Spring Break
OP-ED: Warming up to cure climate crisis
by Kriegsman, Matthew
Op-Ed | 9/18/07
Posted online at 2:57 AM EST on 9/18/07
Two-thirds of polar bears extinct by 2050, sea levels rising and devastating coastal areas, more hurricanes and more droughts; wow, that sure is a mouthful. How much worse can it possibly get? Maybe I should do something.
So, recently signing a petition that proposes that Brandeis should consider environmentally friendly energy, lighting and heat alternatives in the University's buildings seemed instantly gratifying. After all, these claims are quite intense, and it made me feel great to know I could make a difference. But realistically, I can't see that signing a random piece of paper is going to make much of an impact, if any at all.
Let me be the first to address our selfishness; regardless of how attuned or adamant we are here on campus about dissipating or preventing the effects of global warming, we have all exacerbated the situation in at least one way, shape or form. Whether inadvertently or apathetically, modern life has made us vulnerable despite our rising level of education and awareness of the worsening trend. Take, for example, a typical university dorm; how many outlets are you using for your computer, refrigerator, microwave or television? When was the last time you shut of your lights? And is it really that necessary to leave the fan running when you're not in the room?
But that's just it; America's living standards today far exceed any previous generation's, and this leads to increased carbon emitions. Can you tell from your dorm that glaciers are receding 30 miles each year? Not to mention the fact that developing nations like India and China have increased their pollution footprints sevenfold over the last few years. And then you realize that we support the growing fuel-consuming industries by purchasing their products. Of course, I'm not advocating for a complete change in lifestyle: I too enjoy the benefits of modern technology and am certainly not willing to give up so much.
Responding to the developing tide of trepidation, the Bush Administration has revisited its policy on the environment and shifted away from apprehension and cynicism and toward real action. Recently, it has adamantly proposed new, stricter regulations to reverse the heating of our planet, which include imposing tighter controls on surface mining, creating a marine reserve in Hawaii, avoiding deforestation in certain regions and expediting the elimination of hydrofluorocarbons by 10 years from its original date of 2030.
So, recently signing a petition that proposes that Brandeis should consider environmentally friendly energy, lighting and heat alternatives in the University's buildings seemed instantly gratifying. After all, these claims are quite intense, and it made me feel great to know I could make a difference. But realistically, I can't see that signing a random piece of paper is going to make much of an impact, if any at all.
Let me be the first to address our selfishness; regardless of how attuned or adamant we are here on campus about dissipating or preventing the effects of global warming, we have all exacerbated the situation in at least one way, shape or form. Whether inadvertently or apathetically, modern life has made us vulnerable despite our rising level of education and awareness of the worsening trend. Take, for example, a typical university dorm; how many outlets are you using for your computer, refrigerator, microwave or television? When was the last time you shut of your lights? And is it really that necessary to leave the fan running when you're not in the room?
But that's just it; America's living standards today far exceed any previous generation's, and this leads to increased carbon emitions. Can you tell from your dorm that glaciers are receding 30 miles each year? Not to mention the fact that developing nations like India and China have increased their pollution footprints sevenfold over the last few years. And then you realize that we support the growing fuel-consuming industries by purchasing their products. Of course, I'm not advocating for a complete change in lifestyle: I too enjoy the benefits of modern technology and am certainly not willing to give up so much.
Responding to the developing tide of trepidation, the Bush Administration has revisited its policy on the environment and shifted away from apprehension and cynicism and toward real action. Recently, it has adamantly proposed new, stricter regulations to reverse the heating of our planet, which include imposing tighter controls on surface mining, creating a marine reserve in Hawaii, avoiding deforestation in certain regions and expediting the elimination of hydrofluorocarbons by 10 years from its original date of 2030.
Be the first to comment on this story