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mitigate and manage the changes coming our way. (Note we no longer can prevent the changes, they are already here and more is on its way as there is significant carbon and warming built already into the system.) And furthermore, we know that clean energy technology and emphasizing efficiency is not only smart for reducing our carbon emissions, but they are also cheaper in the long run.
The bad news is that we have many institutional barriers to moving as fast as we need to move. We simply cannot let the industries who are wedded to carbon drive the agenda. And we cannot let the Bush administration block our ability to work with the international community to address the problem because after all, we are all in this together. Finally, we cannot let the naysayers like Bjorn Lomborg say we shouldn't waste money on addressing global warming now because he says that we can do it cheaper later if we simply invest in finding better technology. The thing he ignores at our peril is the tremendous disruption to humanity and our ability to manage the change if we sit back and wait for the next generation of technology. After all, it will take decades to clear out the buildup of carbon in the atmosphere. And we can't afford to keep making the problem worse.
This truly is humanity's time to step up to our biggest challenge. Fortunately, some of the wisest and most insightful among us believe we are ready to face this challenge. As the Dalai Lama recently reported, he was hopeful for us humans.
The rapid changes in our attitude toward the Earth are also a source of hope. Until recently, we thoughtlessly consumed its resources as if there were no end to them. Now not only individuals but also governments are seeking a new ecological order. I often joke that the moon and stars look beautiful, but if any of us tried to live on them, we would be miserable. This blue planet of ours is the most delightful habitat we know. Its life is our life, its future our future. Now Mother Nature is telling us to cooperate. In the face of such global problems as the greenhouse effect and the deterioration of the ozone layer, individual organizations and single nations are helpless. Our mother is teaching us a lesson in universal responsibility. [1]
So, what can you do? Understand what your carbon footprint is today and figure out what you can do to decrease it. Vote for politicians that make climate change a top priority. Help educate your community by talking to your friends and neighbors, writing letters to the editor and making sure your representatives in your community, in your state, and in Washington hear from you that you expect them to work diligently on helping solve this problem.
It is our time to make a difference.
[1] The Dalai Lama, My Vision of a Compassionate Future, Washington Post, October 21, 2007, http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/10/17/AR2007101701140.html
[2] Carbon Calculator: http://www.climatecrisis.net/takeaction/carboncalculator/
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