Week 2

People do want change. The overwhelming consensus from the American Public is protect the environment, however, few are willing to make the sacrifices to do so. Big business, the government is making small steps towards the ideal result of energy independence, and the individual are all voicing concern but a minority is taking action. This sense of apathy stems from the fact that we, especially as Americans, see few short term effects of Global Climate Change.

Scientists, environmentalists, and even politicians say that the ecological systems most susceptible to the warming of the earth will occurr in 2047 for example. I have seen certain documentaries and read articles detailing the current effects of Global Warming and the majority of negative effects are found in nations in Africa and South East Asia.

So in a simple answer the problem is most people do not feel or see global warming affecting their lives. Why are American so concerned about their security? Because the US was attacked on 9/11, lives were lost and the country showed its vulnerability. We are hesitant but often willing to spend the hundreds of billions of dollars on military and defense because we have seen what the "enemy" can do. But now the enemy is ourselves and we don't want to realize that.

THis leads into living environmentally friendly. I do believe that if everyone did it would make an impact whether small or large. Most people think of saving the environment not only for themselves but for their children and future generations. Living environmentally friendly is simply to take the environmental harm of each of your decisions into consideration. Every time you travel to work do you consider public transportation? When you take the trash out do you consider recycling? When asked to donate to Greenpeace do you?

THose are a few examples, everyone can contribute in their own way. The trouble is there really is no "one way" to be environmentally friendly. If people were told that if they changed all their lightbulbs to be energy efficient and that would in turn reduce CO2 by a certain percentage and this was backed by facts I think more people would do so. People need to be told what is the best way to help. I am not the most environmentally conscious. I don't try and abuse the environment of course but every decision I make does not consider the environmental harm I may have. But more often now I see what effects I could be having with my consumption, trash I put out, energy I waste, etc.