In a Physical Science class we were talking about Conservation today – the conservation of mass and the conservation of energy, and the issue of global warming came up (energy released burning wood being converted to CO2)

I used to get really interested in the global warming debate.  But I never got really … involved.  The last few times it has come up in classes etc.  it’s surprising to me how people get all wrung up about it… on both sides. 

In general I feel that the statistics I have seen designed to ”prove” global warming, seem to be more alarmist than informist.  (Admittedly however, I haven’t read enough research to make an informed decision.)  From what I have seen, I would accept that a warming trend is happening, but I wonder how much effect humans have had compared to natural processes.  Are we spitting in the ocean, or are we pouring gallons into a glass?  I actually think it is a glass half empty vs half full issue.  Two people can look at the same data, and see the complete opposite results.

What I think I realized tonight, is that for me at least, it doesn’t really matter.  Even if the world was in a global cooling trend, I still think it is important to recycle, carpool. and use more eco-friendly products and habits.  (Maybe with the exception of the too-rich Texan oil tycoon from the Simpsons) most people want to conserve, and leave a better world for the next generation.

 Buy more produce than pre-packaged food;  and when possible by local produce.  Take advantage of natural light.  Plant a little garden, grow some herbs or a favorite fruit or vegetable.  Landscape your yard with native plants that are used to the climate and natural rainfall.  I have heard these as “green” tips, but I think that there could be a dozen different arguments for each of them as well.  For instance, natural light–I knew a researcher that said they found that a major cause of insomnia was based on not seeing the sky in the morning (note I am writing this post way past my bedtime).  Apparently the early morning sky light causes chemical reactions in our brains and bodies that help us correctly assign wakefulness and sleepiness.  Local produce–Taste local produce! Amazing. Next time you drive by a farmer’s market, stop in.  I can almost guarantee you won’t regret it.   and on and on.

Basically, I think I will stop worrying about the convenience of the truth, or the environmental skepticism.  And put that energy towards things I can do to make my world better.

Wouldn’t it be cool if instead of debating global warming, a class just broke out into a brainstorm on how to save Venice?

This entry was posted on Thursday, February 7th, 2008 at 4:33 am and is filed under Pseudo Semantics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.