Random Thoughts About Global Warming

[€uroMeinke]

So with a climate summit going on in Stockholm and my daily guilt in driving to work instead of taking the Metro, I've been having a number of random thoughts about global warming.

Whether you believe it's man made, or something within our control I can't help but think we're going through Kubla-Ross stages 1) Denial that it is even happening 2) Anger (3rd world to 1st) 3) Bargaining - Carbon offsets, carbon reduction agreements, cap & trade, etc. - I wonder when we'll get to acceptance and start planning for the warmer whether, rise in sea level, etc. I hear so much about trying to curb carbon emissions, but nothing about dealing with the consequences - perhaps that's not as sexy to the media

These deals between nations - NPR mentioned Spain exceeded it's commitment to carbon reduction despite it's investment in alternative power. The problem it seems in the increase in population and personal wealth. Makes me think these deals by nation mean nothing and we should be looking per-capita by nation. Then comes the ugly truth that poverty is the best way to combat the increase in carbon emissions.

I recall awhile back global warming was seen as a potential for world conflict in the future as issues of water rights, displaced agriculture make people desperate (and angry). I wonder what those potential hot-spots are? Should we preemptively invade Canada? Or are we looking okay in the current predictions? Will Siberia become the worlds food basket? OR closer to home, how many years do I have before my home is swallowed up by the mouth of the LA River?

We know Polar Bears are toast, but what species are looking to thrive? Snakes and cactus? While this mark the slow evolutionary return of the Dinosaur? Will Monsanto be able to reengineer their corn fast enough to meet the new climate challenges?

Anyway, I wonder about these things, and I support ideas that promote efficiency, better use of resources, etc. but I wonder what we are missing as we focus on trying make it stop, when it's not clear that we can.