For millions of years, life on Earth obeyed self-regulatory principles that kept our planet as a system in holistic balance, while nurturing biodiversity. Life expressed in many forms and shapes flourished. Healthy ecosystems rely on biodiversity that in turn stabilizes the climate. Recently, the results of human activity (pollution, deforestation, habitat destruction) disrupted this balance and we’re now in the midst of an extinction crisis.
Unchecked greenhouse gas emissions have caused the global warming that’s resulted in trillions of tons of ice melting annually. Sea levels along New York’s coastline are now one foot higher than they were in 1900. With sea levels rising, so should awareness of what needs to be done to prevent the worst of human-induced climate change.
You may have heard that we’re at a tipping point? As a matter of fact, scientists have discovered that we’ve quite literally tipped the planet on its wobbly axis. The redistribution of water from melting glaciers together with pumped-up groundwater depleting aquifers has resulted in a measurable axial shift (Deng et al, Geophysical Research Letters, 2021).
Changes in ocean circulation and atmospheric jet streams are already altering climate patterns in unprecedented ways. Not just global warming, but global weirding is the result of messing with the delicate systems of hydrodynamics that drive life on Earth. Extreme highs and lows in temperatures are symptomatic of our world off balance. Yes, these problems are big, therefore enormous sacrifices and adaptations are required for us to be part of the solution.
As climate advocates we often hear that the solutions we suggest are unrealistic and not economical. Perhaps as a culture we need to redefine the Gross Domestic Product Price Index as a measure of wealth? How economical is it to save life on Earth? If we boil over, freeze in place, run out of breathable air and find no drinkable water, how good is your dollar?
We don’t know if it’s too late to curb catastrophic climate change, but we do know that there are things we can do now to prevent making this current situation even worse. We must eliminate greenhouse gas emissions. We must invest in research and development to attempt to reverse the changes that have already taken place by drawing down carbon and actively regenerating elemental cycles.
There are clear legislative actions we can take now to bring our world back into balance. New York State passed the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act in 2019 that promises to achieve 100 percent zero emissions electricity by 2040. To meet the emissions reductions goals set by the CLPCA it is essential that New Yorkers encourage their representatives to pass the following bills:
The Clean Futures Act (S5939A): bans permitting, licensing, and construction of all new gas-fired power plants. Prevents the buildout of new fossil fuel infrastructure https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2021/s5939
The Climate and Community Investment Act (S4264A): Outlines a just and equitable governance program, while creating thousands of new, green jobs. Polluters are fined and the penalties go to frontline communities, ending a cycle of harm that’s affected those worst who can least afford it.
To bring back balance we must acknowledge the urgency of right climate action now and choose to invest in renewable energy sources while empowering at risk and disadvantaged communities.
Accountability is key to progress. Whether you realize it or not, with your daily life you are participating in a broken and abusive system. We must acknowledge the harm done and commit to repair our relationship with each other and Earth.
In a recent meeting to discuss The Clean Futures Act with Sen. Anna Kaplan’s office a 350.org Brooklyn member referenced her father, a former professional athlete, and made the analogy that the fossil fuel industry is like the player that’s aged out of his role, but still insists on being in the game. When he keeps trying to play way past his prime, he risks holding his team back – even holding the game back. We know we’re losing precious time if fossil fuels stay in the game. We must give renewables a chance. This is a game we can’t afford to lose.
On June 10 the legislative session ends in Albany. Fossil fuel lobbyists are well-funded and well-represented in Albany right now with the aim to maintain business as usual. Despite the ambitious goals of CLCPA, fossil fuels are still overpowering renewables with approximately two-thirds of electricity in New York generated from dirty energy sources.
We must urge our legislators to ban the buildout of new fossil fuel plants and make polluters pay. Call your representative and make sure they’re passing the above mentioned bills. Let them know life on Earth as we know it is at stake.
