Conjunctions

In a previous post I volunteered the opinion that it is irrelevant whether climate change is caused by humans or not.  I’ve been getting some comments and criticism for that statement, and it is clear to me that I did not express myself very well.  Actually, it is more like I have some half-baked notion that might still develop into an idea if I nurture it properly, maybe.  So let me try again.

The question as to the causes of climate change is a scientific question that will and must be answered through the application of the scientific method.  I am no scientist, merely a concerned citizen.  My understanding and knowledge of climate change will necessarily be limited.  What is important is that I have sufficient understanding to be able to accept and deal with facts resulting from climate change.  From that perspective, it is irrelevant whether climate change is wholly or partially caused by humans and what the exact model or mechanism for that influence is, the facts and future problems resulting from climate change (rising sea levels, famine) are such that we need to act on them anyway.  Let the scientists further debate the details, we cannot postpone taking action. I think part of the problem here is that while people are arguing about climate change, a specific phenomenon, I live in a world where environmental disaster have become a serious threat, whether caused by climate change, pollution, resource depletion or whatever.  The issue should be broader than only climate change, but rather overall environmental degradation. 

Note that while I accept there can be discussion about the extent of human influence, I implicitly reject any notion that humans have no effect on the environment.  That really seems so illogical it borders on lunacy (and I’m sorry, there are religious nuts who hold this opinion).  I know conventional wisdom should not be trusted, but in this case I challenge the deniers to prove conventional wisdom incorrect.  Everything I know tells me that actions have consequences.

It is only from this perspective that I find the question to what extent humans caused climate change irrelevant.  Perhaps I should rather call it a diversion.  Maybe it is not so much the argument that is irrelevant, but rather the people arguing that are themselves irrelevant -  the same people obstructing environmental reform, from opposition to Cap and Trade to the dumping of chemical waste, over-fishing, deforestation …  The list of problems goes on and on, and every moment something more is lost. 

So, this is rather a plea to politicians to stop arguing and to get relevant.

We are just beginning to understand the full complexitities of global warming as well as environmental degradation. Planting trees is one option against both these interlinked phenomena. This is certainly by long not the only answer, and we might not be able to return many of the already lost or devasted forests to it's full former biotopical splendour, still it encourages the return of biodiversity, with a range of tricle down effects resulting from that (human factor included).

Projects have recently been started for example in Africa, in Madagascar, where the replanted earth now supports frail connecting corridors for fauna and flora. For example: in Brazil research has shown that the future existence of the Hazelnut tree hangs in the balance (and because of that the future of whole industries). It depends on interlinking corridors such as these, because a whole range of animals - tropical birds and and mammals - and insects ensure that the seeds are digested and spread throughout the forestfloor to further germination. As it is now in vast scathes of formerly forested areas, only islands or pockets remain, and they need to be re-connected. Without them, the Hazelnut trees disappear forever, and with it whole habitats - from 50 up to around 200 species per pocket of trees.

Of course economics, politics and politicians are of critical importance to this endeavour, but somewhere someone has to say: enough deliberation, it's time for action. Such as planting trees, or starting up projects for empowering women or native populations (micro-financing just being one, custodianship through knowlegde and skills), or researching the possibilities for alternative energy resources.

Carbon Positive (www.carbonpositive.net) is a dense and forward-focused site that explains the importance of carbon positive contributions in detail.