Though the Obama administration has been moving forward in the fight to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the proposed 3% reduction from 1990 standards will not be sufficient to effectively save the planet from further environmental degradation. 350 ppm has been widely accepted number across the world with 92 countries supporting the figure as being what is necessary. The institute simply asks that the EPA follow through and do what it was created to do, protect the environment.
A great deal of controversy has been brought forth concerning the current environmental legislation passed by the house and currently pending senate approval. The legislation would eliminate the EPA's authority under the Clean Air Act to designate and regulate greenhouse gasses as criteria pollutants.
As a world population we must also realize the limitations of the public sector and policy making bodies, and take matters into our own hands. Our Society's actions are responsible for the current conditions which plague the world. The good news is that even though we have put ourselves into this situation we also have the power to get ourselves out. Currently transportation and agriculture are two of the largest sectors which emit carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses.
Simply by changing agricultural practices to no till farming and buying local, we can see a major reduction in gas emissions from both the agricultural and transportation sector. Goods would be homegrown and not require environmentally costly transportation. Though buying green can not single handedly save the environment it is a good place to start. The market adjusts to fit the desires of its consumers, by paying a few more dollars on an environmentally friendly product we can help usher in a change.
Chris Neto
I completely agree with you. If we want a change we are going to have to take matters into our own hands. I also really like the idea of eliminating the EPA's authority in the CAA, I have always felt that the EPA is to subject to political ties and if uneffective.
ReplyDeleteThe only issue with taking matters into the hands of citizens is actually getting citizens to come together for a common cause. It may be hard to get people to buy locally, especially since sometimes local markets can be a bit more expensive than the supermarket. The issue of initial costs is one that I think will be the toghest obstacle in order to get people mobilized.
Overall though, I have to hope that people will start to come together to in their communities to improve environmental conditions.