After the globe’s coolest March since 1999, April heated back up, closing as the 5th warmest on record since records began in 1881 NOAA reported today. Land temperatures were 2nd warmest on record for April while the oceans were 11th warmest. The planet’s temperature was 1.17 degrees (F) above the 20th century average, the 36th consecutive April with warmer than average temperatures. It was the 326th consecutive month with above average global temperatures.
There are those who will continue denying that global climate change exists regardless of any evidence they’re presented with. Whether it be for ideological or theological reasons, continuing to deny reality does not negate said reality. If 326 consecutive months of above average global temperatures don’t suffice as evidence, I don’t know what will.
For the sake of argument, though, let’s back away from the debate and take a look at the issue from a different angle. What’s wrong with erring on the side of caution? Why not take reasonable precautions for the sake of protecting the Earth’s ecosystem? Why not reduce greenhouse gas emissions and try to reduce our carbon footprint as much as possible? Why not be good stewards of the only Earth we have? No, I’m not advocating that we all find a tree and hug it…but is that really so wrong?
As carbon dioxide levels rise worldwide, do we really have the luxury of treating Earth as if it exists merely to serve us and be exploited? Why not do the responsible thing and reduce, reuse, and recycle? Why not avail yourself of public transit as much as possible? How about walking or riding a bike more often? There are so many things that we could be doing to be better stewards of our natural resources, things that would be beneficial even IF global climate change wasn’t an issue. Why not be good stewards?
I believe that global climate change is real and will continue to get worse if we don’t band together and take positive action. Before we even begin debating whether or not global climate change exists, why not do a few things that will help regardless of that debate?
Really; what have we got to lose?
