Changing The World...Starting With the Atmosphere

You’re driving to wal-mart for an extension cord, throwing pizza rolls into the oven, and washing your clothes in the washing machine. It all seems like a regular day to me. None of those activities seems harmful, but many do not understand how their daily routines are damaging our earth. Carbon Dioxide emissions are seemingly unavoidable in the American way of life. What many of us don’t realize is that the way we live is one of luxury…and danger.

            After refusing to put the Kyoto Protocol into effect, Bush let oil usage continue in mass amounts. If we let our way of life continue our children and grandchildren will experience the negative effects of global warming. This issue can no longer be pushed aside. The temperatures will surely rise, glaciers will melt and flooding will occur. This will lead to negative affects for many, including the possible extinction of the polar bear. You might be thinking, why should I care about this while I’m living here in Athens? There is no right answer. But I think you should for the simple reason of pure humanity. While we may be the last affected, less developed countries on lower altitudes will face death and disease in a dark future.

            While so many depend on the United States to create a safer world for everyone, we must also look to the developing world. If they continue to follow in our footsteps they will someday face the same problems. Instead of undoing the damage we have now incurred with industrialization, developing countries have the chance to make a fresh start. Using solar or wind power is an option. If they are able to industrialize using environmentally friendly options, they will have a healthier country later. But it seems hard to worry about the atmosphere when your children are starving. Environmental issues will probably be overlooked until lesser-developed countries have developed a more modern way of life.

            According to the Union of Concerned scientists, China and the United States are leading the world in carbon emissions. This is nothing to be proud of. If we are to be a true world leader, we will take the first steps toward reducing emissions.  Some may suffer economic blows while others will continue on without effect. But others must follow our example in order to make a distinctive difference. We are letting our atmosphere slowly deteriorate while we mindlessly drive to the Rec Center when we could walk. But complete blame cannot be put on consumers as we are constantly persuaded to buy guilty carbon emitting items. Those in power need to take control and come up with new, popular alternatives. If you go to www.carbonfootprint.com you can decipher how many carbons you’re emitting on a daily basis. You might be surprised.

            Making international changes is never easy.  Getting everyone to agree and cooperate is a tiring task. But that is why you can start to make changes as an individual. By simply riding a bike to near destinations or hanging your clothes outside you are creating a healthier atmosphere.