CLIMATE CHANGES! WHY?
We have discussed global warming and climate change several times in the past and the two opposing sides of the argument as to its reality. There is no question that these two concerns are the result of many different factors and changes are occurring at a faster pace than in the past. I have been strongly suggesting these concerns are the result of environmental impacts that must be defined if we hope to find reasonable solutions for the future. Developing the most advanced life-style this planet has ever experienced, is an achievement we are proud of and do not want to interrupt. The truth is, those of us living on the North American continent are demanding far more of our fair share of land required to support this life style, than is available to the rest of the world. If you divide the planet’s land base by our current world population, there is four acres available per person, to supply the needed energy and products required to sustain our life systems. A study conducted by the University of British Columbia, found people living in Canada and the U.S. require 20 acres per individual for our current style of life. As more countries develop economically, it is obvious we will experience a significant problem with competition for limited resources and further clearing of forested lands.
One must admit, a portion of the changes that are occurring are the result of natural elements which we have little control over. We are still on the receding side of the last ice age, which means gradual warming temperatures. It is also true that humanity’s demand for resources has accelerated changing climate conditions. Scientific data and history clearly demonstrate, that the rapid rate climate change over the past 200 years is the result of human demands. Studying past cultures and societies that have collapsed and failed, provides insight into the reasons for their demise. The two environmental issues, identified by Dr. Jerrod Diamond, that have had the largest impact on these failures are population expansion and deforestation.
It now seems appropriate to examine these two environmental issues in more detail, to understand why they impact climate change. Population expansion is easily understood, as the more people we have the greater the demands for land and resources. Some of the more developed countries have experienced a reduction in birth rates however, age expectancy has increased significantly, with the fastest growing age group being the 90 plus. Consequently, population growth has not slowed that much. The other major change in population statistics is the movement from rural to urban locations. The United States now classifies 81% of our population as urbanites, which requires more land for homes, businesses, transportation facilities, recreation developments and supporting infrastructure. Probably, the worst result of urbanization is that people have become alienated from the land and natural world thereby, accelerating the destruction of our vital natural surroundings. In just 30 years our world population will expand to 10 billion people and it is beyond my ability to comprehend what this will mean to Earth’s limitations. History clearly demonstrates that advanced technology will not provide the future solutions required, for the solutions lie in social and environmental adjustments.
Deforestation will obviously accelerate with an expanding population therefore, understanding why forests and trees are so important is critical. I can explain by using an example I have discussed in the past, the story of Magdalena Valley. A friend, whose ancestors settled this valley in the 1600’s, has collected years of historic information from family records and stories, that demonstrate why forests are so important to climate change. We have been privileged to spend time observing the land his ancestors ranched and observed the documents and heard the stories of the dramatic changes that have occurred over the last 300 years. When his ancestors first arrived from Spain in the 1600’s, the valley had dense ponderosa pine forests covering the hillsides and mountain slopes, and waist high prairie grass covering the valley floor. The shade from the forest cover kept the temperature several degrees cooler and the soils moist. Rainfall and snow averaged a little less than 24 inches a year but was evenly spread throughout the seasons. Forage for sheep and cattle was prevalent and ranching provided a good living. In 1848, this land was ceded from Mexico to the United States. Following the transfer of the land, five large sawmills were set-up and the logging of the pine forests began. By the late 1920’s the forests were gone and the sawmills closed. Significant changes in the weather condition began to appear. Precipitation now averages 8 inches per year and is concentrated during the end of July and first of August. Average temperatures have risen several degrees. Vegetation now consists of juniper trees, willow shrubs and pinion pine trees, where majestic ponderosa pine once stood and, the prairie grass has been replaced with different varieties of bunch grass that grow 6 to 8 inches in height. Ranching now requires 40 acres to graze one cow for a year. The most striking thing you observe are the numerous deep washed-out gullies called arroyos. The top soil is gone and the surface dirt, mostly exposed, is dry and cracked. The wind and concentrated rains have eroded the nutrient rich soils into the surrounding streams and rivers. I know this is a compelling story but also one that has played out on numerous sites throughout the world. Many of our desert lands were once lush forests according to scientists. This one example has left an impression I will never forget and leaves me wondering how we can continue to deny what we are doing to the natural world? I have lived on the planet for 80 years and personally observed adverse changes resulting from human demands on Earth, including major changes in climate conditions. The solutions can only be found when we accept there are limits to what Earth can supply and we cannot live without native trees growing in diverse forest communities! Diversity is the single most important element that supports life systems on Earth! The future depends upon the actions we take today! The do-nothing alternative will result in the collapse and failure of our own species! The principles that guide the science of forestry must be adjusted to assure our forested lands can continue to provide the essential elements required for the substance of life on Earth!
We have discussed global warming and climate change several times in the past and the two opposing sides of the argument as to its reality. There is no question that these two concerns are the result of many different factors and changes are occurring at a faster pace than in the past. I have been strongly suggesting these concerns are the result of environmental impacts that must be defined if we hope to find reasonable solutions for the future. Developing the most advanced life-style this planet has ever experienced, is an achievement we are proud of and do not want to interrupt. The truth is, those of us living on the North American continent are demanding far more of our fair share of land required to support this life style, than is available to the rest of the world. If you divide the planet’s land base by our current world population, there is four acres available per person, to supply the needed energy and products required to sustain our life systems. A study conducted by the University of British Columbia, found people living in Canada and the U.S. require 20 acres per individual for our current style of life. As more countries develop economically, it is obvious we will experience a significant problem with competition for limited resources and further clearing of forested lands.
One must admit, a portion of the changes that are occurring are the result of natural elements which we have little control over. We are still on the receding side of the last ice age, which means gradual warming temperatures. It is also true that humanity’s demand for resources has accelerated changing climate conditions. Scientific data and history clearly demonstrate, that the rapid rate climate change over the past 200 years is the result of human demands. Studying past cultures and societies that have collapsed and failed, provides insight into the reasons for their demise. The two environmental issues, identified by Dr. Jerrod Diamond, that have had the largest impact on these failures are population expansion and deforestation.
It now seems appropriate to examine these two environmental issues in more detail, to understand why they impact climate change. Population expansion is easily understood, as the more people we have the greater the demands for land and resources. Some of the more developed countries have experienced a reduction in birth rates however, age expectancy has increased significantly, with the fastest growing age group being the 90 plus. Consequently, population growth has not slowed that much. The other major change in population statistics is the movement from rural to urban locations. The United States now classifies 81% of our population as urbanites, which requires more land for homes, businesses, transportation facilities, recreation developments and supporting infrastructure. Probably, the worst result of urbanization is that people have become alienated from the land and natural world thereby, accelerating the destruction of our vital natural surroundings. In just 30 years our world population will expand to 10 billion people and it is beyond my ability to comprehend what this will mean to Earth’s limitations. History clearly demonstrates that advanced technology will not provide the future solutions required, for the solutions lie in social and environmental adjustments.
Deforestation will obviously accelerate with an expanding population therefore, understanding why forests and trees are so important is critical. I can explain by using an example I have discussed in the past, the story of Magdalena Valley. A friend, whose ancestors settled this valley in the 1600’s, has collected years of historic information from family records and stories, that demonstrate why forests are so important to climate change. We have been privileged to spend time observing the land his ancestors ranched and observed the documents and heard the stories of the dramatic changes that have occurred over the last 300 years. When his ancestors first arrived from Spain in the 1600’s, the valley had dense ponderosa pine forests covering the hillsides and mountain slopes, and waist high prairie grass covering the valley floor. The shade from the forest cover kept the temperature several degrees cooler and the soils moist. Rainfall and snow averaged a little less than 24 inches a year but was evenly spread throughout the seasons. Forage for sheep and cattle was prevalent and ranching provided a good living. In 1848, this land was ceded from Mexico to the United States. Following the transfer of the land, five large sawmills were set-up and the logging of the pine forests began. By the late 1920’s the forests were gone and the sawmills closed. Significant changes in the weather condition began to appear. Precipitation now averages 8 inches per year and is concentrated during the end of July and first of August. Average temperatures have risen several degrees. Vegetation now consists of juniper trees, willow shrubs and pinion pine trees, where majestic ponderosa pine once stood and, the prairie grass has been replaced with different varieties of bunch grass that grow 6 to 8 inches in height. Ranching now requires 40 acres to graze one cow for a year. The most striking thing you observe are the numerous deep washed-out gullies called arroyos. The top soil is gone and the surface dirt, mostly exposed, is dry and cracked. The wind and concentrated rains have eroded the nutrient rich soils into the surrounding streams and rivers. I know this is a compelling story but also one that has played out on numerous sites throughout the world. Many of our desert lands were once lush forests according to scientists. This one example has left an impression I will never forget and leaves me wondering how we can continue to deny what we are doing to the natural world? I have lived on the planet for 80 years and personally observed adverse changes resulting from human demands on Earth, including major changes in climate conditions. The solutions can only be found when we accept there are limits to what Earth can supply and we cannot live without native trees growing in diverse forest communities! Diversity is the single most important element that supports life systems on Earth! The future depends upon the actions we take today! The do-nothing alternative will result in the collapse and failure of our own species! The principles that guide the science of forestry must be adjusted to assure our forested lands can continue to provide the essential elements required for the substance of life on Earth!
