Cape Karen
Leaders from around the world are meeting right now in Montreal to discuss international efforts to find new ways to reduce global warming and emissions pollution. Shamefully, the U.S. has chosen not to engage in these important worldwide discussions. Despite a lot of empty talk from Washington about global warming, our President and our elected officials are refusing to take any meaningful action whatsoever, in regard to our planet's environmental health, and our future.
In Montreal, the many countries who do care are meeting to discuss the next phase of the Kyoto Protocol - the international agreement to reduce global warming pollution. These are crucial discussions, designed to brainstorm and find long-term and effective solutions to this problem; which also include a historic effort by the rainforest nations to curb deforestation.
The Kyoto Protocol may not be the only answer, and it might just be too little, too late; but at least it is a global attempt to do something about the climate changes that are threatening everything we hold dear. Not to participate is just downright immoral! That the U.S. government is not even interested, or concerned enough, to join the negotiations ~ even though global warming's effects have been all too visible in our country this year ~ is just beyond my comprehension. The apathy and indifference being exhibited by our country's leader and our elected government officials, regarding the state of the environment, can no longer be ignored. It's time for all of us to speak up ~ loud and clear!
Among some of the 2005 warning signs:
The ferocity of recent hurricanes is a sign that global warming is already increasing and intensifying the number of tropical storms along our U.S. coastlines; and many leading scientists believe it is going to get worse in the coming decades. (Worse than Katrina!)
Arctic ice melting advanced again this summer, opening up the possibility of ice-free Arctic summers and dangerously accelerating global warming. Because less ice leads to more heat absorption from the sun - a prospect with devastating consequences for all the Arctic animals and humans who live there - this is not an inconsequential matter.
Vital eco-systems in the ocean's coral reefs are rapidly bleaching and dying. These spectacular 'rainforests of the sea' are at severe risk as warmer waters, more acidic oceans and stronger storms take their combined toll upon them.
If we are going to help to reduce global warming, we have to first deal with all the hot air coming from our elected officials. We need to get our message of concern to Washington quickly; and in great numbers! It's urgent that we demand that our government join the worldwide efforts to address this issue; by signing the petition at the website below, you can let them know what you want for Christmas this year ~ a safer, and healthier environment.
Please go to this website and add your name to the petition: http://www.environmentaldefense.org
Here is a recent AP report from Montreal showing the concern worldwide:
Thousands of protesters took to the streets in cities worldwide Saturday to demand urgent action on global warming as delegates continued their work at an international climate change conference to review and update the Kyoto Protocol.
Police said about 7,000 people marched in downtown Montreal ~ some dressed as polar bears. Five environmental groups, including Greenpeace and the Climate Crisis Coalition, delivered a petition signed by 600,000 Americans to the U.S. consulate in Montreal, urging President Bush and Congress to help slow global warming. "We're worried about climate change, and about life in the Canadian Arctic disappearing," said Sarah Binder of Montreal's Urban Ecology Center.
Organizers said 10,000 people marched through London, passing Prime Minister Tony Blair's home on Downing Street, where they delivered a letter demanding the British government reaffirm its commitment to Kyoto with legally binding targets on emissions reductions. Chanting and blowing whistles, the marchers denounced Blair and Bush for their environmental failings. Some held banners depicting Bush as "Wanted: For Crimes Against The Planet" and advising, "Ditch Blair, not Kyoto."
The Canadian Inuit traveled to Montreal from the isolated Arctic north to join the protest. Indian leader, Jose Kusugak, told The Associated Press that he brought along hunters, trappers and elders to reassure them that people from the south were not indifferent to their plight.
"It was important to show them that there are a lot of people in the world who care," he said. President Bush has been widely criticized for pulling out of the treaty, which binds industrialized nations to lowering their greenhouse gas emissions.
The United States, which spews out nearly 25 percent of the world's carbon emissions, was the target of many angry demonstrators.
Perhaps some of us are unable or unwilling to go out and demonstrate in the streets ~ but, we can show our concern for Planet Earth by signing the E.D. petition today. It only takes a few seconds . . . .
Thanks for your help ~