Before we started reading Red Sky, it was mentioned in class that the book was a good summary of environmental issues. Unfortunately, that's all it has been for me so far. If I hadn't just spent a semester in Copenhagen learning about these issues, it would have been the perfect book for me. Unfortunately, it's ended up being more of a review so far. Hopefully later chapters will present new information. For the record, I'm not writing this to be smug about my vast, unending knowledge of environmental issues or anything so bold. Merely pointing out that this book is a summary, and is review for folks who are already involved. That said, it is incredibly well-written.
One piece of information that stuck out the most was the 450ppm C02 target. It was only three years ago that studies confirmed 350ppm as more of a "safe" target (safe in quotes, because even 350ppm will result in significant climate change). Perhaps seven years ago, during the writing of the book, 450ppm was still seen as a reasonable target. Now, further research has debunked that.
These constant readjustments seem to mirror a larger issue in our society of wishful thinking vis a vis global warming. We are constantly saying "maybe the problem will fix itself" or "maybe we'll only have to make small, incremental changes in our lifestyle." In reality, environmental issues have always required a complete overhaul of society, but we have never collectively risen to the challenge. Even if 450ppm was still considered "safe," we're on track to pass that in only another 20 years. What does this say about us? Well, first and foremost, we're comfortable living the way we are. We don't want to change, even at the expense of those who will suffer the brunt of the consequences despite their lack of contribution to the problem. Even more than that, it says that active environmentalists need to ramp up their efforts more than ever before. Helping educate people who don't know about the environmental issues, and helping mobilize people who do. That's the next step (and coincidentally, the next chapter in Speth).
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ReplyDeleteEli,
It's heartening to know this is review. So many people are in shock as this is the first time they are getting a whiff of this information. Don't worry, we'll ramp up fast and hopefully we'll be challenging you with new information to ponder very soon. I really like your 'wishful' thinking point. It's true, I think many politicians, (and many people in general) are thinking that if they wait long enough someone will come out with some data that shows that none of this warming stuff is happening. -- By the way-- what did you think of Kolbert?
PS 2 Do me a favor too and label your PSC 140 blogs Response #1 or something to that effect--before your subtitle-- I like you titles!. That way I can scroll through easily and find them. :-) thank you! A
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