(9th in a series about Bethlehem’s Climate Action Plan)
Is it just Gadfly, or does it seem that there’s truly been a noticeable uptick in the buzz about climate change in our local papers lately? Perhaps a result of that big scientific study.
My clipping file overfloweth.
Gadfly has cited and linked the LTEs by Kathy Fox and Martha Christine lately, people known to him by hanging out at the Environmental Advisory Council.
But here’s a bunch more:
When deniers opine that white, frozen, reflective surfaces in the Arctic and northern regions can simply melt away and flow into the oceans with no drastic complications for humanity, they sound like the biblical people jeering Noah.
Fifty years ago this Christmas Eve, three incredible Apollo 8 astronauts flew to the moon. They spent about 20 hours circling the moon, photographing landing areas. But their most stunning photo was the Earth rise from the moon. It showed a planet without borders. That photo also showed that blue dot in the cosmos is our fragile home, and if we do not take care of it, it will not take care of us.So far we humans have failed. My assessment is we will leave a climate in crisis for our children to fix.
Rachel Rosenfeld, “Gov. Wolf gives environment a holiday present.” Morning Call, December 20, 2018.
Just when the news on global warming couldn’t get much worse, we have Gov. Wolf to thank for a holiday gift in the form of proposed new regulations to cut greenhouse gas emissions from natural gas development and infrastructure. No lump of coal from the governor — instead, a breath of fresh air and stark counterpoint to the Scrooge in the White House, who continues to dismantle much-needed environmental regulations.
Terry Weida, “Give Earth a Christmas gift by recycling.” Morning Call, December 20, 2018.
We make far too much trash. Give the Earth a gift. Recycle.
Joe Baylog, “New EPA Clean Water Rule weakens protections.” Morning Call, December 20, 2018.
In 2015, the EPA released the Clean Water Rule clarification. Recently, that clarification was dismantled and a proposed a new rule that significantly diminishes these protections was submitted. . . . please join me in standing up for our right to clean water and tell this administration to maintain 2015 protections for headwater streams and wetlands.
Sam Layding, “It’s time for a ‘Green New Deal’.” Morning Call, December 7, 2018.
However, some members of our government (including our president) are still in disbelief that our planet is in danger. Instead of pushing to reduce carbon emissions, many of them continue to support big business over all else. How do you think that history is going to judge our leaders who stand by while Mother Nature continues to cry for help? It is imperative, now more than ever, that we continue to call our representatives and senators and ask for their help in making our planet great again.
Problem: Wildfires, droughts, asthma, floods, diseases, extinctions, famine. These are effects of rising temperatures. They are and will continue to occur. Our poor children and grandchildren will suffer because of worldwide inaction.
Trevor Watlington, “What we eat does affect climate change.” Morning Call, December 14, 2018.
Unfortunately, we have a rather large issue of climate change approaching us, and if we don’t act things can get dangerous. One of the simplest and easiest things we can do to cut down on carbon dioxide emissions is to stop eating beef or to cut down on the amount of beef we eat.
Let us put our minds together and see what kind of life we can make for our children.” These insightful words by the Lakota chief, Sitting Bull, remind us that we all bear the responsibility for the welfare of future generations. Regardless of our cultural heritage, religious beliefs or political leanings, it is common sense to care for the well-being of our children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
It’s Saturday, December 22, do you know where your local Climate Action Plan is?
Yes, I think it is noticeable that more voices are joining the call for climate action.
Unfortunately, there are also many comments deriding the advocates of climate action—and the national government is showing no leadership. The Democratic leadership is a big part of the problem, refusing to make a strong push for the ‘Green New Deal’ that Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has been pushing. (In fact the Dem. leadership is actively undermining it.)
At the state legislature, there is almost no discussion of or planning for climate action. Pathetic.
Locally, Easton has a good start on developing a CAP, but it seems to be stalled at the moment. In Bethlehem, there is talk about developing a CAP, but little or no public discussion of methods to be used or possible goals. Allentown has been talking about it, but I don’t know what’s happening with that.
It seems so painfully obvious, but if we don’t stop ‘business as usual’ and make some dramatic changes, the news will continue to get worse.