Global warming prevention is tied to stubborn industry

The era of the relatively stable climate that Earth and its inhabitants have enjoyed for… The era of the relatively stable climate that Earth and its inhabitants have enjoyed for thousands of years is close to its end. According to Steve Connor of The Independent, rapid warming of Earth is irreversible and “past the point of no return.”

It is true that the global climate fluctuates vigorously over the span of geological time. Ice ages have come and gone frequently during Earth’s history. These stages of warming and cooling occurred before man-made industry had the means to influence climate. Our atmosphere was able to readjust from natural fluctuation on its own.

Ice levels in the Arctic polar region have idled at their lowest recorded levels for the past four years. Normally sea ice will recede in the summer and re-form in the winter. The ice has recently been receding but not returning. Reporters like Connor cite current simulated models that conservatively estimate the northern ice cap to completely melt by 2070.

A slight increase in Earth’s proximity to the sun or in solar thermal activity may be a factor, but not the primary cause, of global warming. Evidence instead points squarely towards the unstoppable industrial machine. It is not coincidental that global warming and industry visibly overlap.

Industrialists, who gave birth to consumer culture, will inevitably reap what they have sown. The fruit of their philosophy – inefficient production in the name of profit – has manifested itself as global warming. It will be the worst man-made disaster the Earth will ever see. The planet would have been better off with a nuclear war leading to the complete annihilation of the human race.

Humans instinctively accept short-term gain and disrespect long-term problems. Many logging companies were aware that the success of their business model could bring about the eventual destruction of all forests. Similarly, oil supply is due to run out mid-century, but demand continues to increase rapidly.

This should suggest that ingenuity is the proper mode for finding solutions to long-term problems, but it is deemed an unprofitable waste of time to worry about tomorrow’s issues. Industry and business adapt when put under pressure; the future beyond a human’s conceivable lifespan is trivial and therefore of little consequence or worry. This behavior is very nearsighted and cause for much of my anger at human ignorance.

As a columnist, I can write about this issue in publications, spend all my money on advertising, gain public support and then lobby polluting industries and the Environmental Protection Agency for their irresponsibility in handling such a problem – but my net effect would be virtually null. I would need the backing of a group consisting of powerful and influential individuals

Fighting city hall is definitely within reach, but fighting Corporate America is virtually impossible. There is simply too much money at stake and an ingrained attitude of consumerism to destroy. Producing less waste is unprofitable and not worth consideration to these groups because it is of no direct consequence to them. Even the threat of ecological doom is not enough to convince industry to adapt.

The only pressures put on industry are restrictions from government legislation. Many of the regulatory actions of the EPA are commendable, though it seems its efforts have been too little, too late. Had it anticipated the proportions of the global warming problem, the EPA would have taken tougher action in the ’70s to avoid this impending fiasco.

Many would claim that global warming might be a good thing. I expect global warming will at some point rejuvenate Siberia into a world agricultural center and will make the Sahara green again, but not without unpleasant consequences.

Looking beyond the beneficial terraforming side effect, it is obvious that we will lose all of our coastal cities worldwide. Greenland supports a massive amount of ice that can significantly raise sea level if melted. Further, massive climate changes are a very slippery slope: As stabilizing polar ice melts away, the warming effect amplifies. Consider also that animals are not quite as adaptive as humans are. Most species would be displaced by an abrupt shift in habitat and many would become extinct.

It is a grim realization that yesterday’s actions will have irreversible effects tomorrow. I can now only passively observe the outcome and hope that I am wrong. Perhaps something can yet be done by those in power to avoid this dire situation.

Karim wants to know your favorite doomsday theories. Send your thoughts to kab85@pitt.edu.