FIRE AND ICE
by Robert Frost
Some say the world will end in fire,
Some say ice.
From what I’ve tasted of desire
I hold with those who favor fire.
But if it had to perish twice,
I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction ice
Is also great
And would suffice.
Recently I saw Al Gore’s movie, An Inconvenient Truth, which details the changes in Earth’s atmosphere resulting from the increase in carbon dioxide levels. In the movie (and in his book with the same title,) Gore carefully details the problems our planet faces as the average temperature increases. He points out that virtually ever credible scientist accepts global warming, and man’s contribution to it, as fact. He asks if our leaders are “resisting the truth because they know that the moment they acknowledge it, they will face a moral imperative to act? ” Still President Bush resists, and says that any efforts to reduce carbon dioxide on our part, will “impact OUR economy.”
Meanwhile, the runoff from melting glaciers is raising sea level and altering thermal ocean currents that create climatic changes. Low lands will be inundated, forcing humans and animals to relocate and compete for higher elevation. In some locations higher temperatures cause wetlands, lakes and ponds to evaporate making it difficult and near impossible for life to exist. Animal species are becoming extinct at amazing levels. Unspoiled water is likely to become a more severe emergency than any oil crisis man has ever seen. Insects, viruses and diseases that for centuries existed only in the tropics are moving northward into higher populated areas raising concerns for infestations and plagues . Increased carbon dioxide is making the oceans more acidic, actually dissolving the shells of snails and most likely other shellfish. The frequency and severity of storms and wildfires are on the rise. Hotter climates directly impact agricultural production in America’s breadbasket and increase supermarket prices. And the list gets longer with every sunrise.
The message is clear, and it may be inconvenient, but how are people to be convinced?
Perhaps we simply need to stop whining about global warming and instead focus on the positive aspects of the changes. Warmer winters will allow the Cape to be a year round playground. “Snow Birds” will stay on Cape instead of driving south to Florida. These sun-chasers will save gasoline, tire tread and other travel expenses and spend that money here on Cape Cod. Fewer exhaust emissions from their cars will even help reduce the carbon dioxide level.
Warmer winters will mean less snow, less plowing and thus more money in government coffers, allowing for lower taxes. The need for heating fuel will be reduced. Coupled with the gas savings mentioned above, our dependence on Mideast oil will be reduced and terrorism eliminated.
Rising sea levels increase beach areas and more homes will have direct access to water views. Warmer winters will allow farmers to establish citrus groves. Locally grown oranges will allow children to have really fresh juice and improve their health, thus lengthening lives and reducing medical and health insurance costs.
So what if the ocean is more acidic and dissolving shells, just imagine the excitement of eating “oysters on the no shell”. Perhaps chicken and burgers will actually cook themselves on the way to your New Year’s Eve party.
We all know that where orange trees flourish, palm trees are plentiful and many folks think of these areas as a tropical paradise. Now we can have our own, real close. It’s not beyond belief to imagine that with our warm winters and higher water levels some of our harbors could become home to huge fleets of cruise ships. Vacationers will fill our stores and cash registers.
So, if you are not yet concerned about global warming, just think how warm those summer days winter days will really be.
Mass Liberal Voice 