The Seasons Alter
By Philip Kitcher & Evelyn Fox Keller
The seasons later. Or it seems. People observe changes. They reflect on the human future. And they ask: What progeny of evils will these alterations breed?
Some things we know already. Around the world, droughts are occuring with increasing frequency. Desperate people divert old water-courses. Violent conflicts break out as neigbors struggle to protect their access to water. New deprivations intensify old hostilities. Old diseases flare up. New diseases are born. Will these trends continue? Will their effects devastate the lives of our grandchildren?
Clearly we need to talk.
For three decades, climate scientists have been warning us about threats to the human future on our planet. Here's a short version. "Since the industrial revolution swung into high gear, the Earth has been getting warmer. Our practices of using fossil fuels and emitting greenhouse gases are responsible. Unless we want our descendants to inhabit a dangerous world, we must change our ways."
The experts urge us to act. But before we can act, respond collectively to the predicted threats, we ought to talk. To decide on a plan, and figure out how to carry it out.
First, of course, we need to decide if the danger is real, and if it's as large as the scientists say it is.
Even if they're wrong, even if they exaggerate, these questions need to be settled. Waiting around and leaving them unresolved is effectively ignoring what we've been told.
Delaying is equivalent to denial.
The seasons later. Or it seems. People observe changes. They reflect on the human future. And they ask: What progeny of evils will these alterations breed?
Some things we know already. Around the world, droughts are occuring with increasing frequency. Desperate people divert old water-courses. Violent conflicts break out as neigbors struggle to protect their access to water. New deprivations intensify old hostilities. Old diseases flare up. New diseases are born. Will these trends continue? Will their effects devastate the lives of our grandchildren?
Clearly we need to talk.
For three decades, climate scientists have been warning us about threats to the human future on our planet. Here's a short version. "Since the industrial revolution swung into high gear, the Earth has been getting warmer. Our practices of using fossil fuels and emitting greenhouse gases are responsible. Unless we want our descendants to inhabit a dangerous world, we must change our ways."
The experts urge us to act. But before we can act, respond collectively to the predicted threats, we ought to talk. To decide on a plan, and figure out how to carry it out.
First, of course, we need to decide if the danger is real, and if it's as large as the scientists say it is.
Even if they're wrong, even if they exaggerate, these questions need to be settled. Waiting around and leaving them unresolved is effectively ignoring what we've been told.
Delaying is equivalent to denial.
Comments
Post a Comment