Location: Indonesia

We’re contributing to global warming

Cussed about the heat enough? You’re not the only one. At the recent annual U.N. environmental meeting held in Bali, Indonesia, environmental officials tried to keep their cool as heated talks began with pleas to industrialized and developing countries to fulfill their commitments to cut greenhouse gases and provide funds and technology to poor countries struggling with global warming. Officials emphasized that the heat-trapping effect of greenhouse gases is definitely becoming an even bigger threat to humanity as the days go by as it is very much an existential challenge that every single human being on the planet has to be made aware of and urged to participate in. The talks, which began in 2007, had since had the scientific aim of keeping the Earth’s average temperature from rising by more than 3.6°F above the 18^th century’s pre-industrial levels. U.N. scientists have already expressed the urgency of this matter stating that any temperature rise above this could lead to disastrous sea-level rises, endangering islands, and the extinction of many species of plants and animals, as well as the alteration of the agricultural economies of many countries.

At this meeting, China, the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, promised it would cut its carbon intensity down to 45% by 2020. Other countries made the same commitment at the last meeting in Copenhagen, including the USA and the European Union. Together with China, these countries produce 78% of the world’s greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels. Much improvement is expected to be reported at the next meeting in Cancun, Mexico later this year, and even more at next year’s to be held in South Africa.

While it would be great to see the day when these industrial giants would actually fulfill their promises of caring for our continued existence; actually breathe in better air because of this and not just see promises of it on some tear-jerking advertisement on TV, the rest of us who contribute to the 22% of this madness are very much capable of making a difference. Before doing or purchasing anything, keep in mind that anything that involves the use of electricity and transportation, involves the burning of fossil fuels. Instead of buying imported products, eat locally and maybe even grow your own fruits and vegetables if you can. Use energy-efficient products and cut down electricity use altogether. Instead of blasting your own AC this summer, jump in a pool or keep cool with everyone else at the mall! Instead of having to buy items over and over again, which causes higher demand, higher production and more use of transportation, invest in durable goods. Whenever possible, bike, walk and use public transport instead of driving or invest in energy-efficient, gas-efficient or hybrid cars. Like many shopping establishments have been trying to promote nrecently, go with the bring-your-own-shopping-bag fad instead of using plastic bags. There’s nothing wrong with having a crazed passion for saving Mother Nature. Some people would say they’d rather die than take corporate action, email relevant articles to friends and family or join groups to keep updated. Realistically though, if no one did, then at the rate we’re contributing to global warming, just give it a few years and we’re all as good as gone.