Political Debate Over Climate Change!
It appears the issue of climate change will be a key concern during our upcoming 2020 election year. I have been watching closely the positions various candidates are taking on the issue and I am concerned that most Politian’s have very limited knowledge of the details surrounding the subject. My major concern is that one side has accepted the scientific reality of climate change and is trying to suggest possible solutions without full knowledge of the problem. The other side rejects scientific facts and attempts to convince the public there is no problem and the issue has no connection to the human demands being placed on our natural world. We have become so divided; we are unable to agree on an issue that has been clearly defined by the vast majority of the worldwide scientific community. My 81-year life span on planet Earth has allowed me to observe significant changes in weather patterns such as, storm frequency and intensity. It also has provided time to observe many changes in our political institution and how it functions. My concern is that many of the political changes have not resulted in a more effective government for the people. To be told what I know to be reality, by many of our political leaders, is discouraging and leaves me questioning the integrity of politicians elected to represent our interests, not theirs. Those that have accepted the reality of climate change are headed in the right direction but, need a much deeper understanding of the scientific facts surrounding the issue. There is far more to the cause of climate change than simply controlling the emission of carbon into the atmosphere due to the burning of fossil fuels. The issue becomes extremely complex when we realize the causes are the result of human demands for food, shelter and energy required to maintain our desired standard of living. Therefore, the solutions must focus on reducing the demand for resources provided by planet Earth which is a challenging requirement. What it is telling us is that Earth has limitations as to what she can provide in resources required to sustain life on this planet. Scientists have been attempting to estimate the population carrying capacity of our planet by evaluating the availability of resources required for various population densities. Although only estimates, most tending to believe 10 billion people may be the limit. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, we will reach a world population of 10 billion in just 30 years. Birth rates are declining in the developing countries but average age expectancy is increasing. Medical science is telling us the United States will achieve a life expectancy of 120 years in the near future. Attempts to control birth rates have been tried in the past and have been complete failures, including China’s effort to limit the number of new born female children.
The second major environmental issue is deforestation which we have discussed many times. Deforestation is critical because our forest covered lands have been one of the major suppliers of resources required for life. We have already shrunk our original forest covered land base by more than fifty per cent and are deforesting the equivalent of 20 football field every minute worldwide. Again, this is a very complex problem to change. Our expanding world population will require more land to produce food and provide land for shelter, transportation, recreation and business. The only option will require major adjustments in the science of forestland management. Every acre of remaining tree covered land will have to function at top performance levels which means intensive management focused on forest health and improved bio-diversity. No longer can we look to what we can take from the forests but instead, must focus on how we maintain the life sustaining elements trees provide that sustain 80% of all life forms on our planet!
Our political representatives were defined and have been known as public servants since our democratic concept of government was established however, I seriously doubt any of the current members of the House or Senate consider themselves public servants today. Currently, politicians are focused on two concerns; ELECTION AND RE-ELECTION! So, how do we get them to change and start doing the work of and for the people? You have the power in your vote and without voter support, there is no politician! Although, each person has different skills, talents, interests and thoughts; we are far more similar than we are different. People can live and work together; it is the individuals that are attempting to lead and control people and power, that cause division and conflict. True, we need guiderails along the path of life, but it is still “We the People” that control the democratic government. It is the responsibility of the people, the voters, to search out the truth and insist upon realistic rules and guidelines that will lead to a more desirable future for humanity! Your help is essential to reaching a larger audience and providing an understanding of the importance of our natural world for future generations!
It appears the issue of climate change will be a key concern during our upcoming 2020 election year. I have been watching closely the positions various candidates are taking on the issue and I am concerned that most Politian’s have very limited knowledge of the details surrounding the subject. My major concern is that one side has accepted the scientific reality of climate change and is trying to suggest possible solutions without full knowledge of the problem. The other side rejects scientific facts and attempts to convince the public there is no problem and the issue has no connection to the human demands being placed on our natural world. We have become so divided; we are unable to agree on an issue that has been clearly defined by the vast majority of the worldwide scientific community. My 81-year life span on planet Earth has allowed me to observe significant changes in weather patterns such as, storm frequency and intensity. It also has provided time to observe many changes in our political institution and how it functions. My concern is that many of the political changes have not resulted in a more effective government for the people. To be told what I know to be reality, by many of our political leaders, is discouraging and leaves me questioning the integrity of politicians elected to represent our interests, not theirs. Those that have accepted the reality of climate change are headed in the right direction but, need a much deeper understanding of the scientific facts surrounding the issue. There is far more to the cause of climate change than simply controlling the emission of carbon into the atmosphere due to the burning of fossil fuels. The issue becomes extremely complex when we realize the causes are the result of human demands for food, shelter and energy required to maintain our desired standard of living. Therefore, the solutions must focus on reducing the demand for resources provided by planet Earth which is a challenging requirement. What it is telling us is that Earth has limitations as to what she can provide in resources required to sustain life on this planet. Scientists have been attempting to estimate the population carrying capacity of our planet by evaluating the availability of resources required for various population densities. Although only estimates, most tending to believe 10 billion people may be the limit. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, we will reach a world population of 10 billion in just 30 years. Birth rates are declining in the developing countries but average age expectancy is increasing. Medical science is telling us the United States will achieve a life expectancy of 120 years in the near future. Attempts to control birth rates have been tried in the past and have been complete failures, including China’s effort to limit the number of new born female children.
The second major environmental issue is deforestation which we have discussed many times. Deforestation is critical because our forest covered lands have been one of the major suppliers of resources required for life. We have already shrunk our original forest covered land base by more than fifty per cent and are deforesting the equivalent of 20 football field every minute worldwide. Again, this is a very complex problem to change. Our expanding world population will require more land to produce food and provide land for shelter, transportation, recreation and business. The only option will require major adjustments in the science of forestland management. Every acre of remaining tree covered land will have to function at top performance levels which means intensive management focused on forest health and improved bio-diversity. No longer can we look to what we can take from the forests but instead, must focus on how we maintain the life sustaining elements trees provide that sustain 80% of all life forms on our planet!
Our political representatives were defined and have been known as public servants since our democratic concept of government was established however, I seriously doubt any of the current members of the House or Senate consider themselves public servants today. Currently, politicians are focused on two concerns; ELECTION AND RE-ELECTION! So, how do we get them to change and start doing the work of and for the people? You have the power in your vote and without voter support, there is no politician! Although, each person has different skills, talents, interests and thoughts; we are far more similar than we are different. People can live and work together; it is the individuals that are attempting to lead and control people and power, that cause division and conflict. True, we need guiderails along the path of life, but it is still “We the People” that control the democratic government. It is the responsibility of the people, the voters, to search out the truth and insist upon realistic rules and guidelines that will lead to a more desirable future for humanity! Your help is essential to reaching a larger audience and providing an understanding of the importance of our natural world for future generations!