The Impact of Climate Change on EnvironmentalismIn today’s political climate, every issue is challenged, every thought is questioned and even science is considered so dominated by money and partisanship that it cannot be trusted. Consider the issues of “going green” environmentalism, and climate change. It’s clear that polarization on these issues has created the unwanted effect of many people ignoring their earthly stewardship responsibilities. We absolutely must all take our environment into consideration, regardless of national debates or political party. 
The central issue of concern and debate is that of the global warming and climate change. The Republican Party contends that climate change is a hoax and that we should do very little, if anything to address it unless it is financially expedient. In fact, it’s often discussed that the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) should be shut down…. Entirely! On the other hand, the democrats are ready to shut down the coal industry and put moratoriums on our off-shore drilling for fear of environmental calamity. Lost in the political "discourse" are the very basics of environmental conservation. The stigma attached to global warming has either hardened the "greenies" to lunatic levels or emboldened the tea party to drive the biggest truck they can find. Many times, just to piss you off! Why it is that the radicals always seem to frame the political debate? While we wrangle about global treaties and protocols, you and I live in the real world. We live with the consequences of their action....or inaction. As a group, those of us interested in natural health and a healthy planet need to engage in the kind of things that we control as a family or individual. Things that impact our community and our neighbors. I fear that the topic of climate change has now become some sort of taboo in our society, regardless of where you stand on the issue. For the deniers the simple tasks like recycling, buying organic foods, and buying those “communist” curly light bulbs are being ignored for fear of conforming to some lefty wacko agenda. Make no mistake; you don’t have to believe in global warming to be an environmentalist. This is simply self-defeating. You can hate Al Gore, think the EPA is over-regulating, and view The Sierra Club as a bunch of looneys. None of this precludes the benefit of conservation. All you have to understand and appreciate is that we are all living on this earth together and it’s better to keep it clean than to trash it. It’s not that complicated. This is as true in your community as it is in your city or state. Have we actually become so bullheaded on these topics that we will engage in the proverbial “cut off our nose to spite our face” tactics? Will we refuse to recycle because of the fear of associating with the “green” crowd? Really? More and more I see our political polarization impacting us in a negative way. Being green is often about saving money, being practical and trying to keep our air and water clean…for our own personal use. That’s not a political stance, that’s a common sense approach to living! So next time you hear criticism for being environmentally conscious. Take it as a compliment! Return from The Difference Between Environmentalism and Climate Change to Natural Health News New! CommentsHave your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below. |
