Global warming begins its killing spree.
Earlier this week the United Nations warned of a “frightening lack of leadership” when it comes to combating climate change. This remark by Kofi Annan was without a doubt aimed at the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases: the United States; along with Australia (both of which failed to sign to 1997 Kyoto Protocol). This attempt by the UN chief to convince the United States that it needs to play a role in the solution, rather than simply contribute to the problem failed; given the US reaction to the discussion at the Climate Change Summit in Kenya this month.
The decision to ignore this crisis is not morally justifiable, nor can you defend this move by the Bush administration using basic logic. The economic argument used by the Bush administration can easily be countered using the recent economic report from the British government; but that is not something I want to address here. I want to focus on a recent review of research studies, that seems to prove that global warming has begun claiming its first victims.
According to this review, animal and plant species have begun dying off or are being forced to change due to changes in the environment. The author of the study, Camille Parmesan had this to say about the study:
“We are finally starting to see species going extinct. Now we’ve got the evidence. It’s here. It’s real. This is not just biologist ‘intuition’. It’s what’s happening.”
The species that are being forced to change are also going to eventually become extinct, given the fact that it takes thousands of years to evolve. The pace at which the planet is changing will not allow for this evolution to occur, leaving many species doomed. It is also important to remember that as changes become more common, a larger amount of species will become endangered.
Given this scientific evidence, I feel it is our duty as citizens in a democratic society to ask ourselves and our leaders: “Why is the Bush administration ignoring facts such as these even though the scientific community, along with most of the world agrees that something needs to be done?”
This question is difficult to answer, but we can eliminate a few reasons given recent studies. We know its not to ensure the saefty of all species in the ecosystem, and we also know its not because it will damage the American economy. Both of these justifications have been proven flawed via the British economic study of global warming and the species study written about in this blog. So then… what is the answer?
Is it because both our President and Vice President made their fortunes from oil? Do they have some scientific information that they are refusing to share? Do they believe that sacrificing the future of the Earth, along with the quality of life for future generations is worth the few extra bucks they may make in their lifetimes? Are they simply not concerned with the future of the planet given their religious conviction that Jesus must return at one point, so therefore it is pointless to nuture the Earth and its countless creations? Do they not believe in science?
I know that many of the possible answers I list are rather cynical in nature, I intended to portray them that way. But the fact remains that no one but those who lead our government can truly answer this question. Don’t you think it’s about time we ask them what their justification is?