stop global warming

this summer, my husband used his car a lot less by cycling (pedal) and motorcycling several times a week. I reduced my car use by taking a job much closer to home (about 10 miles, compared to 30).

we have also changed out several more bulbs to fluoros. I know there is a lot more to do, such as making a donation to our local sustainable forestry foundation. We’ll keep trying to think of new ideas.

In the meanwhile, there was a TV special a few nights ago covering the 7 big disasters that could happen to the earth and alter our lives as we know them, in order of least likely to most likely to occur. Not surprisingly, most likely issue at #1 was global warming/climate change.

Just found the site today… here’s what I put as my reason:

Global warming is one of the most urgent environmental issues of our day. I have seen glaciers in North and South America that are receding drastically in person, and I believe glaciers and the polar ice caps are one of the most crucial means of our planet’s thermal regulation.

Closer to home, and perhaps what keeps this issue in the forefront of my mind, I love New England and all that life here includes – beautiful snowy winters (which we didn’t get much of this year), cool moist springs, temparate summers, and fall foliage that draws tourists and locals alike out to take it all in.

The temperature in parts of New England has risen by 3-4 degrees in the past century, with the pace accelerating since 1970. While seemingly small, this impacts our local environment and ultimately our economy. For example, maple syrup production in our area has suffered from unpredictable periods of warming and cooling, which results in poor sap flows. While not very many New Englanders rely upon maple syrup production for income, it is a staple contribution to the appeal and charm of our area. Every good New England country store has locally grown syrup, and it’s always a joy to find. The leaf peepers will not have sugar maple leaves to peek at (and those are some of the most colorful), and entirely different tree species will take over in our northern boreal forests. Our ski areas already struggle to have enough snow cover, yet skiing is an emblematic New England activity. Strong storms will continue to erode our coastlines, and changing water temps will affect our fish and lobster industries. Gulf of Maine lobster is considered a delicacy – and the lobsters need our cold rich waters to thrive. Our climate, if the current trends continue, will be more like that of North Carolina or Georgia, by century’s end.

In short, the character of the region I have come to love (I grew up elsewhere), is being slowly but surely altered by global warming. I feel nearly helpless to effect the type of change I think is necessary, so maybe, just maybe, my voice will be heard through this type of outlet…