Debates have risen after the attack of Hurricane Katrina and Rita, as well as many other typhoons in Asian region, over whether climate change was a direct factor in contributing to rise in hurricane activities.
There were claims that global waming was causing an increase in sea surface temperature, hence resulted in more severe hurricanes and storms. There were also suggestions that greenhouse gases is linked to the increasingly horrific weather. In fact, two prominent studies, as reported by FT, seemed to confirm the theories.
Are the recent disasters a kind of signal? A signal that gives us a warning that climate change is a serious issue to be tackled with high importance? If they are, are human looking at the problem seriously? Or are we just brushing it aside, again and again, as long as we are not too much 'affected' by the rage of the nature?
We must act. Among the key issues relevant to climate change and global warming include the effects on food industry, travel and tourism sector, control of emissions in developing countries, and design of technologies that is 'greener'. However, all talks and no action would not solve the problem of hazardous gases emission, greenhouse effects, global warming, etc... We need ACTIONS, instead of just rounds of talks and debates, with no immediate fruits of actions. Do we remember the Earth Summit in Rio, 1992, or the negotiations for Kyoto Protocol in 1997? But do we remember how long does it take for them to bear results? Do we remember doing what we have been saying?
Climate change is not just a so-called 'environmental' issue that many people tends to ignore, thinking that it is irrelevant to their lifes which have more 'important' things to tend to. Climate change is a global issue, which affects everyone of us, as long as we live on this earth. We cannot stand aside and watch the worsening of our environmental state, we have our responsibility. Earth belongs to everyone; however, sometimes it is ironic to see people claiming the wealth of minerals and resources produced by earth as their 'rights and properties', while shying away when it comes to the issue of tackling environmental issue. As we gain economically from nature, let's not forget that we still have our responsibility to take care of it.
A simple habit is 'Give and take'. Sadly though, we seem to have been taking too much and forgetting to give in return. And most importantly, to give in return means by practical, realistic actions, not just by beautiful words, discussion or promises.
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4 comments:
Again, my dear friend, it's all about money. Maybe.
Why USA pulled out from Kyoto Protocol? Bush knows just how much money he will lost. He is not that "stupid" afterall, eh?
Why Gabonese government can't stop logging? Tropical rainforest contribute almost half of the earth's biodiversity, while rainforests now cover less than 6% of Earth's land surface. Yet they keep chopping trees down. Money.
I guess the Mother Nature answers back. Started from tsunami, Katrina, now earthquake in Pakistan.
Who knows what will happen next!
Important issue and thoughtful post as usual.
You are right, Low, it is money. Anything that effects the ability of the super rich to make every more money is of utmost importance to them and they will spare nothing to resist any move that dips into profits, even at the expense of the entire planet.
I wonder how and why humans evolved into such short sighted and gluttonous creatures, failing to learn from the mistakes of previous species and civilizations which have disappeared over the eons.
If we don't manage to change the present course, as you say, Mother Nature will. We can't do without the Earth, so we need to stay mindful that Earth can certainly do without us.
Dear Low and Ward, thanks so much for such good arguments, my friends. thanks for reading up n sharing your thoughts too.
Sadly, money is, in fact, the only main method of measurement in our society and dailly life. Even evaluating social and environmental project takes into account of the 'cost' and 'returns' in terms of monetary value. Economics study about satisfying human's wants, and of course, it revolves around money too.
i hope there is more awareness that we need much more than money in attaining happiness in life. Many are aware of this need, but our mundane life somehow forces us to think in terms of money.
What we need is a little bit more care and mindfulness. A little bit more selflessness, and a little bit more giving.
I m happy to know you guys. both of you have been giving me constructive comments and insightful opinions. Really helped a lot in my self-building and learning. thanks so much!
by the way,dear pandabonium, have left some comments in your older posts. is catching up reading the rest. Expect some activities in your comment box yoh... :-)
dear low, check your mailbox soon ya! ;-)
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