Global Worming

Back when I took our licensure examination, there was an essay question about logging, which was a big issue during those days. We were asked to side with or against it. Being fresh out of college and filled with idealism and belief in my chosen profession, I molded my answer around the idea of conservation and sustainability through proper management and utilization. That is a mouthful for Silviculture.

Naturally, my companions were aghast when I told them my choice. Being pro-environment and anti-logging was the rage in those days. Most considered my act as traitorous and misguided. What they could not fathom was that my love for nature goes deeper than books, examinations, friends, and fads. I certainly would feel comfortable living in the Stone Age but that is not an option for most of the earth’s population.

In a similar light, global warming and greenhouse gases were a hot topic ten to fifteen years ago, incriminating highly industrialized countries. The recent convention on global warming has brought the subject again to the limelight, with countries on the fast-tract to development like China as the new culprits. People talk of halting global warming at all cost for the survival of mankind. However, like with total log ban, I have my doubts. Let us ruminate on the following thoughts:

1. Global warming as part of evolution.

We often think in terms of man as the center of the universe and forget that we are only a minuscule part of it. If the human species is a result of evolution, what makes us think that we have stopped evolving? The same is true with our home. The earth has gone more of phases than we can remember. There a possibility that global warming and its aftermath is part of a larger design.

2. Humans adapt to their environment

We can find humans in almost every corner of the earth, from blazing deserts to frozen tundras. We are that tough and resilient. Our activities that produces the most greenhouse gases, industrialization and production, fuels researches and advances in technology. Somehow, mankind will find ways to adapt and survive a changing world. To put it another way, what if we still evolve despite all efforts to contain Global Warming and sacrificing technological development as a consequence? Do we face an uncertain future with canoes and paddles?

3. Green plants needs greenhouse gases

The biggest component of green house grasses is Carbon Dioxide. We learned in our high school science class that green plants needs CO2 to produce food. In short: lots of raw materials + warmer climate = bountiful harvests.

4. Waterworld is just a movie.

Some scientist guesses that global warming will causes oceans to rise by meters. Others contend it will do so only by centimeters. Considering both opinions, I don’t think that we will ever see a waterworld happening to this planet. Sure, a few low-lying island can disappear but, like I said before, maybe it’s just part of another phase in our evolution and we can quickly adapt to it.

EDIT:

This blog has been transfered to pebbleworm.blogspot.com. Thank you.