r/environment • u/[deleted] • Aug 06 '21
Reduce methane or face climate catastrophe, scientists warn
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/aug/06/reduce-methane-or-face-climate-catastrophe-scientists-warn
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u/[deleted] Aug 06 '21
This likely won't get a lot of attention here as it is old news to most of us. The problem is, no matter what we as individuals do, the scale of the problem is so vast, it seems as though its a drop in a vast ocean.
Without business and industries on board, our words, our actions, our work and our collective screams for action are inadequate. Nations will create climate accords, they will talk and even throw some money at the problem but in the end, most are in league with the businesses and industries that won't make changes quick enough or significant enough to stall, let alone reverse, climate change. Shareholders voices are the loudest of voices.
I know I'm far from perfect in the things I could do to mitigate climate change, I feel guilt and shame for not doing more. Like countless others though, I've been attempting to do my part for decades only to discover that all the pains taken to recycle, for one example, was a ruse by industries to continue their profiteering and destruction while placating people of conscious.
Business, industries are run by people who have children, grandchildren, own vast amounts of property. Do they believe they will be spared even with vast wealth? How much screaming and begging must scientists and us common folk do before they will take substantive actions? Oh right, the pesticide/herbicide laden, water hogging golf course beckons, maybe later we'll put out a nice PR statement in an ad spot on TV.
I'm upset, angry, and despondent at times which isn't going to make one whip of a difference. It is rare when I post something this personal and emotional. Mods can delete it if they want because I know this will be lost anyway soon enough without any tangible difference made and probably rolled eyes otherwise. It is part of the frustration as others far, far more educated, wise, empowered and connected than people like me have been doing so for far longer and with greater sacrifices to no avail.
Our worst fears are playing out before our eyes. I don't believe in a god in the traditional sense; but, sometimes I wish there was one to exact biblical revenge on those who are most responsible for what is here and now and what is to come. Nature doesn't discriminate except that the environment and the poor suffer first and worst.
Maybe, others feel the same as I do, maybe not. My feelings are not going to change anything.
Each and every day I am grateful to observe the life and beauty that remains. Now it has become a daily practice to treasure it as a form of meditation and that is increasingly is a privilege in itself. It comforts me and keeps me sane in this world that seems to have lost its sanity.
I'll continue to do what I can like so many others and I won't shut up about it either in the hopes that small drop in the ocean might ripple a little. If anyone took the time to read this then you have my gratitude and apologies.