Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth showed us the shocking trends of a recent global issue: Climate Change. Gore's presentation created an educated awareness to all peoples across the globe to take preventive measures in combating the accumulation of green house gases (GHG) in the atmosphere. While the data presented by Gore may be factual, it can also be skewed. Many scientists opposed this controversial issue on Climate Change, stating that Gore was not able to present all relevant data to safely conclude that indeed there is a change in the world's climate. Debates have ensued until the Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has been created to verify and address scientific investigations related to Climate Change issues. Yet, many skeptics and scientists still do not believe what the IPCC is saying, despite the fact that the panel is composed of the best scientists and experts all over the world.
During the course of my studies in graduate school, I have come across numerous literature about Climate Change issues and I even read the IPCC's report. Data do not lie. Numbers do not lie. A 10 is a 10. A 0.3216264 is a 0.3216264. There is no ambiguity in numbers. My point? If the earth's temperature, denoted by a number, showed an increase today compared to the values in the 1500s or even thousands and millions of years ago, that is a fact.
Statistics on the increase of GHGs due to anthropogenic activity have been thoroughly discussed and a lot of movements have surfaced to fight such increase. Hence, part of Michael Norton's ways on how to change the world is to stop Climate Change. Here are a few tips on how I can contribute to this action:
1. Taking public transportation.
Yes, it is more comfortable to ride in your private vehicle, but if you're the only passenger riding in your car, that's a waste of gas, money, and effort. You gain comfort but the rest is a loss.
2. Walking to nearby points of destinations.
In the village where I lived before, the church is just walking distance. But sometimes I am guilty of taking the car going there. Then I eventually stopped taking the car because it is such a waste of resources--- the gas, the effort, the emissions created by the car--- Sayang e. Pwede ko naman lakarin lang. It's pointless to take the car anyway. Plus, walking is healthy!
3. Replacing old fluorescent bulbs with CFL and LED lights.
4. Turning off and removing from plugs all gadgets and appliances when leaving the house.
5. Recycling your clothes by making them last longer in the closet instead of discarding them after wearing three times or so.
6. Reusing plastic food containers.
Don't just throw them away. Take them home, wash them, and use them as container for leftovers.
7. Reducing the use of non-biodegradable material.
Hence eco-bags have become a fad. And a necessity nowadays.
8. HAVING A CONSCIENCE PARTIAL TO THE ENVIRONMENT.
Before doing anything, always weigh the trade-offs and be partial towards the protection of the environment.
These are just a few tips. But item #8 says it all. In addition, I may not be an entrepreneur, but check out this website: Entrepreneurs with conscience
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| YOU are important. YOU can make a difference. YOU can help save the earth. (image from http://www.kennett.co.nz/rameka/uploaded_images/You-Control-Climate-Change-773583.jpg) |
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