a big task, but we, America, can do it.
I don’t think the forces that will win out are denial and cynicism but greed and denial. Greed is a powerful motivator and all we have to do is look at what corporations and politicians have done for the last 40 years to know that for most of them, greed comes first and foremost above all else. Denial is in the mix too but is nowhere near greed. I know it is highly depressing to consider but I don’t think humans have the common sense and wherewithal to pull their collective heads out of their nether regions to think and act beyond their greed. I hope I am wrong.
I am more hopeful now with this new administration but there is so much lost time to make up for.
We need the level of effort that got us through World War II, and the focus that got us through the decades of the Cold War.
First I want to say that I love your ground rules.
I have to admit that I'm not that hopeful. I think most humans are not willing to do what they need to do in order to tackle both climate change and other environmental issues such as pollution, extinction, deforestation, etc.
I'm very disappoint in most mainstream media, discussions, and environmental organizations about animal agriculture as a major cause of, not only climate change, but pollution, water use, deforestation, and more. I'd like to see more serious discussions and policies and innovations surrounding agriculture in general. We need to end animal agriculture entirely. I've been vegan for over 12 years, but it's not enough. We need to change the way we fund and grow food. There are some companies out there doing amazing work in this area, but it's still an uphill battle, and quite frankly, by now it shouldn't be.
I am cheered by Biden's urgency that has been sorely missed over too many years--so many opportunities missed. However, I am a grandmother and still very ashamed and frightened about the world we are leaving for them. he have a tough road ahead.
O.K., I admit I read way too much about climate change, its ever-increasing speed of advance, the uncertainty around just how bad the worst of outcomes might be, and when the worst might arrive.
Not too long ago, I read about ancient viruses lying in wait, frozen beneath the tundra. We know they’re there. We don’t know if they are dangerous to humans, but what if they were? Not just “you have a cold dangerous” but “you’re gonna die” dangerous?
What would the world be like if a previously unknown and deadly virus emerged from the permafrost of the far north? Viruses’ are known to sleep (and survive) in the frozen earth. That they will escape into our environment is an accepted fact, although no one thinks they are capable of the devastation that worries me.
I believe in the climate crisis, and I think it will make our children’s and grandchildren’s lives a dreadful experience, far more appalling than it would otherwise have been.
I hope the world’s governments will come together and agree to make the dramatic changes required to ensure a safe and hospitable planet for future generations; I really do.
Do I believe they will? No! Nor do I think the world’s citizens understand the danger and will support actions to slow or halt the damage to our planet? Will they make sacrifices if sacrifice is needed? Again, no.
I could be wrong. I pray that I am.
The odds are future generations will live a harsher, more miserable life in the not too distant future. That statement assumes they survive at all. If the worst comes about, many won’t.
It’s not just increasing heat, and stronger, more frequent storms, rising sea waters. What if historians in the distant future find themselves writing about water wars, food wars, raging diseases, the mass migration of millions from flooded coastal cities, or the unbearable heat of a scorched and dying earth.
My biggest concern is that climate change (already accelerating beyond scientist’s predictions) will devastate our grandchildren’s future.
It will steal their health, diminish their water and food supplies, and might even take their lives if we continue to do nothing to stop it.
I think about these things. I even wrote a book with a couple of novellas about how the planet might die, taking human life with it into the dark. It’s not a popular book, few have read it, and I’m not a famous author. It’s just an old man’s hobby.
I do not believe I am an alarmist. The things I talk about, from deadly viruses to flooded cities, forestes burning out of control, vicious storms, crops dying in the fields from lack of water –are all possible.
Sooner or later, the things I see in my imagination will become real if we do nothing or if we do too little, too late.
Took 15 years but now 100% solar and off the coal fired grid. It feels great!
We are often reminded to be thankful, and we think about our families. We also need, everyday, to think about how perfectly designed is the Earth, its air, its gravity, the beautiful plants and animals that grow in the Earth's Ecosystem.
We are truly blessed to live on Earth. Let's be grateful and mindful. When we shop look for merchants who use some of their profits to plant trees or clean the ocean. Love...
Cautiously hopeful. But anything actually producing action is preferable to doing nothing. Even if we are turtles we can go full speed ahead
I am timidly hopeful...but still despair at the many long years wasted by politicians and big business. So much depends on whatever administration is in power, on large corporations doing their part. We as individuals can protest, write letters, do our little bit in our own corner of the world but is it too little too late? I hope not.
Dan I worry about my country..I am 70 years old and I hope when I pass away more and more has been done for the climate. I do my best not to leave a carbon imprint....but I know others who don’t care...I do this for future generations not just for me...the earth is beautiful and I hope it stays this way but we ALL have to help and do what we can...
Thank goodness we're FINALLY putting climate at the center of our U.S. agenda. Much of the world is, too. We have just one Earth. It comes first.
No one is talking about dealing with the elephant in the iitala (Finnish crystal) store, the world's most serious problem - overpopulation. The Earth's population rate is obviously unsustainable, yet humans - particularly the poorest ones, in the world's worst hellholes of poverty, https://www.prb.org/international/indicator/hh-size-av/map/country/ ,where the average family size is between 8-9 - continue to breed like rabbits, and liberals ("my people" except the anti-science, optional-reality crowd) don't touch that issue with a ten-foot pole, because it's insulting to some destitute nation's cultural tradition and/or religion (thank you Catholicism and Islam - two of the world's four largest religions; both consider contraceptives "evil" - for being at the top with poverty and ignorance in contributing to the world's greatest problem). Yes, solar and wind, and many green policies are great, but a problem cannot be solved if its main cause is not dealt with, not even discussed. Seems like common sense, but... To quote H.L. Mencken: "One of the most irrational of all the conventions of modern society is the one..that religious opinions should be respected. …[This] convention protects them, and so they proceed with their blather unwhipped and...unmolested, to the great damage of common sense and common decency."
We are, by our history, a selfish, self-absorbed country. We got ours and to hell with the rest of the world. Our collective arrogance is going to be one of the greatest obstacles to overcome if we are able to address global warming. Just as the multitude have blatantly ignored the need to mask up, saying "I'll do what I want to do because it is my 'right' as an American," so with all the changes that must be made if we are to make even a dent in the ecological challenge ahead of us. Economic inequality and the struggles of the poor to make ends meet overrides the greater concern of the needs of the world. I hate to sound like a sour puss, but at 76 I have seen clearly what this country is made of. Will it take a 9/11-type crisis to move the country as one in saving our planet? I hope not, but am discouraged to think otherwise.
Humans don't have the best track record for taking care of the Earth. But, I believe Earth will be OK. I'm not so sure about humans and our fellow inhabitants. We are all complicit, too. Every time one of us gets in a car, or on an airplane, or we heat or cool our homes, we are complicit. How do we collectively change these things?
Mack9 min ago
What if now we face similar challenges that the FDR administration faced in 1933? And what worked then in that time? Will that generations solutions have a similar parallel to meet today's challenges?
In my humble opinion, a good read is The Fourth Turning by Neil Howe. It theorizes that we meet similar generations/movements of the early 30s. During that time was the rise of climate crisis of that time i.e. "The Dust Bowl", the rise of youth-based common purpose for conservation i.e. "The CCC", pragmatic quicker decision making i.e. "FDRs first 100 days", and foundational policy creation "The New Deal programs". I feel very optimistic for environmental policy in particular, but those who pursue individualistic success over common goals may end up isolated and forgotten like Andrew Mellon. However, those who embrace a humble, collective purpose may choose to go with the flow of this generational wave, and echo what Harvey J Kaye wrote about The Greatest Generation:
"in addition to ending isolationism, most Americans of the Greatest Generation wanted to curb the power of capital, create economic growth and development, end poverty, and 'enable people to advance themselves.'"
What are your thoughts?
I like this new format. I like that a guy in his 80s is on the forefront of technology and content presentation, as you are with Steady, Dan. I also agree with a lot of your content decisions (so many topics, so little time!). Earth Day (or the earth, period!) is certainly an important topic that needs addressing, especially by you, someone who embodies true journalism (i.e. at least attempting to be objective).
Your need to quote yourself, however, detracts from your purpose. It comes across as self-indulgent, and egotistical. I was surprised to see this from you.
If quoting yourself comes across to me (someone who likes you) in this way, then it more than likely comes across that same way to someone who doesn't like you (or doesn't know you). You are missing an opportunity to capture minds you haven't already captured. And I want you to capture more minds.
In the future, if you want to highlight or reinforce a point, quote someone who is an expert in the topic. In this instance, quoting a leading climate researcher (and linking to his/her website) would extend reader knowledge, and give them a resource they did not have before. Quoting an climate change activist/advocate like Greta Thunberg - or someone less well known - would again, extend knowledge and available resources.
Keep up the good work, Dan. :-)
Apparently, the pockets of a green revolution are finally gaining ground on the wanton aggressive capitalism of the last 3 centuries of industrialism and it’s failure to address the needs of a living planet. Mass extinctions are not new. Only new to the species of Homo sapiens. When the mass of scientific understanding and belief reaches the tipping point of positive desire to Save and Shepherd All Life on earth, perhaps then we will experience a change of direction from planetary catastrophe to the balanced equilibrium of life on earth.
Climate Change remains one large , glaring factor of humanity’s work in process.
While Forces of planetary catastrophe are on a collision course, we still have a short window of opportunity to save the Planet from ourselves.
I'm sick. I'm sick at heart from witnessing what we have done to our rare and precious home, this earth. I'm sick in my lungs from breathing in the poisons we've pumped into our air. I am sick with despair over knowing how callously we disregard the evidence of what is going on around us. The sickness in my lungs means I won't be around to watch our planetary systems go to pieces. I won't be here for the wars to come as desperate people compete for shrinking resources. It won't matter anyway, for I will be dead and beyond caring. The question I have to ask is this, who among you is ready to give up and perish? Will you just watch and wait for the end, or will you finally come to your senses and do whatever is necessary to save this earth?
Our way of living needs to change so drastically that I don't think we can even begin to undo the damage done. I started reading books about nature, our climate, impact of humans & all that brings with it, about 40 years ago. The warning bells were sounded 15-20 years ago...mostly to deaf ears. The population has only continued to grow and our wants and needs with it. I've taken public transportation, walked & biked most of my adult life. Most people where I live have NEVER considered it. They hop into an automobile to go around the corner. Inconvenience is not a way of life for us in the United States and unfortunately, that is what it's going to take to make any realistic impact on our warming planet, polluted waters & polluted air.
I am absolutely inspired by the United Mine Workers of America supporting Joe Biden's approach and leaning into the local economic benefits he is committed to provide. I am so glad you mentioned this. (Some people probably also don't realize that the UMW was also one of the very few non-segregated, non-whites-only unions in the early days of the labor movement.) Some of the stories I've read about this say that UMW members saw that coal mining was reduced just as much, if not more, under Trump, so it's clear that something needs to bridge these communities to the future -- a change in party either way will not bring coal back as it was before. Others say that American-made steel by its nature requires coal, so buying into a giant infrastructure bill that relates to bridges, airports, ports, and other steel structures may well benefit them anyway, even if the investments ultimately make changes to reduce carbon emissions. I simply say, I'm glad the Senate includes a wide range of voices, even if some of them occasionally drive me nuts. This important step forward would never have happened without Senator Joe Manchin.
I don't believe denial will win out, but it sure slows us down enough to do major damage. I fel more hopeful now that some people in high places care again. The setbacks during the recent years were very disheartening, but now I need to look ahead again. I can look ahead again. We went so far backward on so many things that I feel a more urgent need to progress - hurry up a bit if you will. My attitude of the recent past has become more cynical - I am hoping for a swing the other way. Will we outgrow our planet first or destroy it first? Will we be accountable for the past and responsible about change? Up to us....
I'm afraid that I have to weigh in on the side of despair. No one is prepared to address the Elephant in the Room - Population. Since my birth in the late forties, the Earth's human population has more than Quadrupled. Regrettably, its land mass has not. On the contrary, it has been effectively reduced because all these people need a place to live. The same people who pooh-pooh science regarding the perils of unchecked population growth are apparently counting on science to miraculously come up with a way to feed all these people (Manna from Heaven maybe?). World conflicts are all eventually the result of the need for more food, water, and liviing space. Since a viable solution doesn't appear to be imminent, I'll stick with despair.
I am not hopeful. I invited my state representative to the Strike for Climate event in St Louis in 2019, and found out he is a climate change denier. The Republican supermajority in the Missouri legislature has its head in the sand about the crisis, and there are many other states with a similar view. They are determined to take us backward instead of forward. I do not see this changing in time to make a difference.
The Earth was here long before humans existed. It will be here after we are gone. The only reason for taking care of the many environments we live in is for our own benefit. Greed and ignorance will surely speed our demise. Education is the answer. I’m not saying “schooling”; I mean understanding and selflessness.
I have equal moments of despair that we are too late and hope that we can make sufficient changes more quickly to offset the damage done. We are long time bird, wildlife and insect lovers and have suffered with the awful decrease in species both local, national and international. Poisons are still offered in retail stores for lawns, weeds...we are killing ourselves and nature. The rain forests are being decimated and oceans polluted. There is SO much we have to do and at the individual level especially-lots of small changes in habits CAN make a difference and we have to try. I do have hope that President Biden can stimulate some change and redirect the failures of the past years.
Optimistic I am, at seventy seven...because, I know that death is imminent for many of the nasty old folks who currently control America's journey. Then the house of cards they created will collapse as a bright, energetic generation organizes and acts decisively. The GOP and Fox is not forever. We are currently watching their death struggle up close.
I admit that in my younger days, I was a climate change skeptic. It's not that I didn't believe the planet was warming. It's more that I believed it was all a part of the naturally occurring cycles of climate throughout the entirety of Earth's history.
As I have grown in my adulthood, and in my chosen career field, I'm less of a skeptic about the severity of climate change as I pay close attention to the longer seasons and increased frequency of damaging tropical storms and hurricanes, wildfires, and other dangerous weather phenomena. While I'm grateful that there is a new administration that is poised to take action on climate change, the pessimist in me can't help but wonder if it's too late - if the damage has been done - if my children will be inheriting a planet that is beyond repair. If I were to go back to school to get my my Ph.D. (I'm not going to), I think I'd be interested in doing a study of how pandemic related lock downs reduced fossil fuel emissions from commuters across the entire globe. I think it would be interesting to study if there is any global climate benefit if the majority of the world's population of folks who have sedentary desk jobs could do their jobs from home.
Regardless of all that, I try to do my part as much as I can. I try to teach my children to love and respect the planet we call home. We clean up litter in our neighborhood when we come across it (though we're much more careful about that in the pandemic world we live in now as opposed to the pre-pandemic world we lived in a little over a year ago). We avoid littering, we recycle as much as we can. We're still working on getting into the habit of using our reusable grocery bags. Since the pandemic began, we telework full time, so we're not using as much gasoline in our cars, but we're using more energy at home, so perhaps those things cancel each other out.
It's hard to feel as though any one act of civic responsibility will make a difference, but the other side of me - the optimist in me - would like to believe that if enough people engage in those individual small acts to benefit the world around them, then maybe there's hope for the future, That said, it's hard to see it right now, especially in the isolated pandemic world I still find myself living in.
If we are to make progress, two things will have to happen: (1) The dangerous ignorance of science denial must be stomped out, and (2) The obstructionism of selfish and self-serving "conservatives" must be voted out.