Uncategorized
Climate Change is an Opportunity
Published
13 years agoon
Posted By
Adminby Douglas Martins
The issue of climate change is complex because it involves all of earth’s systems, and because it is economically and politically relevant. Politicians have distorted scientific results and misled voters to benefit their re-election campaigns, and the media has polarized the issue to gain viewer attention. Scientists are also at fault for being inherently bad at communicating their results to the policymakers and to the general public. The fact is, almost all scientists believe humans are the cause of the recent climate change. They predict that in the next 50-100 years, the global mean temperature of the atmosphere will increase by 3°C (~ 5°F). That may not sound like much, but it is equal in magnitude but opposite in sign to the last ice age. If we do nothing, things are likely to get much worse.
Many people have become apathetic to the changes we desperately need to make. They think engineering will eventually find ways to fix our problems, so they believe we can continue to trash our planet. Not only is that irresponsible, but engineering earth systems (something we do not understand fully) can lead to harmful consequences (e.g. CFCs and the ozone hole). Plus, these engineering strategies take time to develop, and we are running out of time.
The United States became a world power through leadership and innovation. Now, countries developing sustainable forms of energy are surpassing the United States. Wind and solar power are becoming increasingly more efficient, and provide energy with less environmental impact than traditional energy sources. So, rather than following the path of business-as-usual, we as a country and economy can make this the single greatest opportunity for profit in this once capitalistic society.
The development of sustainable technology offers a solution to combat greenhouse emissions, but it requires expertise to do so. As an individual, the easiest thing you can do is to conserve. Walk up and down the steps instead of using elevators. Ride a bike to work. Turn off lights. Watch TV less and play outside more. By doing this, you instantly save money and become more healthy. As a side benefit, you might save the world.
Douglas Martins is a post-doctoral research associate at Penn State University. His research focuses on the impact meteorology has on local and regional air pollution. Doug frequently visits Big Sky because he thinks he can ski.
You may like
Upcoming Events
march, 2024
Event Type :
All
All
Arts
Education
Music
Other
Sports
Event Details
Children turning 5 on or before 9/10/2024:
more
Event Details
Children turning 5 on or before
9/10/2024: Kindergarten
enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year can be completed by following the
registration process now.
Children
born on or after September 11, 2019: 4K enrollment is now open for
families that have a 4-year-old they would like to enroll in our program for
the 2023-2024 school year. Please complete the 4K Interest Form to
express your interest. Completing this form does not guarantee enrollment into
the 4K program. Enrollment is capped at twenty 4-year-olds currently
residing within Big Sky School District boundary full time and will be
determined by birth date in calendar order of those born on or after September
11, 2018. Interest form closes on May 30th.
Enrollment now is critical for fall preparations. Thank you!
Time
February 26 (Monday) - April 21 (Sunday)
Event Details
My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy
more
Event Details
My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy that tells the story of Toby and Melinda, two lonely people whose lives are forever changed the night they encounter a starving coyote at their apartment building. Over time they grow to expect him, leaving ritual offerings to entice the coyote every night. Toby and Melinda forge a connection over this visitor and share curiosity and concern about his presence in the city. The coyote expands their world–until, one night, their world is shattered. Their lives are pushed suddenly into uncharted territory, sending them on a surreal odyssey that changes their city–and the world–forever.
Directed by LX Miller. Starring Max Schneider and Denise Hergett
Verge Theater is continuing their mission to provide accessible theater to our community. Tickets for My Barking Dog are Pay What You Wish with a suggested price of $35. Audience members are offered the opportunity to select the price point that is comfortable for them when purchasing tickets.
My Barking Dog runs March 15-17, 22-24, 28-30
Performances on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays begin at 7:00 p.m., with Sunday matinees offered at 3:00 p.m.
Suitable for ages 16 . No animals are harmed in the staging of this production.
Tickets are available online at www.vergetheater.com
Time
15 (Friday) 7:00 pm - 30 (Saturday) 8:30 pm
Location
Verge Theater
Event Details
Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm We will combine the heart-opening powers of cacao with the transcendental powers of breathwork and sound. Together, these practices will give us the opportunity for a deep
more
Event Details
Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm
Time
March 23 (Saturday) 6:00 pm - April 23 (Tuesday) 8:00 pm
Location
Santosha Wellness Center
169 Snowy Mountain Circle
Event Details
Thursday of the Lord’s Supper Mass St. Joseph Catholic Mission
Event Details
Thursday of the Lord’s Supper Mass
St. Joseph Catholic Mission
Time
(Thursday) 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm