Global Crisis & Positive Choice

After my last post, this is worth watching...

Global Warming Trends, 2014

A few days back I read an article about global warming.  The thesis was an interesting read, but full of scientific jargon that could turn even the most determined person cross-eyed.  So, rather than give you a link to such a daunting read, for your viewing pleasure, here is a link to the ScienceDaily report:


http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/09/140921145005.htm

However, the bottom line is this: 

Human activites contribute to an increased rate of global warming, and will continue to do so with the status quo. 

"The IPCC's Fifth Assessment Report collated from the peer-reviewed literature almost 1200 scenarios of future emissions, each scenario having a different 'story' of how the future might unfold. The scenarios can be grouped according to which of the four Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) they are most similar to, based on peak concentration of greenhouse gases.

Credit: Image courtesy of CICERO"

Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/09/140921145005.htm

Due to emissions created by humans through the burning of fossil fuels, our planet will warm faster than it would on its own.  What burns fossil fuels, you may ask?  Fossil fuels are formed by a natural process using organic materials (dead organisms) that have taken Earth hundreds of thousands, to millions of years to make.  We burn them for things like electricity via coal, petrol for your car, natural gas for your hob/stove, fuel for the airplane, train, or ship that carries you or the goods you buy.  Unfortunately, there's a limited amount available and we're burning it faster than Earth can replace it, and in the process, we are increasing the emission of carbon and other hardy chemicals that deplete Earth's Ozone layer, and thus the greenhouse that keeps us safe.

Sure, it's true that Earth goes through normal cycles of ice ages, as has been shown through fossil records, sediment cores, and geologic studies.  But, a question I cannot help but ask is this: Why would such an intelligent species, the Homo sapiens, continue a behaviour that is ultimately going to bring it harm?  The only answer I can think of, leads down a path of negativity and labeling - that we are greedy, gluttonous, money-driven, and/or selfish - but perhaps there is more to it than that?  Biologically speaking, animals (including humans) are designed to make decisions for survival.  Considering the conditions of the world, from third to first, is it any wonder that most people are doing whatever necessary to survive, in the best (or perhaps only) way they know how?

No matter where you live or what your occupation, we all need food, shelter, and a sense of connection (usually to one another and/or the environment) to survive.  But with the system created as it has been - by humans - it is rarely possible to survive without money, because that is what has been deemed valuable.  In first-world countries, humans are fortunate to have the pleasures of fossil-fuel consuming sources that provide entertainment, vehicles, industry, and synthetics.  In fact, according to the the article:

"The top-four emitters of CO₂ have a critical role in global emissions growth:

• Chinese emissions grew at 4.2%, due to slower economic growth and faster improvements in carbon intensity of the economy compared to the previous decade
• USA emissions increased 2.9%, due to a rebound in coal consumption potentially reversing the downward trend since the start of the shale-gas boom in 2007
• Indian emissions grew at 5.1%, due to robust economic growth and a continued increase in the carbon intensity of the economy
• EU28 emissions decreased 1.8%, due to a weak economy and emission decreases in some countries offsetting a return to coal led by Poland, Germany, Finland"

Apparently, China is producing more emissions than the US and EU combined.  Frankly, these numbers are terrifying.  But, what is the answer??  Is someone, or a group of people, really going to make the kind of life-style changes necessary to make a difference?  And, just what would that difference be - if Earth is going to increase in temperature on it's own, anyways?  These are all questions I've asked and have heard my peers ask.  Do we give up, say that the snowball is already rolling?  Or do we start making changes in our lifestyles and how we run the economy?  The United Nations (UN) has tried to engage leading countries to address this problem, but as with many things, it's a choice.  In this case, it's a choice of our leaders and the leaders of other countries to enforce law and regulation.  In October, the UN is holding their sixth of it's second conference in Bonn, Germany, to talk about Climate Change Impacts.  It will be interesting to see what their session will lead to, and you can follow at:

http://unfccc.int/2860.php

As for what we, as individuals and communities can do, it's as far reaching as your imagination can hold.  But, it's a matter of personal judgement, morals, and ethics.  Honestly, I cannot say what that looks like for any individual, because this is when it becomes personal. It is a matter of how much you care and how much you're willing to change.  For me, this is a moral battle I struggle with.  Obviously, I like to travel; I have a vehicle, a laptop, an iPod, and plenty of clothes; and I too, contribute to the emissions system...  Perhaps this is an opportunity to start thinking about my energy consumption and use more seriously.  Perhaps this is an opportunity for all of us to think about it.

There are many things we can do, but not all of it is honest - "green" labeling doesn't necessarily mean green - many of the products sold to promote energy savings doesn't actually help the environment.  Just as a few examples:

-  Those twisty energy "saving" lightbulbs?  Yeah, those contain mercury and are exceedingly difficult to dispose of, let alone recycle.

-  "Electronic" copies of information or paper?  Yeah, the servers utilized to store the data need to stay cool, and require temperature controlled rooms, frequently using A/C.  Oh, and the materials the servers are made of?  It's not cost effective to recycle most of it.

-  "Energy saving" vehicles?  *HAHA* I find that succession of words such an oxymoron...  those batteries can be more damaging to Earth than the exhaust from a normal vehicle.

But, back on track - this article was a wake-up, a reminder - the choices we make today form the future of tomorrow.

May we all stop to think about our choices and how it effects the future of our children, seven generations in time. 

"If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem" - Proverb

Trophic Cascade: Interconnection

How Wolves Change Rivers from Sustainable Man on Vimeo.

Source: http://vimeo.com/86466357


This video is a reminder of the complexity of our environment.  Far too often, we are told that a whole is the sum of all it's parts; that 2 + 2 = 4; everything can be broken down into an equation.  Well, if that were true, and a whole is the sum of all it's parts, then why can humans not take bits and pieces of a body, laser it together, fill it with blood, and zap it to life??  All the pieces are there, yes?  So, why doesn't Frankenstein exist, why did the theory not work?  In my own opinion, and one I will own, is because there is an element that lies outside of the equation.  Something that humans have yet to quantify, but has been qualified and understood by Earthen people for eons.  Call it whatever you like, but there is something more to life than the pieces we see or can calculate.

"When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe." - John Muir

There are many people who have spent their life trying to understand the complexities of ecological communities, but none are quite as influential as John Muir. Born in 1838 in Dunbar, Scotland, John Muir spent his life advocating the preservation of the wilderness in the United States after moving there with his family in 1849.  He was a naturalist that paved the way for current-day ecologists, and was an activist for the preservation of Yellowstone, Yosemite, Sequoia National Park, and in 1892 he co-founded the Sierra Club. Mr. Muir is known as the "Father of the National Parks" in the United States... THANK YOU MR. MUIR!!!

It is of utmost importance that we start to understand the cause and effect of our actions, choices, and every-day habits.  Life on Earth is far more interconnected than we often give credence.  The future of our children, and the planet, is our responsibility.  Choosing to turn a blind eye is choosing death - maybe not for you right at this moment - for the next generation.

"You would have thought that our first priority would be to ask what the ecologists are finding out, because we have to live within the conditions and principles they define.  Instead, we've elevated the economy above ecology." - David Suzuki 

http://akellyphoto.com/html/wildlife/mammals/wolf/wolf-in-river.jpg

Let us not forget how wolves can influence a river!!!

As a challenge, let's start (or continue) asking these questions: 

- FOOD: Where does it come from, and is it sustainable?
     Money speaks and what we buy we financially support; "vote" with your money.

- CONSUMABLES: Can I recycle this?  
     Recycle!!  Electronics, cardboard, paper, plastic, food...  if your local legislation does not offer this, start to demand it!

- TRANSPORTATION: Can I take a bus, train, or cycle? 
     Taking the bus rather than driving your own car decreases carbon emissions. This isn't about social class, it's about putting the environment before your image.

- ENERGY: How much does this task cost Earth?
     Let's not waste energy and increase pollution.
      

Outdoor Wellbeing: Autumn

Source: mooreaseal.tumblr.com

The physiological and psychological benefits of being outdoors is unarguably good for human health. It battles depression, boosts morale, and it increases physical well-being 1 2 3. The natural environment increases your sense of happiness 4! But, much of the demands on our day to day lives make it easy to push it further down the priority list. We make excuses: "I've got to do _(insert here)_", "I'll get to it tomorrow", or "it's too cold/wet/windy/rainy/etc"... that last one is one of the most unfortunate excuses, in my opinion. When you were a kid, did a bit of rain stop you from getting your wellies or rain boots out to go stomp around in the puddles? Did the dirt keep you from making those mud-pies, or picking up the branch that was your new-found sword? Perhaps it did, but for many of us, those things didn't matter. So, why should it now? Do you have access to a shower, bath, or at a minimum, access to a sink or wet-wipes for your hands? And a washer for your clothes? Don't let the 'adult' mind keep you from letting your inner child outside to play; let your imagination soar! Take a walk, go for a run, walk the dog, play with your kids, hunt for fungi, watch the leaves fall from the trees, or simply enjoy the subtle change of crispness in the air refresh your senses as you wander through a park, path, trail, your backyard, or down the street.

Autumn is one of the most beautiful times of year. The leaves are changing colour, dancing in the wind before blanketing Earth's floor with golden, red, and orange hues. Let the season ease you into the comforts of the hearth or fireplace, with the warmth of a blanket and hot cup of tea, chocolate, or mulled wine.

Yes, we do live demanding lives. But take the opportunity to make your health and well-being a priority. Not just for your own benefit (as if that isn't enough), but for those around you - family, friends, colleagues, strangers - because regular activity outdoors makes for a happier person  Enjoy the outdoors, regardless of the season - get that new winter jacket or your favourite coloured wellies/rain boots - enjoy wherever you live, and explore the area!

Sources: 
1     Morgan, K., & Bath, P. A. (1998). Customary physical activity and psychological wellbeing: a longitudinal study. Age and ageing, 27(suppl 3), 35-40.

2     Pryor, A., Carpenter, C., & Townsend, M. (2005). Outdoor education and bush adventure therapy: A social-ecological approach to health and wellbeing. Australian Journal of Outdoor Education, 9(1), 3-13.

3     Thompson Coon, J., Boddy, K., Stein, K., Whear, R., Barton, J., & Depledge, M. H. (2011). Does participating in physical activity in outdoor natural environments have a greater effect on physical and mental wellbeing than physical activity indoors? A systematic review. Environmental science & technology, 45(5), 1761-1772.

4     MacKerron, G., & Mourato, S. (2013). Happiness is greater in natural environments. Global Environmental Change, 23(5), 992-1000.

FACTOID: Animals Understand Fairness

Animals understand fairness. Dr. Sarah Brosnan from Georgia State University, USA, has been studying the psychology and behaviour of primates.  The study has concluded that fairness has evolved to support cooperation over long periods of time.

"Giving up an outcome that benefits you in order to gain long-term benefits from the relationship requires not only an ability to think about the future, but also the self-control to turn down a reward," Brosnan said. "These both require a lot of cognitive control. Therefore, we hypothesize that lots of species respond negatively to getting less than a partner, which is the first step in the evolution of fairness, but only a few species are able to make the leap to this second step, which leads to a true sense of fairness." 1

----- 
A few of my own thoughts:

Humans are highly complex beings - and yes, we are of the animal kingdom - not exempt from the measurement of "fairness". When we think about what is fair or not fair, how often do we consider the "other" person, friend, or stranger? In your job, at the gym, walking down the street, or in your home, what do you consider to be "fair"? Surely, everyone has a slightly different opinion, but perhaps fairness is more than one thing: law, social, emotional, procedural, environmental, interactional, distributive, economical, etc...

From my own experience, I believe that all people wish for all aspects of their life to be "fair", but I think balanced equality may be misunderstood with exact equality. Perhaps what you have is not the same as your neighbour, or that of your kin, but when you start to look at what you do have, does it balance out? Relationships may be taken for granted; food on the table; jobs; shelter; the environment in which you live; clean water... the list goes on.

Today, take a moment to reflect upon what you are thankful for. We may not be receiving cucumbers and grapes, but humans have an advantage: the intellect to examine the difference between exact equality and balanced equality. Let our ability to cooperate be a strength!!

Further Reading:

Sarah F. Brosnan and Frans B. M. de Waal. Evolution of responses to (un)fairness. Science, 18 September 2014 DOI: 10.1126/science.1251776

Sarah F. Brosnan, Frans B. M. de Waal. Monkeys reject unequal pay. Nature, 2003; 425 (6955): 297 DOI: 10.1038/nature01963


1  Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/09/140918141151.htm

Back on Track - A Personal Note

"Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel." - Socrates

Life is a funny thing. When I first started this blog, I thought "YES! I'm going to do this"... a year later and I'm finally making a point of following through with it. Excuses are excuses; if something is important to you, it will be done or you will find an excuse. However, for the purpose of my ego I'm going to say that the last year was spent obtaining Masters of Science and my brain was too far immersed in the realm of biology to think much beyond the next deadline, let alone whether my socks matched. Completed and dusted now, it's time to get back to what really matters to me by making time for it.

As a scientist, living in the world of the 'highly technical', I've often wondered what the point of science is, if not to share the findings with the future generations? Granted, time must be spent to break things down into digestible jargon for those not in the deep in the field of choice, but that is time well spent in my personal opinion.

"If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough." - Albert Einstein

So, a few of my aims in the next twelve months are as follows:
- An average of one blog per week, or at least two a month (leeway for those busy months...)
- Focus on current events that people can relate to in their daily lives
- Open a "request" section for people to specify topics of particular interest
- Open a "guest" page for other scientists to post their own work/ideas/thoughts for the general public
- Start a "kids" page to give the wee ones some of their own food for thought
- To learn throughout the experience without expectation of what "should" be learned

To be fair, this is a hefty list but one I shall aim for. After all, Norman Vincent Peale said, "Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss you'll land among the stars."

Source: http://family-budgeting.co.uk/2013/10/07/monday-money-quote-environment-vs-economy/