Thoughts on Global Warming
My husband, 11-year-old son and I are now in week six of quarantine, which presents plenty of challenges. But as I mentioned in my first blog post, there are also distinct advantages, one of which is spending much more quality time with our son, Jordan.
He was diagnosed with High Functioning Autism at the age of 4. He’s always been a voracious reader - with interests that include American history, ancient civilizations, chess, space travel, and Star Wars. And while Jordan’s autism presents constant challenges with socialization, frustration and focus, it’s his observations of the world and his thoughtfulness which often teach his dad and me life lessons that are cause for great joy and hope for his future.
As a passionate environmentalist, Jordan has taken a keen interest in how this pandemic has lowered carbon emissions at a startling rate. Here’s what he’s learned:
· Rob Jackson, a professor of Earth system science at Stanford University, said carbon output could fall by more than 5% this year - the first dip since a 1.4% reduction after the 2008 financial crisis.
· Between February 3 to March 1, carbon dioxide emissions were down at least 25% because of measures to contain the virus, according to the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air.
· Worldwide shuttering has resulted in blue skies and clear water from Venice to Beijing, Los Angeles to Bangalore, where pollution has dominated for decades.
· Endangered animals such as jaguars, leatherback turtles and curassow birds have been sighted in the urban areas and even in hotels of Cancun and the Riviera Maya in the Mexican Caribbean.
While Jordan is happy about this good news, he continually asks the same question: “How will the environmental changes caused by the coronavirus change human behavior, so that global warming is eradicated?” Ah - that’s an extremely good question.
Most environmentalists agree, the pandemic is a wake-up call for the world’s biggest polluters to create a more sustainable economy that works for both people and the planet.
Of course, governments around the world are struggling to address COVID and non-COVID related issues like healthcare, food shortages, feeding the poor, and re-opening their economies, among others.
But why not use this rare moment in history to reflect on what could be done to stem the tide of global warming? Once the virus is behind us, how can we re-emerge as a more united world in the fight against climate change?
Perhaps we should consider:
Adopting telecommuting for larger portions of the workforce.
Strengthening support for local farmers and promoting farm-to-table restauranteurs
Rethinking our 21st Century way of life in terms of unlimited: construction, travel and consumption. Visit a national park rather than taking a cruise.
Promoting railroad and coach incentives to cut back on frequent air travel?
Now is the time to consider such possibilities…
Once this pandemic is behind us, what changes do you think should be made to reduce global warming?