Over the past couple decades, Americans have become more and more aware of a very serious environmental problem. Scientists and environmentalists have noticed an increase in the world’s average temperature of the air and our oceans as a result of various greenhouse gases. This problem, global warming, is a problem for our health, our economy, and our precious ecosystems.
How have Americans contributed to this problem? We use massive amounts of energy, drive gas guzzling SUV’s, and are out for ourselves. If we do not take care of the resources we’re provided with, we soon will have no more of them left.
I became of this problem several years ago, but at that time it did not effect me. I couldn’t drive and didn’t pay the energy bills. What could I do to help? My impact seemed trivial at the time. But, this summer when I watched the “Live Earth” concert on TV, I suddenly realized what a problem this really is. We are not taking care of our precious mother earth like it takes care of us.
I tried to think of ways I could help. I have tried to change my daily routine by using energy more resourcefully. I don’t keep the air conditioning too high or too low; I try to carpool and drive more efficiently. I also try to unplug some electronics and appliances when not in use and turn my lights off. I know these may seem like small things, but they do effect the larger scale if everyone contributes.
I think everyone should go out of their way to try and help this increasing problem. It is our responsibility and we must do what we can to help.
2 comments:
To me, the whole global warming thing seems much like cigarettes. Even though there is widespread information that global warming exists and that it is a problem that exists here and now, there are big corporations that stand in the way. Whether we're talking about big tobacco or Exxon, there's always going to be someone who doesn't want to face the music, and doesn't want anyone else to hear it, either. Sadly, until everyone sees that global warming affects them right now, they won't do a thing about it.
I know that Al Gore's film An Inconvenient Truth has been criticized for over-dramatizing the problem of global warming, but I think the world needs a strong wake-up call. So much of the criticism of the film came from special interest groups and "think tanks" like the American Enterprise Institute, which was supported financially by Exxon and other energy companies. In fact, this institute also tried to discredit warnings about tobacco, at the same time that it received funding from tobacco companies. So Andrew is right: There is a parallel in fact.
Post a Comment