HEY, PAY ATTENTION!
I was reflecting the other day on despair – nice, huh? That there are issues, phenomena that are truly worrisome, no that is not strong enough – enough to cause panic and hopelessness. And too few people are PAYING ATTENTION.
First – Global climate change. For the first time in 3 million years, recording stations recorded carbon dioxide (CO2) levels of 400 ppm. That is really, really bad. Increased CO2 levels means global climate change is accelerating which will mean more severe storms, hurricanes, droughts, extreme weather events worldwide. Last year 30 million people were displaced due to weather events. Ocean levels are 20% higher than 20 years ago. We have recorded the hottest years on the planet every year for the past 25 years. The organization, 350.org was established to bring CO2 levels back to a sustainable level, 350 ppm. That ain’t happening. More greenhouse gases from automobiles, factories and power plants spewing CO2 into the atmosphere. Some scientists feel that we are approaching or have already reached the point of no return. Who will suffer? Future generations – our kids, grandkids, great grandkids, etc. Too few of us are PAYING ATTENTION.
Second, the economic inequality. For the past 33 years, since Ronald Reagan, the rich have gotten richer and the poor poorer – at levels not seen since the Gilded Age. The top 2% controls over 40% of the wealth in this country. The ability to rise above your status has never been less possible. This is much worse than people think is reality and way worse than what most people think it should be. The United States has become a banana republic. Too few Americans are PAYING ATTENTION.
Third, genetically modified food. Most corn and soy beans are genetically modified. Is it safe? No one knows for certain. Can we identify what is GM and what is not – NO – because the chemical companies like Monsanto have spent millions to prevent labeling as they do in Europe and other countries. Too few of us are PAYING ATTENTION. To the detriment of future generations and maybe ourselves.
There’s more to feel despair about and there is much to be optimistic about. But these three events could be games changers. What do you think?
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