It occurred to me while I was driving along listening to NPR, that I don’t think I’ve ever said this on the blog quite so unequivocally. (I know, driving. No good, especially in the context of this post. /sigh) So in case any of you were wondering how I actually feel about this issue (hah), here you go.
Climate change is not a debate. Human caused climate change is not a debate.
Fortunately, this week, the National Academy of Sciences came out on Wednesday and said it too. Yes, real. Yes, humans. Can I just say, freaking finally. This report is also a call for Congressional action.
Photo: CC – Takver
First reaction: glee. Or frustration. Or exhaustion. Exasperation. Now I’m not sure how I feel. I’m used to getting all hopeful and then watching as my hopes are crushed. It’s hard, because I almost don’t have the heart left to follow the politics on this issue any more. But I know that I’m going to have to find the heart somewhere, because opting out is… well, not an option. We need legislation, and we need it to work. And we need a shift in public understanding of this issue, both the science behind it and the ever-decreasing timeframe in which we have to act. And all of that involves those of us who care about our future getting engaged and staying engaged.
Honestly, in the wake of the oil spill, this effort should be getting easier and easier. But my heart is broken, and it’s hard to piece it back together and stick it out there one more time.
But, here we go. Climate change is not a debate. Human caused climate change is not a debate. We need to get moving on this… right now.
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I appreciate your cautious optimism on this. Like you, I don’t think there’s any debate on whether or not humans have a hand in climate change. However, I’m very doubtful as to whether we’ll see any meaningful legislation meant to reduce, or at least not increase greenhouse gas emissions, in the near future. Such legislation would entail high costs, at least initially, in terms of money and effort–not only on the part of businesses, but individuals as well. And unfortunately, whoever proposes such legislation will be (IMO) committing political suicide. It’s much easier to let the “debate” continue than it is to actually take meaningful political action. /cynicism
Not only is it easier to let the “debate” continue, it is in the interest of entrenched forces who have an enormous amount to lose once we stop debating and start taking meaningful action. I think we sometimes forget exactly how much money and effort is being invested in convincing people that climate change is a doomsday conspiracy.