"Global warming" - some regard these words as calculated political buzz words defined by environmentalists and liberals as their own "hot button" "wedge issue" for motivating voters, contributors, and activists. They fear that "global warming" is little more than a one-way ticket for bigger government, more regulations, and increased bureaucracy. Others insist that "global warming" is no longer a theory.
Instead, citing experts, international and domestic, they accept "global warming" as reality, like the reality that the earth is indeed round.
There is no shortage of data on the issue. Since the industrial revolution, the average temperature of the earth has elevated 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit. On any given day, a swing of a degree or two is not significant. On a planetary basis, the change of a few degrees can be the difference between life and extinction. Of course, the nine billion person question is what, if any, connection is there between human activity and the planet's increase in temperature?
No one knows for certain. Some scientists believe that people are the cause. Presumably, based on this argument, fewer people would mean a lesser problem and no people would be no problem. Obviously, while effective under this theory, this is not a very good solution (speaking
on behalf of all people).
So what is the deal with "global warming"? As celebrities and politicians increasingly politicize the debate, it is hard to tell. Carbon dioxide concentration levels are the highest on record. In the year 1900, the CO2 concentration levels in the earth's atmosphere were 290 ppm. So, according to a report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), it is "very likely" that human activity has been the principal cause of "global warming" since 1950. Former Vice President Al Gore won an Academy Award for a movie on "global warming." Lots of books attempt to explain "global warming." And, world leaders talk about "global warming."
One of the most important issues in the "global warming" debate is how bad is the situation. Some insist that the "global warming" of Earth is at a tipping point. These folk insist that the planet is on the verge of passing the point of no return, a/k/a the tipping point. Of course, this presupposes that global warming has not already passed the tipping point and, if not, the tipping point is avoidable.
Unfortunately, meaningful discussion of "global warming" has become almost impossible. In large part, this is because the very issue of "global warming" has itself become a means toward an end - whatever end someone wants. Indeed, comedians have had great fun with explaining how "global warming" is the cause every social, cultural, financial, or personal situation that exists. But, the risks involved in this debate are not funny.
The mere possibility that this generation could irreparably injure the planet is enough to warrant action. Putting aside talk of earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes, it is a moral responsibility. Each generation should view the planet not as personal property, but as a temporary gift that is their responsibility to sustain, enhance if possible, but certainly not irreparably hurt.
While macro solutions at the international and national level are legitimate debate, actions at the personal level do not have to be. Every American can, and should, do their part. It is good for the pocketbook. It is good for national security. It is good for America.