“Everybody talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it.”
Mark Twain
2005 was the hottest year ever. In fact, the last few years have been the warmest years on record. Global temperatures are 1.0F warmer than they were a year ago – and the heat is accelerating at a breakneck pace.
Hurricanes and storms have increased in number and intensity over the years. Hurricane Katrina and the Indian Ocean tsunami were not mere coincidences. Meteorologists have reached a consensus that the onslaught of super typhoons and intense tornadoes are brought about by the unnatural changes in the climate. The increased level of pollutants trapped in the earth’s atmosphere is causing global warming, thus making our weather patterns go awry. These natural disasters have caused billions in property damage, as well as the loss of countless lives.
Polar bears are in danger of extinction. We have lost sea ice the size of Texas. Some scientists are predicting that 2040 could be the Artic’s first ice-free summer. All these are signs of global warming and a planet collapsing under the strain of pollution and mismanagement.
Melting polar ice caps. Earlier springs. Rising sea levels. Extinction of species. Coral reefs are dying. Super storms and mega hurricanes. Killer bees. Nature has indeed unleashed its fury. Yet there is still something we can do about it!
Americans account for most of the world’s pollution. This is easily supported by statistics which reveal that although we only account for 5% of the world’s population, we are responsible for 25% of global pollution emissions. These embarrassing figures need to change – and fast.
As an average citizen, there is always something you can do. Switch to a fuel-efficient or eco-friendly vehicle, walk when you can, Carpool. Change your light bulbs from incandescent to fluorescent, Invest in solar panels, support eco-friendly products and establishments, minimize your use of plastic, unplug rarely used appliances, plant a tree. A single person can make a dent. All of us can make a difference.