It amazes me that there is still a large number of people still in denial regarding global warming. The evidence is overwhelming. If Bill McKibben is too much of a mainstream figure for you, I would suggest checking out this site from time to time:
350.org seems too trendy for you? Fine, then try reading E.O. Wilson, Henry Pollack, Stephan Faris.
This is hard science. This is reality. These folks are not idiots. They're not in it for the prestige or the money or the fame. There's no hidden agenda here. This is not about ego. All that these folks are trying to do is lessen what is shaping up to be a major problem for your kids future.
There is a lot of global warming contrarian press on the internet. If you read it, I would strongly urge you also look further- see who's behind it, find out what their motives are. Find out who sponsers and funds them. Do some research.
At the very least, do what Edward Abbey suggested- go out and take a look at the world around you. It's changing and it's changing in ways that are not going to be good for future generations.
Sorry if I sound preachy but there just isn't enough time to be overly polite on this subject.
Well put. I love Abbey: Desert Solitaire and Monkey Wrench Gang are high on my list of favorite environmentally based/influenced books.
i have lost 42 pounds since september 17. does that mean that the force of gravity is going away?
seriously, some people would deny the law of gravity exists until they trip and fall down...
I don't mean to steer this thread away from the original topic, especially since it is a very important one, and since it is clear that people need to be educated on the issue, but I thought I would share a joke.
In one of the classes that I teach--Freshman Comp., everyone's favorite -- students were discussing the ludicrous idea of giving up Facebook for Lent. Now, I am a proud agnostic who, at times, has one foot in the door of atheism, so the idea of Lent is meaningless to me, but I was interested in what the students had to say. First, one student asked, "what the hell is Lent?" Another student replied, "It is when people give up chocolate or fried food to be closer to Jesus. But what do I know? I'm Jewish."
Later on in the conversation, students were discussing what would be meaningful to give up for Lent. In other words, what "sacrifice" could bring them closer to Jesus/God? I interjected and asked "If you want to be closer to God/Jesus, wouldn't you just give up gravity?" Most of the class laughed. I think they are under the impression that if they laugh at my lame jokes then they will get extra credit.
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brianlux
Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 42,437
i have lost 42 pounds since september 17. does that mean that the force of gravity is going away?
seriously, some people would deny the law of gravity exists until they trip and fall down...
I don't mean to steer this thread away from the original topic, especially since it is a very important one, and since it is clear that people need to be educated on the issue, but I thought I would share a joke.
In one of the classes that I teach--Freshman Comp., everyone's favorite -- students were discussing the ludicrous idea of giving up Facebook for Lent. Now, I am a proud agnostic who, at times, has one foot in the door of atheism, so the idea of Lent is meaningless to me, but I was interested in what the students had to say. First, one student asked, "what the hell is Lent?" Another student replied, "It is when people give up chocolate or fried food to be closer to Jesus. But what do I know? I'm Jewish."
Later on in the conversation, students were discussing what would be meaningful to give up for Lent. In other words, what "sacrifice" could bring them closer to Jesus/God? I interjected and asked "If you want to be closer to God/Jesus, wouldn't you just give up gravity?" Most of the class laughed. I think they are under the impression that if they laugh at my lame jokes then they will get extra credit.
Good one, whygohome!
And yeah, I'm a big Abbey fan as well. He could tackle serious subjects as well as be funny as hell. I believe it was Abbey himself who described himself as a "Mudhead Kachina farting in polite company".
Speaking of- the same could be said of American Indian writer Sherman Alexie- heart breaking, tragic and outrageously funny all on the same page.
"Pretty cookies, heart squares all around, yeah!" -Eddie Vedder, "Smile"
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Well put. I love Abbey: Desert Solitaire and Monkey Wrench Gang are high on my list of favorite environmentally based/influenced books.
I don't mean to steer this thread away from the original topic, especially since it is a very important one, and since it is clear that people need to be educated on the issue, but I thought I would share a joke.
In one of the classes that I teach--Freshman Comp., everyone's favorite
Later on in the conversation, students were discussing what would be meaningful to give up for Lent. In other words, what "sacrifice" could bring them closer to Jesus/God? I interjected and asked "If you want to be closer to God/Jesus, wouldn't you just give up gravity?" Most of the class laughed. I think they are under the impression that if they laugh at my lame jokes then they will get extra credit.
Good one, whygohome!
And yeah, I'm a big Abbey fan as well. He could tackle serious subjects as well as be funny as hell. I believe it was Abbey himself who described himself as a "Mudhead Kachina farting in polite company".
Speaking of- the same could be said of American Indian writer Sherman Alexie- heart breaking, tragic and outrageously funny all on the same page.
-Eddie Vedder, "Smile"