Conserving Energy: Stepping in the Right Direction?

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Ben,
Interesting subject. True we don't know if the current trend is a natural event or not. What we do know is that a major trend has occured since the broad use of fossil fuel has begun in this country about the turn of the century (1900 that is) It is hard to see the effects of that trend in the lower 48 but for a real upfront look, one needs to travel to Canada or Alaska. Even Glacier National Park here in the US may have no glaciers by 2030. I witnessed glaciers in both Juneau and Anchorage that have retreated miles since just the fifties. In Barrow during the summer, the pack ice retreats many miles from shore. Last year when I was there, it was more than 15 miles offshore and melting. Although these may seem like lsmall events, the amount of water being returned to the seas is enormous and sea levels are rising. From an environmental standpoint, fishing grounds, coral reefs, beaches, islands etc. are all disappearing. Even Point Barrow and Cape Cod are disappearing as the sea rises and waves wash the land out to sea. Locals in Barrow estimate that Point Barrow will be completely gone in my lifetime. Fully 3/4 of the Marconi radio site on Cape Cod has washed away, leaving only the base of one tower (of four) on the edge of a sand dune. As these seemingly small events grow, there is going to be a tremendous effect on all of mankind.
So, are we doing anything? I think we are. Is it enough? I am not sure that it is. I think it is important to look for alternative energy sources and conserve when we can. China is a place that we ought to look at. As it cranks up it's industrial machine using predominantly coal for energy, huge amounts of CO2 are being dumped daily. It is only a matter of time, before that has an impact on it's neighbors like Japan and eventually, the results will be even felt on the west coast.