- Davie Webb
- Worcester
- United Kingdom
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'Do your bit for climate change!' - Do you feel Like your wasting your time?
Climate change is widely regarded as the world's leading threat to modern mankind. We will all be aware of the changes to our environment that are and will occur as a direct result of the energy we use and lifestyles we choose.
I often find myself switching off that extra light, heading down to the recycling bins loaded with bits of everything. I find myself walking instead of driving, drinking water instead of tea and I find myself constantly wondering: Am i wasting my time?
An essay I submitted analysed the impact of the small changes one could make, as an English Brit. I found that if Britain turned off everything and stopped life as we know it.. it would account for 2% of the global CO2 levels. this is not to say Britian is not creating a lot of CO2. this is to outline that the USA and China with their entrenched fossil fuel driven worlds and their alarming populations are creating such an irreversable problem, that I feel like I'm wasting my time.
I am aware that it was Britain that kicked off the industrial revolution and has contributed greatly to this global mess. my point is, today we know what is happeneing to our world due to our behavior. I feel it is too late and fear the so called 'tipping point' was passed years before we even spoke the words climate change.
Chee Cheong Lam
- developed countries being badly struck by unprecedented, unpredictable, onslaught in terms severe floods or severe storms which resulted in many deaths and cities been destroyed
- some scientific findings that the rise in temperatures are killing corals in many parts of the world that threatens fish stock
- the deeply, pressurised methane that gets locked up under the seabeds maybe leaking and aggravating the situation
- a study seemed to suggest that plants may end up being net oxygen intaker instead of being CO2 intaker (O2 emitter)
Pls don't get me wrong, I am not trying to 'prophecies' abt doomsday but I reckon that at the rate we are going, we are not far from it when we are not ready with any alternative solution. What's all the economic growth, modern lifestyle etc means when we are not even sure what's going to hit us tomorrow? Wish more awareness can be created globally and some united actions can be taken by all.
Larry Chamblin
MR T
gale kooser 20+
I do my part but feel I am banging my head on the wall, because my neighbors cancel what small good I have tried to do. I will keep on doing my part but to be honest, if the government here does what I fear it will do, I will spend my dollar on food instead of an energy effi. light blub.
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David Collin
David Collin
But here's what I don't understand: Why don't concerned citizens all over the planet start to put pressure on US politicians and companies to stop denying climate change and make policy change? Why do people in the UK think what happens in the US is none of their business? Climate change does not respect the goofy lines on maps we call national boundaries, so why do people?
Who is president of the US and who is in the US Congress is a legitimate interest of everybody. The US can do so much good or bad, as we all know. Why not contribute money to climate organizations to influence US federal elections? Why not have marches in all capitals protesting US inaction? Why not bombard members of Congress and the executives of energy corporations with mail? Have demonstrations world-wide in front of their offices. Take to the streets, break some windows, raise hell. Take a cue from middle-eastern youth and use social media to coordinate world-wide action. Flood YouTube with videos.
I'll be dead in 20 years and I have no children, but I can't stand the Earth being despoiled. I see women on the streets with children in strollers, and I can't understand why they're not rioting in the streets about climate. Those kids are going to suffer the consequences.
Climate change is perhaps the first world-unifying thing that should make us toss out old ideas of nations and come together so we save our own skins.
Colleen Steen 500+
I agree that many right wingers in the US have paralyzed policy change, and I'm optimistic enough to believe it is now changing. We need to continue to be persistant. I agree that presure on politicians and companies to stop denying climate change could help, and I also agree with most of your suggestions. Raising hell, and breaking windows is not the way to create beneficial change however. We've seen those kinds of practices with some of the right wingers. "GET OUT YOUR GUNS AND STOP THOSE FOOLS WHO THINK THERE IS A CLIMATE CHANGE".
I do agree David, that we can coordinate action with social media, and it would be beneficial to do it in a non-violent way:>)
David Collin
Colleen Steen 500+
Julie Ann 10+
David Collin
Young climate activists meeting last week in Washington threatened to abandon Obama in 2012 because he hasn't done anything on climate. I don't blame them. Frankly, they're the ones who're going to decide what action to take. Their lives are on the line. http://nyti.ms/feXUNX
Colleen Steen 500+
You say "other countries are thinking...why should we sacrifice when the US...the biggest contributor to the problem for decades...isn't doing anything"? Some of us are doing something, and have learned from other countries that are setting a better example.
I feel your frustration, and totally agree with you. The motivation has to start with each and every one of us as individuals. What are you doing to facilitate change?
Revett Eldred 10+
My scepticism hinges mainly on the models used, because although I'm not a climate scientist I do know a little about computer models. They are immensely complex and extraordinarily sensitive to the data that is input and the assumptions they are built on. Ross and McKitrick demonstrated that you could feed almost any random data into Michael Mann's model and the result would be a hockey stick graph like the one the IPCC based so much of its recommendations on. And I referred you in another thread to a more recent report -- by a highly qualified climate scientist -- that pointed out the tripling formula that is used in almost all CO2 models but that he believes to be false. Were any econometric models any use in predicting the recent financial meltdown? No, and yet massive sums of money and time are spent on them. Does the weather forecast give you confidence in models? I hope not.
I truly believe slow and steady is the way to go rather than implementing a massive panic-mode world-wide program to do... what? reduce CO2? experiment with countermeasures?
Colleen Steen 500+
Revett Eldred 10+
Like you, I was raised to minimize waste, turn off lights when I leave the room, keep the heat down particularly at night, wear a sweater, compost, recycle if I can't reuse, and so on. I have done all those things all my life. What scares me are the radical, almost religious, environmentalists who want to throw billions of dollars of other people's money at a series of issues that they have just discovered. So the climate is changing. OK, the climate has always changed. Let's take our time and figure out how much, if any, of that change is anthropogenic, and then let's figure out some sensible, achievable things we can do to mitigate or minimize those changes. But let's not go the Al Gore route and indoctrinate millions of young -- and some not-so-young -- people with dubious "facts" based on relatively untested theories, and stampede our way into some truly stupid and irreversible actions. Let's also keep a jaundiced eye on things like Alberta's oil sands -- a subject that, not surprisingly, is near and dear to my heart -- and let's make sure we develop and maintain a sensible balance between the environment and our need for fuel, instead of ranting and demonizing the whole process with little or no knowledge of what actually goes on.
I agree we should make sure we enforce environmental laws that are often flouted. But I think many of the proposals for additional such laws are based too much on blind emotion and not enough on balancing the different considerations at play. My Dad used to say: "Moderation and compromise, my boy. Nobody wants them but everybody has to accept them." Now that I'm older than he was when he said that, I understand it!
Colleen Steen 500+
There's an important word you've used a couple times...BALANCE. It seems like those of us who have been aware of environmental impact all our lives, are looking for balance, while those who are just discovering the impact of certain lifestyles are generally the ones who are way to one side or the other?
Harald Jezek 50+
One of the arguments that come up frequently is that climate change happened already many times in earth's history. And this is certainly true. I believe, the climate change in itself isn't the real issue, but the speed with which it occurs. In the past, life on our planet had much more time to adjust to environmental changes. In our time, it might simply go too fast to allow many organism's to adjust.
There is a lot of evidence that we are in the midst of a new mass extinction.
I think, as long as we don't fully understand everything, it's better to err on the safe side. Because of the complexity of our ecosystems, once we are on the wrong path, there isn't any easy going back.
P.S. it's not only about climate change, but the overall damage we do to the environment.
Colleen Steen 500+
Pabitra,
I am embarrassed and ashamed to be from one of the most abundant countries in the world, and the country that wastes and misuses resources at a stagering rate. It IS a big deal, and more of us need to pay attention. I agree that we need to think about a meaningful life for as many people as possible, rather than the few who are used to so many comforts.
Julie Ann 10+
David Collin
Call me Old Skool (I was at Berkeley when Ronald Regan had National Guard helicopters tear-gas the campus) but I think public demonstrations and civil disobedience are the best ways to express deep concern about something. Slactivism and endless dialogue just favor doing nothing. I'm feeling encouraged that some attention-getting action is happening among the young. But it needs to become a one-world phenom. US young especially would benefit from uniting with other young from around the planet. The reality is that we already are in many respects one-word and that's something young people need to deal with the rest of their lives. CEOs of multinational corps already know this, but most US citizens don't.
Harald Jezek 50+
Yes they hear that our ecosystems are damaged, but they think "so what ? Aren't the forests still green and aren't there still fish in the lakes and corals in the ocean ?"
To overcome people's inertia it requires the proverbial sledgehammer on the head. Unless the problem hits everybody front on and painfully, people always will try to resist.
David Collin
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Colleen Steen 500+
I think "doing your bit" will continue to be redefined depending on what our beliefs are, and how important the environment is to us as individuals. We need to do the small things AND take the big steps toward change. I've talked about turning off lights and recycling on this site...
What I have not yet mentioned on this site, is involvement in other ways. When realizing that a business on adjoining property to my home was in violation of environmental laws, I reported them to the environmental board. My life was threatened, and I was nicknamed Erin Brokovitch for awhile. Finally, the business was ordered by the state environmental court to vacate the site. The owner of the toxic business was the chair of the local permitting board, so I got appointed to that board and addressed conflict of interest. Eventually, I was appointed to the regional planning commission, transportation advisory committee, project review committee and brownfields committee (evaluates toxic sites for clean-up, funded by the USEPA)
Having taken some of these steps to work on creating a better environment, I sometimes get tired of people complaining about the situation and not taking appropriate action. I agree, that our political leaders should take action. We are the people of the nations, and the initiative has to be addressed on many levels. We can accomplish a lot by working within the established structure, rather than spending energy fighting against it.
On a regional level, we've suceeded in bringing government officials into our circle to work with us. We represent the people, they represent the people, and that is our commonality. It doesn't do any good to criticize the political leaders, because at least here in the US, we elect them! We the people need to take the responsibility for putting certain people in office, and also, doing our part to facilitate change on many different levels
We can ask the question of ourselves: What are we willing to do?
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Colleen Steen 500+
Thank you, and the reason I tell my story, is to reinforce the idea that all of us together need to do whatever we can to change the patterns. The steps we take could be anything from recycling, planting gardens, or challenging a toxic business. It all helps, we are all capable of doing more or less at any given time. I may not have challenged the toxic business, for example, when my children were at home because I wouldn't want to put them at risk. Although they were already at risk from toxins in the air, that is not like a death threat by your neighbor! We are all at different stages of our lives, different financial situations, etc. That's why it is helpful to ask the question, what can we do as individuals?
The one thing we all have, is the ability to be aware. I totally agree with you about the global political systems, and it is the citizenry that is going to push for change. I also agree that our connections are going to help facilitate change. You are right, Erin Brokovitch probably could not have stopped companies in other contries. There was a time, when she could not have stopped the toxic operation in this country, and now we're seeing more wistleblowers. I tell my story, to add to the energy of others who may be inspired to stand up to something that may seem beyond reach.
Colleen Steen 500+
Our environment is important, and I sincerely believe that every little step we take to protect it is valuable:>)
Julie Ann 10+
Colleen Steen 500+
As I said in another comment, I tell my story to hopefully inspire others to take whatever steps they can toward a beneficial goal for all of us.
Another mindset that we need to get past, is that we either have industry that creates jobs OR a cleaner environment. I believe we can have both. Here in Vermont, we have many incentives to encourage clean industry. The USEPA brownfields project is available nationally, as far as I know. How many states are using funding that is available right now for clean up? How many regions are actually using the the environmental rules that are in place right now? Affectively using what is already in place in the government structure is an important starting point, which we ignore sometimes.
On the regional project review committee, in one of the most depressed counties in the state, we are very aware of promoting and encouraging businesses that provide more jobs, and also very aware of the environment. As we continue to encourage businesses to grow in an environmentally friendly way, developers and business owners KNOW that growing AND protecting the environment CAN and do co-exist with awareness. I strongly believe the idea that we can only have one or the other needs to go!
Good for you Julie Ann for suggesting cleaning up brownfields for reuse. That is what the USEPA funding I mentioned, is available for. Only property that is going to be used for re-development qualifies for that program. I think, at least here in Vermont, politicians are realizing that to get the votes, they MUST be concerned with the environment:>)
Harald Jezek 50+
The main problem I see for not moving any faster is a wrong perception by the general public of what it means to be environmental friendly.
Unfortunately, the green movement, was actually counter productive to progress on environmental issues, because voluntarily or involuntarily, they created the image of being environmental friendly means going back to the cave.
And I think that's as wrong as it can get. So, probably to get the general public to adopt an environmental friendly lifestyle, the image of "environmental friendly" and "green" has to be redefined.
As long as people are scared that their hard won luxury will be taken from them, they will not change.
Julie Ann 10+
Harald Jezek 50+
Colleen Steen 500+
It is a sad example here in the US as well. When I started exploring the situation with the toxic business, I discovered that because the owner was the chair of the local permitting board for 20 years, everyone simply ignored the situation. When I reported it to the regional environmental board director, he also ignored it at first, because the business did work for the state, and he knew the owner. It really took a lot of pressure over a period of 3 or 4 years to get the authorities to enforce environmental rules that were in place for a long time. The equipment that was part of the federal violation was removed immediately by the owner because he probably knew it was a federal violation. I suspect he knew he could control the local and some of the state officials, but not the USEPA.
I believe enforcing the regulations that have been in place for a long time is an issue everywhere. That's why the more people speak up about it, the more awareness everyone has about the challenge, and perhaps the more effectively the authorities will address the environmental issues.
Julie Ann 10+
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Colleen Steen 500+
Chi Che
Colleen Steen 500+
Julie Ann 10+
However, change takes a long time. There is a very strong political component but there is also personal resistance to change, which is perfectly understandable. But we now have a generation that is growing up with this information, and there are ongoing efforts to find and apply cleaner energy sources. I am encouraged that the next generation will do better and fare better. So, each action whether it be a light turned off, the use of a hybrid vehicle, cleaner power generation - all mean reduced exposure to toxins for us and our kids and their kids. The automatic result will be a reduction of greenhouse gases.
Harald Jezek 50+
They key to change is not so much time, but a critical mass of people wishing to make those changes. Once you got the critical mass, things are actually moving pretty fast.
If you are interested in this topic, I suggest the book "The dipping point" by Malcolm Gladwell.
Julie Ann 10+
Harald Jezek 50+
I think you are right, fighting whether climate change occurs or not and who or what is to blame for it, wastes only resources and energy that could be better used elsewhere.
Important is education showing and explaining people what our predicaments are and how we can do better. This also includes showing people that making appropriate adjustments in their lifestyle doesn't mean going back to the dark ages and living in caves.
Julie Ann 10+
"This also includes showing people that making appropriate adjustments in their lifestyle doesn't mean going back to the dark ages and living in caves."
So true. And sometimes simple things like growing a home or community garden can bring a family closer, healthier meals, less transportation (and coincident pollution), less pesticides and so on.
Appreciate the comments:-)
Colleen Steen 500+
Julie Ann 10+
Colleen Steen 500+
I agree that no real hardships exist. That, however is a perception of some people who are balking at change. I believe that protecting our environment is always a "cool" thing to do:>)
Public transportation is a great step forward. That's why I joined the regional transportation advisory committee years ago. The rail company in this area, is in the process of restoring/rebuilding many miles of rail system:>)
Chi Che
Davie Webb
its wrong of us to push the blame onto china. china is merely doing what the west did post industrial revolution. the unfortunate problem is with the size of population and the type of energy (mainly coal) that china uses, the impact is imense.
Julie Ann 10+
Colleen Steen 500+
It's never a waste of time to respect and care for our environment. My parents taught me as a child, 60 years ago, to recycle, restore, repair, renovate and reuse EVERYTHING, whenever possible, rather than buying new and tossing the old in a land fill. We raised our own food, and were not allowed to EVER leave a light on or water running if we were not using it. Part of their reason was financial, and part environmental. At that time, there was no known threat to the environment, as far as I knew, but it was important to my mother, especially, to care for the environment. Doing all the small things in our daily lives, that can contribute to a cleaner, safer environment has been my lifestyle since I was a child.
Later, as I traveled to secluded parts of the world, I started to realize more about the gifts we have that we often don't even recognize. Many people in our world do not have clean drinking water or electricity. Every time I switch on the electric now, I think of how lucky I am to have it. Every time I use water, I think of the people I've seen in our world walking miles to get water, or a whole village using one small water source to wash their bodies, clothes, dishes, animals and for drinking, or some people who simply do not have any. I consider myself lucky to have so many comforts that many people do not have.
When we are mindful of the earth and how it sustains us, how can it ever feel like a waste of time to protect it? Realy...how difficult is it to put something in a recycle bin rather than the trash? How difficult is it to switch off that light when not in use? Are we worth the effort? In protecting the earth, we're protecting ourselves.
Harald Jezek 50+
We were the 1.generation born after WWII and our parents, during the war, learned to appreciate the value of our resources, whether that was water, food or anything else. These experiences influenced the way we were brought up.
Colleen Steen 500+
Yes...the depression and WWll taught our parents to be conservative and resourceful, and I'm grateful they passed that concept on to me. Now, it is a matter of us passing it on to others:>)
Hope your gardens are doing well:>)
Davie Webb
firstly, i do recycle and i care for the planet more than most, i agree with your comment. my point is, we can do all the saving energy we like but if the likes of China and the US do not change their ways, which i think is never going to happen, our contribution is minimal. i will continue to try and do my but but i fear it is in vain as the countries of the world that are making the biggest impact will not be making the same steps as me.
Colleen Steen 500+
When we look at any big global challenge, it sometimes feels overwhelming. Realistically, we can only change things in our own little space, and that is what we need to continue to do. Regardles of what anyone else does. I respect and protect the environment as much as possible in my own space, and I share that idea with as many people as will listen...that's all I can do. What we focus on expands, so I spend my energy focusing on the difference you and I make:>) Each country is made up of people, and if we can manage to touch others with our idea, it is contagious:>)
Davie Webb
i will continue to try and do my bit, and nervously anticipate the years ahead.
Colleen Steen 500+
You are "doing your bit" by traveling, exploring, asking questions, becoming more aware of the situation, and taking action to change things for the better. Starting this discussion is part of "your bit". Every little thing we can do to bring awareness to others, is a step in the right direction:>)
Carry on! I'm sending you energy for positive change:>)
Davie Webb
Colleen Steen 500+
Scott Staples
Chabel Khan
And this is where I want to discuss from: if we do not have a radicalised movement (by this I mean a large uptake of individuals who actively address and issue or push for societal change), it is a rather pointless stand in terms of the principle of beneficence (though personal gain?). However, I would also like to point out that the majority are not always right. These minority groups on the fringe of society have influenced society greatly; this is demonstrative that society as a whole is not impervious to the efforts of one man, but to say it is more willing to accept a movement or group than one lonesome, stubbly environmentalist (forgive the stereotypical humour). I am sure there are many stubbly, lonesome environmentalists out there who feel the same way you do. This will have an accumulative effect; however, to make it more efficient and forceful, you need communicate and transmit that idea (evolution is now more than ever about the transmission of ideas).
I do not feel disheartened at my flicking off one light bulb as it makes me feel I am doing my part as the connections grow between individuals like me, so will the benefits.
Harald Jezek 50+
Many people think that only big steps can impact our world and, since they are not willing or not able to make the big one, they just don't do anything.
We need to understand that if we are all making the small steps, we can change the world without having to make big sacrifices (another thing people are afraid of).