Warming Up to Global Distemper

Global warming is of valid concern to the future of mankind, but man is not kind to each other when discussing the paths to salvation. Although many believe the answers lie with curbing the use of fossil fuels, others are in disagreement on the causes and how to acclimate ourselves to the changing environment.

Statistician, Bjorn Lomborg, a skeptic of climate change from Denmark, claims global warming is less a concern than what most scientists and governments profess. He proposes that actions to reduce emissions that cause green house gases overshadows the logical need of addressing AIDS, and other diseases, and malnutrition throughout the world. To a large degree he makes a valid point. Yet, this very belief also brings to light an aspect as a result of global warming that draws attention to an affect that has already demonstrated other global developments of health concerns.

During the summer of 2007, one hundred people (about 5% of the population) in a small village in Italy became ill with high fever, exhaustion and extreme bone and joint pain, at times to such a severity the patient reverted to the fetal position. Although the worst of the symptoms dissipated within weeks, it was another few weeks before health officials were able to determine they had suffered from a tropical disease, chikungunya, carried by the tiger mosquito. With black and white stripes on the head and legs, it is extremely aggressive and is active both day and night.

First isolated in Tanzania in 1953, normally the disease is found in regions of Africa, and Central and South America, but primarily in countries surrounding the Indian Ocean, including Southeast Asia and the Philippines. Epidemics have also occurred in Northeast Australia. After eradication efforts in Central America were abandoned in the ‘70s, there were isolated pandemics in south Texas in the early 1980’s. There have also been outbreaks in Hawaii and Southwest China.

Dengue Fever, Yellow Fever and the West Nile Virus are all similar in scope of illness, all of which are transmitted by mosquitoes. They breed in any standing water, making it important to keep all open outdoor vessels empty. The disease has turned out to be fatal in diverse age groups.

On the island of Reunion, off the coast of Madagascar, in recent years the occurrence rate of the disease has reached upward toward 30% of the population. Statistics are subject to discussion because illnesses in the past may not have been properly diagnosed; doctors were not aware of the symptoms of the disease because they are similar to those of other illnesses. Although an exact figure has been difficult to determine, in some areas it is believed to have increased the death rate as much as 10%.


The occurrence of chikungunya much further north than previously observed in Europe has brought attention to the effects of global warming as a precursor to other similar incidents in the not too distant future. As temperatures increase, the potential spread of the disease is alarming. There is little doubt that pandemics will become epidemics. Mr. Lomborg may refer to studies that show a warmer planet would have fewer temperature-related deaths, but other effects are sure to offset whatever “savings” he foresees.

He has stated acid rain never became the scourge of the planet as some had envisioned some thirty years ago, yet those drops of water laced with nitrogen and sulfur have become a prevailing topic of concern for agricultural crops in Pakistan, India, the African rain forests, Mexico and China. It is also of immediate concern to Japan because much of its vegetation will be threatened in the next decade. It is the cause and affect of increasing development in China, not likely to subside any time soon.

It is seldom mentioned, but another health concern is, and will continue to be, the added risk of skin cancer. Sunscreen, hats and long-sleeved shirts are already strongly recommended in many parts of the world. The need for qualified medical professionals will be evident as temperatures continue to rise.

Although Mr. Lomborg is at odds with research groups supporting the affects of increased levels of green house gases due to man’s use of fossil fuels, he is not a scientist by profession. He has written two books to supports his beliefs. He is all about numbers, which has nothing to do with common sense. He is all about numbers, primarily in the form of dollars and cents.

It is his belief that rather than waste money toward going the “green” route, it would be wise to redistribute world wealth to underdeveloped countries so they can have the comforts of air-conditioning. Toward the affects of rising tides, he proposes shoring-up shorelines with landfills, as has been done in Lower Manhattan.

Lomborg suggested that if cities, such as New York, where asphalt streets and concrete buildings create an “urban heat island”, were to plant more greenery and paint roofs and streets white it could offset the affects of global warming. This is a simpleton’s solution worthy of ridicule.

Another skeptic of manmade climate change is Lord Christopher Monckton, a Briton associated with Chicago-based The Heartland Institute, a libertarian advocacy group. He is a self-proclaimed scientist, yet lacking an academics degree. As does Mr. Lomborg, Lord Monckton makes the point that rather than waste efforts on addressing what they claim is a natural Earth cycle of warming and cooling periods, time, money and resources would be better spent on addressing illnesses of the world. They both believe increased sunspot activity has played a prominent role in global warming.

They each have their points to be considered but, above all, they are very opinionated and harshly chastise Al Gore for not incorporating dialogue/debate on the issue of global warming, which the former Vice President repeatedly declines.

My interpretation of each of their websites suggests the viewer purchase their books to unveil their perceptions on global warming and the steps they deem appropriate for the future of man during this brief period of rising temperatures. Their convenient truths are available for a price.

Mr. Lomborg and Lord Monckton are not entirely in alignment. Lomborg suggests an appropriate course of action would be a 3% investment of global GDP to supplement research and development toward alternative technologies to meet the demands of energy. Monckton believes this would be an ineffective strategy to curb carbon emissions and that the best solution would be to promote nuclear power as a means to put a halt to deforestation of Earth.

I find it odd that anti-alarmists tend not to acknowledge that, regardless the cause of global warming, harmful gases emitted into our atmosphere aggravate the survival of all living things, and that as the list of endangered species increases more will be found on the extinction list. They are more economists than ecologists.

Those who claim global warming is not primarily caused by man’s use of fossil fuels, and profess that temperature increases would occur regardless of our presence, seem to take pride in confronting governments and political influences rather than provide thoughtful discourse to address their targeted resolutions. They spend so much time and effort brow-beating a cause that will, in the long run, realign man’s harmony with nature rather than continue to abuse and misuse the limited resources it offers.

Alarmists and skeptics each claim that the others “cherry-pick” historical and scientific facts and figures to support their views. Some critique Big Oil for funding research groups that put into question the validity of global warming due to use of fossil fuels.

Doomsayers are said to manipulate facts and figures but to what end? What ultimate goals would bring negative results? What’s wrong with being conscious of the quality of the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat or the animals and vegetation that sustain our existence?

Nay Sayers of Doom Sayers. It is a double negative; nothing gained, nothing positive accomplished. They claim to have the backing of scientists, governments and like-minded organizations to denounce the idea of manmade climate change, but rather than initiating actions toward what they deem important for the survival of mankind, they profess rather than make progress. Do they not have the ingenuity and leadership to formulate a path to bring an end to world hunger and life-threatening diseases?

Skeptics of the generally accepted causes of global warming would better serve themselves, and mankind, if they were to put dedication behind their own beliefs rather than confront those who have established widespread acceptance and are taking steps to correct decades of ill-begotten means of achieving human comforts.

Many feel we are at a crossroads for survival, however far in the future these threats may actually materialize. As with any uncharted territory, time and patience can bring resolution. In the mean time, believers and non-believer each have their own perceived plans of action and, hopefully, somewhere along the way they may join forces to find resolution by implementing courses of action that will better serve the survival of us, future generations and planet Earth.

Working together we can make a change.


PARCEL POST 2008 @ www.parcelpost08.blogspot.com
A New Year. A New Blog.

Saving Planet Earth

Like it or not, numerous academic institutions have implemented the scientific method to prove time and again that global warming is a direct result of man’s use of fossil fuels. Transportation is a prime source of emitting green house gases into the atmosphere but, even though we would all like to purchase a newer, more efficient vehicle, the cost prohibits most of us from making such an investment. Without the necessary cash flow, speculation on the returns is a pointless venture.

As energy costs continue to rise, it creates multiple challenges to make ends meet, but certain steps can be taken to compensate for those increasing expenses while limiting the emissions that are choking Earth’s life support systems. As I read magazines, newspapers and catch a few television programs on ecology, I take mental note on steps where I can reign in my contributions to global warming and, at the same time, save some of those hard-earned dollars and cents.

Government, corporate and even some housing buildings are taking progressive steps to conserve energy by promoting a greener environment. A little creative thinking can make a personal difference for the cause. Good intentions aren’t enough; it takes a commitment of actions.

Room lighting is can easily be adjusted. Three-way bulbs offer convenient flexibility, reserving the 120-watt switch for reading. Leaving a light burning in an unoccupied room is extremely wasteful, especially behind a closet door. Personally, I use nightlights when my main concern is saving my toes from being abused and bruised by a piece of furniture. Even in the family room, dim lighting to supplement the beams emitted from the TV serves my needs. A table lamp is within eyesight.

Overhead lighting on a ceiling fan can easily be put on a dimmer switch with the added benefit of lessening heat emission from the bulbs. Equipped with a remote control, it’s a convenience that also demonstrates human superiority over mechanical devises.

Ceiling fans cool a person, they do not cool a room. Unless you are in the room benefiting from the air movement, it is a complete waste to leave the fan on. It’s a simple rule that too many people just don’t get.

Street lighting poorly illuminates my home so, for security reasons, I use 25-watt bulbs in coach lights. A light sensor regulates the periods of operation. Solar lighting is available to shed an esthetic hew along walkways. No wires, no electricity.

The kitchen is a prime area to conserve and save. “A watched pot never boils” expresses the importance of putting a lid on that pot or pan. With newer cookware, glass lids can satisfy the need to witness the results of human ingenuity and prove that a watched pot boils just fine, preserving time, money and energy.

It is also important to make sure those pots and pans have a flat bottom, flush to the burner. Even a slight bulge makes the preparation and cooking time a longer process, wasting electricity. If it wobbles, it needs replacing.

I was surprised to read that washing dishes by hand typically uses 20 gallons of water versus 2 gallons with a dishwasher. I make it a point to shut the washer off after the
cleaning cycle and allow the dishes to air-dry. I don’t feel this compromises the sanitation of the contents.

Other kitchen appliances can also be used more efficiently. Once an oven is preheated, put it to use immediately and use a timer or meat thermometer. Use the oven light rather than opening the door to check the contents. Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed and find that snack or bottle of liquid with no time to spare. Adjust the cooling settings to further limit the cost of pollutant emissions.

Get family members in the habit of making sure their laundry needs are consistently placed in the hamper, otherwise you may end up doing an extra load when it could have been avoided. A dryer with a sensor option can avoid the possibility of arbitrarily programming inappropriate time and temperature settings.

I have this habit of leaving the builder-provided light on after opening the electric garage door opener, which has its own lighting. I’m easily annoyed by my own actions.

I am somewhat leery about the new fluorescent bulbs designed to provide more efficient lighting than typical bulbs. I already have quite a stock of every type of bulb I’ll need over the next year or so. I also have a grave concern about properly discarding used fluorescent lights. If not disposed as directed, the mercury content is no less harmful than any other act of pollution.

Heating and air conditioning provides a personal option to counter the cash flow to oil-producing countries and limit green house gas emissions. Adjusting vents in each room can distribute airflow more evenly. Closing air vents in rooms seldom occupied is another idea. You might adjust the thermostat to a cooler setting in the winter and a warmer setting in the summer. One degree can make a difference in the electric bill.

Most electric companies offer an inspection service at no-charge to identify areas that could be improved to increase efficiency in the home. It is strongly recommended for older homes. Suggestions are made, actions are dependent upon the homeowner.

Blackout drapes are one of the best purchases I’ve made for the home. They darken rooms as intended, but they also block out the heat of summer and the cool of winter, especially on windows facing east and west. I can’t imagine what my electric bill would be without them but I would surely pay additional dues to OPEC.

Perhaps taking energy-saving steps within the home could become a family effort, keeping a monthly log of the electric bill and setting aside a portion of the savings for a special occasion. Make the rules well known; any month that the expected savings aren’t achieved, the same proportion is deducted from the money pot. Set goals and after a six-month period take the money and have a little fun. To build up the kitty, set up a penalty fund for anyone caught with repeat offenses.

I’ll bet younger family members would meet the challenge and make a game of it. A game they would intend to win.

Although saving the almighty dollar may take precedence, the end result would be a charitable contribution to the health of our very own piece of rock in the vastness of the Universe. Long live planet Earth!

PARCEL POST 2008 @ www.parcelpost08.blogspot.com
A New Year. A New Blog.