John J Zeugner
November 2007
Last month in this column I was talking about the need for more of our membership to get involved - an appeal, a challenge, and a test to see if, indeed, anybody was out there.
I’m known for being frank and direct, so here are the results: one couple on Rennie Avenue said they had no time to give but sent a nice check; several new faces (out of 13) came to our October meeting; and one gentleman stepped forward and volunteered to research recycling issues for the compact fluorescent light bulbs and perhaps set up a recycling system. Bravo, to those who have stepped up. Plus two new members are running for Executive Committee (don’t forget to vote!).
Yet we still need others to step forward, so if you have a little time or energy, money for the club or a knack for writing letters you still can help - just call me.
If you are still reading, let’s shift the issue of involvement and activism around, and invite you to tell us what you are doing these days to a) help the environment; b) reduce your carbon footprint or your consumer goods; and c) educate and motivate your neighbors, friends and family. We will print some of your replies in the next few issues of the Fall Line (and include pictures).
For example, one of our members, Steve Carter-Lovejoy (remember our perennial Auctioneer?) now works at the Tuckahoe Library in Henrico County. He has initiated a monthly ‘Know Your Environment’ program series with lectures, films, and books. He didn't have to, but felt moved to! Kudos to Steve for this! Now we want to know what our other ‘local environmental heroes’ are doing. Visit the library’s website to plug in or call him - he wants to boost attendance.
One last set of thoughts, as I try to wrap this up. I always look forward to Tuesdays, because that's ‘science day’: NOVA on PBS and the NY Times devoting an entire section, each week, to science on Tuesday. More and more of their stories are focusing on global warming and alarming examples of this rapidly increasing trend. Several weeks ago, NOVA ran a program on Global Dimming, caused by jet engine discharges and particulate pollution accumulating in the upper atmosphere. It seems to be suppressing raindrop formation in clouds and causing longer, deeper droughts. There is a minor environmental benefit to it, but that will make you wring your hands harder. Go to the web and read all about it.
The NY Times wrote about how much faster the artic polar ice cap is melting, several magnitudes beyond the worst scientific scenarios. Goodbye shiny ice cap reflecting sunlight at the poles; goodbye icebox at the poles moderating climate, weather and deep ocean currents; goodbye carbon trapped there, goodbye penguins and polar bears. Hello sea-level rise, heat and more drought, crop failures and a nasty race to the poles by many nations to get to the natural resources once imprisoned under a kilometer of ice.
I too strongly believe that we are at the ‘tipping point’ of global warming with catastrophic outcomes likely. Imagine your children’s children needing air-conditioned, UV proof suits for the summertime - that is, if our economy and our society, are still functioning, after the wars, the water and food riots (overseas or here), the population displacements. Will your grandchildren ask you what you did to avert global warming? Ask about your speaking up, and acting up, and pushing for change we all know is urgently needed? Was there silence, or action? I’m hoping for some snow this winter....