The Written Word: February 13th, 2008
By Rafe Mair
I must level with you – I only have the vaguest idea about global warming, its consequences and what we do about it. I do believe the problem
is there – despite the fact that the Lower Mainland has yet to experience the “warming” bit – and that we must do something about it. The question is what?
There two arguments against doing something that are fallacious and dangerous.
First, it is said that we cannot do anything that will adversely affect the economy. It’s not rocket science to conclude that if we don’t do something that will result in a terrific cost to industry and, indeed, our ability to enjoy life.
The second non sequitur is that because others aren’t doing anything it’s pointless for us to get involved. There is no question that China and the USA are dragging their feet but if nothing else, we must set an example. The argument in 1940 terms would have had Churchill saying “we can’t win without America and since she’s not in the war, there’s no point us staying in". We all have responsibilities and we can't shirk them because others are.
In my view, Premier Campbell is showing leadership on our behalf and should be commended for that leadership. It is up to the rest of us – me very much included – to learn more and do our bit.
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There is no doubt that there are a lot of unanswered questions about global warming. David Susuki will not tell you this but the fact is that the earths orbit is not perfect and that it wobbles and actully shifts a bit over thousnds of years. And this effects the earths climate. The other fact is that we are not the only producers of carbon gases. As the size of our owceans increase so does the amount of carbon gases released by the oceans around us.
The question remains how much responsability are we willing to except for climate change. Are we willing to help or will we just let it slide and take a chance on what lies ahead. Its a big gamble and I don't think its worth it.
If you like to live with the idea that Im rich and I dont have to make changes then go for it. But it dosent say much for those of us who are intelligent humane beings with some compassion in our bodies. It realy dosent matter to me because I will not be here when the crunch comes and I could live with that cavalier idea but I have grandkids what about them and those others who have to follow our obliterated foot prints.
I have to go back to Rafe's quote,“we can’t win without America and since she’s not in the war, there’s no point us staying in"
Cheers
P.S.If you have questions about "climate change" just go to google and drop in those two little words and if you like you can read all day about climate change but you will have to decide if you are a humane being and want to help or just plaine rich.