Gaia Speaks: Can You Hear Me Now?
1992 World Scientists' Warning to Humanity
“Human beings and the natural world are on a collision course. Human activities inflict harsh and often irreversible damage on the environment and on critical resources. If not checked, many of our current practices put at serious risk the future that we wish for human society and the plant and animal kingdoms, and may so alter the living world that it will be unable to sustain life in the manner that we know. Fundamental changes are urgent if we are to avoid the collision our present course will bring about.” (Read the entire statement from Union of Concerned Scientists here.)
20 years later…
Consequences
Climate change is changing our economy, health and communities in diverse ways. Scientists warn that if we do not aggressively curb climate change now, the results will likely be disastrous. (NRDC) In addition to impacting our water resources, energy supply, transportation, agriculture, and ecosystems, climate change also poses significant threats to human health.
Increases in extreme heat, infectious diseases, drought, flooding, and extreme weather are al consequences that we are beginning to experience as a result of this global climate trend. As climate change worsens, there will be an increase in significant health risks to humans, especially the elderly, the very young, and the poor.
Solutions
Applying clean energy technologies zero waste strategies, and localization of food production and economic activities all have a positive impact on decelerating global climate change.
For information how you can make a difference NOW go to:
Union of Concerned Scientists
Ten Personal Solutions to Global Warming
http://www.ucsusa.org/global_warming/what_you_can_do/ten-personal-solutions-to.html
NRDC
Global Warming Solutions
http://www.nrdc.org/globalWarming/solutions/default.asp
Environmental Law and Policy Center
Global Warming Solutions
http://www.globalwarmingsolutions.org/?gclid=COPwwci6krECFaEJRQodqjwOew
Nature Conservancy
Carbon Calculator- evaluate your current imact
http://www.nature.org/greenliving/carboncalculator/index.htm