October 2, 2019 and the newscast says it hit 97 degrees in Washington, DC. But that’s over there, not here! Here, at 6:00 PM, it is only 87.
And, yes, we all know that talking about one day is only “weather,” not climate. Even six weeks with no rain is just another blip, right?
Here, in Talbot County in 2019, who is denying that global climate change is really afoot? And who have you met who says, yes, the global climate seems to be changing, but it’s just a natural cycle, not induced by humankind? Article after article has been laying out the accumulating evidence for years—decades really– in both the popular press and scientific journals. It is mountainous. And the ramifications of the serious global warming that is coming could be an existential challenge, not to our adaptable species, but certainly to the (semi-) stable world order of nation-states, economies, and the communities more directly exposed than we are. What we’ve all sown our grandchildren and their progeny will reap in decades to come.
It was “the Greta phenomenon” that triggered this column, brought up by others at least three times in the past week at social events and discussed at length. Based on the reaction, it’s clear her harsh and stinging rebuke of you and me—the supposed adults in the room—hit its mark. (If you only heard about it, and missed this 15-year-old’s full indictment, Google “Greta UN speech.”)
I’ve heard both of the arguments knocking “the Greta thing.” First, that the poor young lady is a dupe. She has been manipulated, unknowingly or not, by unconscionable zealots who stop at nothing to proselytize alarmist views. And second, from climate change deniers, that she is simply wrong about the threat: whether from the mouths of babes or peer-reviewed journals, climate change alarm is wrong. Or if it is real, it’s not a man-made problem and would be too expensive and difficult to deal with anyway.
I have only one contribution to the discussion: I would urge that anyone seriously interested in this topic read the definitive article on how we came to the spot we’re in. The article, entitled “Losing Earth” by Nathaniel Rich, was published in the New York Times Magazine Section in August of 2018 (link below) and painstakingly details the history of the climate-change debate in the USA from 1979-1989. This decade was a short window when we almost got in front of the problem globally, when we came within a hair’s breadth of changing history for the better. The moment we dropped the ball, in the author’s view. It is a long piece, but a real education.
IMO, if Greta Thunberg can give that speech before the UN, the least we can do is take the time to understand our own history, how we came to be in this place.
Losing Earth. Aug 1, 2018 New York Times
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Angela Rieck says
Thank you for writing this…I wish I knew how we could get the country focused on this problem…we owe it to future generations.
Dan Watson says
I hope you will read “Losing Earth.”
Wilson Wyatt says
Perhaps a “cave-dweller” may not recognize the realities of climate change. Most modern industries (from agriculture to financial services) study societal and natural trends affecting their future business conditions; they are aware that climate change is real. Of course, the majority of today’s scientists, world-wide, are convinced of climate change. Al Gore’s documentary film “An Inconvenient Truth” interpreted the science into everyday language for millions of people. Last week, it was heartening to see “Greta’s plea” and know that the younger generation is aware, deeply concerned, and courageous enough to speak out. It may not be as simple as one day’s high temperature reading or one rogue high tide, but over several years the evidence is painfully real. For those catching up, the Earth is not flat after all.
Dan Watson says
I hope you will read “Losing Earth.”
Peter Woicke says
Man made climate change deniers are only mildly worse than all those politicians who recognize the problem but are afraid to tell their voters that measures to halt temperature increases will cost money and need sacrifices. Thus not much has happened to prevent further warming of the earth. Being aged 76, the hotter climate wont have much effect on my life, but I have been telling my grandchildren, unless they start making noises, nothing will ever change. Thanks to Greta and the Friday for Future movement, finally politicians are waking up, and are taking notice and hopefully will take actions.
Dan Watson says
I hope you will read “Losing Earth.”
Carol Voyles says
Let’s hope our lawmakers might read “Losing Earth.”
Rob Etgen says
Thanks for the thoughtful article Dan. And many thanks for referencing the incredible “Losing Earth” article. That article last August, Greta Thunberg’s jarring speech at the UN last week, the recent report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and even changes I see in nature over the last few years all paint a gut wrenching picture of what we have done to the planet and the consequences our children face.
But there is hope. Most scientists agree that we can avoid the most catastrophic impacts of climate change and sea level rise if we join the rest of the world’s countries in meeting the 2015 Paris Accord limits in the near term. Even in meeting the Paris Accord limits Chesapeake Bay levels will rise about two more feet by 2050 causing obvious and significant impacts on low lying areas of the Eastern Shore. However, by planning and investing in our green infrastructure now the Eastern Shore can adapt and thrive.
I encourage our elected officials to work together to help the US meet the Paris Accord limits. And right here at home we all need to work together to build a more resilient region. Eastern Shore Land Conservancy’s Delmarva Oasis initiative is a plan to protect 50% of Delmarva by 2030 with a focus on the green infrastructure needed for our communities and environment to adapt and thrive in the face of a fast changing planet. Think interconnected habitat hubs and corridors for species adaptation, marsh migration areas so that our shorelines can evolve, and thoughtful town planning so that our communities can thrive.
We can get there from here if we all work together.
Carla Massoni says
Please go to my website – https://massoniart.com/exhibition/trees/
Watch the very short video by Justinian Dispenza – no spoken words just images from our exhibition on climate change. Then read all the postings people have sent us expressing their concerns. Add your own.
Trees – 32 artists use images to change minds and open hearts.
The exhibition ends on October 13th. Gallery hours: Thursday & Friday 11-4, Saturday 10-5, Sunday 11-2.
If you need to schedule an appointment in order to see the exhibit – just ask.
Thank you. Carla Massoni
Elizabeth Williams says
Sadly, some of the climate markers in the 2018 article already have been topped. I agree that it is important to read about (what I consider to be) the most important issue of our time before making inaccurate claims that ultimately will harm today’s children and young adults. I would like to suggest two other articles:
Bill McKibben offers facts and solutions: https://www.newyorker.com/news/daily-comment/money-is-the-oxygen-on-which-the-fire-of-global-warming-burns
Greta Thunberg speaks for herself: https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/02/03/response-lies-and-hate-let-me-make-some-things-clear-about-my-climate-strike