Global Warming/Climate Change
What does global warming or climate change mean?
Climate Change is defined as: a change in global or regional climate patterns, in particular a change apparent from the mid to late 20th century onwards and attributed largely to the increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide produced by the use of fossil fuels.
It is explained for kids at nasa.gov as:
What Is Climate? How Is It Different From Weather?
"You might know what weather is. Weather is the changes we see and feel outside from day to day. It might rain one day and be sunny the next. Sometimes it is cold. Sometimes it is hot. Weather also changes from place to place. People in one place might be wearing shorts and playing outside. At the same time, people far away might be shoveling snow.
Climate is the usual weather of a place. Climate can be different for different seasons. A place might be mostly warm and dry in the summer. The same place may be cool and wet in the winter. Different places can have different climates. You might live where it snows all the time. And some people live where it is always warm enough to swim outside!
There's also Earth's climate. Earth's climate is what you get when you combine all the climates around the world together."
To read the entire article go to: https://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/k-4/stories/nasa-knows/what-is-climate-change-k4.html
Although, this article is for kids I found it to be a great simple way to explain what is going on and what the differences are between our daily weather, local climates and the earth's climate. The article goes on to say:
"People who study Earth see that Earth's climate is getting warmer. Earth's temperature has gone up about one degree Fahrenheit in the last 100 years. This may not seem like much. But small changes in Earth's temperature can have big effects."
Do you believe in it?
I believe it is happening and I am concerned. It has been scientifically proven that the earths temperature is changing. And that we are a part of the issue - the energy we use makes a difference, from our cars and lights to the water we use excessively to the massive amounts of animal farming and the toxic waste that is adding carbon dioxide to the air. And of course the destruction of our rain forest to open up land for cattle food farms.
How are we treating each other?
Not everyone believes in Climate Change. As much as I wish we collectively agreed that this is a important issue, it does not inspire change in others the way it does for me. I feel this issue can cause us to be righteous and judgmental to the point of excess. And for this I am worried. We still need to allow people to have there own opinions. Just as I have said about politics and other topics, it is important to have a dialogue between all sides and to share what we know to be better informed all around.
What is The Paris Agreement?
Most of us are aware that there was a "Paris Agreement" brought forth from the concerns of the United Nations. This quote from the NY Times explains the agreement in a sentence. To read the entire article, see the link below. “holding the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, recognizing that this would significantly reduce the risks and impacts of climate change.”
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/cp/climate/2015-paris-climate-talks
This agreement was made in 2015 and then in 2017 President Donald Trump declared that the United States would be backing out of The Paris Agreement. But, to my joy at least 10 states have said they will support the agreement: California, New York, Washington, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, Virginia, Oregon and Hawaii. Nine other states plus Washington, D.C. have said they will abide by it. Unfortunately, my state of Georgia has not been added to the list "yet".
Body Blog?
You may be wondering why I would be talking about climate change when I am suppose to be talking about the "body" this week. It is because it is something I am passionate about and needed to share my thoughts. I could find some reason like climate change effects our bodies because we may loose our earth to live upon but that is a little drastic. So, it's just here because I needed and wanted to write about it today.
“A society is defined not only by what it creates, but by what it refuses to destroy.”
It is my belief that global warming is happening and that it is a pivotal moment in our worlds history. It is time for us to pay attention to what we are doing and to really think about why we are doing it. As our federal government makes decisions regarding our role, our local voices began to be heard and our states and cities took on the challenge. This is good news, because we are seeing a part of government listening. And most importantly, no matter where you stand on this issue, please try to listen with an open heart and mind. Knowing that ultimately, we are all one and our opinion being expressed through conversation is the most effective way to connect. Fighting will not solve any issues. Let's find solutions and let's find ways to work together somewhere in the middle. Our earth depends upon it.
Wishing you Grace, Peace & Healthy Living,
Lorraine
Central Park
Central Park is a perfect example of allowing nature to thrive in a place overwhelmed by an industrial nation. 750 acres was set aside in 1853 to preserve nature in a place that was fast becoming populated by business and people. The park has gone through 4 transformations including a time with the help of Robert Moses then the NYC Parks Commissioner. Without innovative nature loving people we would be in a far greater crisis. This park and the beaches on Long Island are reminders to each of us that nature is something that can easily be lost if we don't make it a priority.
