The Perks of Global Warming
By Jenn | August 3, 2008
So I’m watching this documentary about the TED (Technology Entertainment Design) Conference, where 1000 “thinkers and doers gather for inspiration” each year, and all of a sudden I’m listening to a funny song about global warming. A funny song about global warming! It’s titled “Manhattan In January:”
And it’s just got me thinking about those “perks of global warming” counter-arguments I’ve heard from skeptics, such as how whole new industries will spring up in the face of the warmer temperatures, growing seasons will be extended, and tourism will increase in formerly freezing locals. Also: “Boat owners will benefit! Not only will there be smooth sailing through the formerly bothersome ice of the Northwest Passage, but each summer, cruise ships will be able to run tourists straight up Bourbon Street in New Orleans .”
I don’t see this as silver-lining thinking as much as a feeling of being overwhelmed and disheartened, and thus stuck in a place of non-action. All of those scenarios might very well come to fruition, but does that mean we should aim for them? Are they the best version of the future we can dream up, or just the one some folks are feeling resigned to, and thus accepting of?
Do you think global warming is generally accepted as truth by this point? Have you run into skeptics, and if so, what’s the conversation been like?
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- Many Psychologists Agree: Tiny Choices are GOOD.
- Earth Hour 2009
- Teachin’ The Children Well
Topics: General |
I didn’t read this or think about the big question, just wanted to pop in and let you know I love love love Jill Sobule.
Thanks for sharing this clip.
Oh, she had a volunteer come up to hold her laptop because it was a new song and she didn’t know all the words yet - I know this from seeing her live!
Hey Stacey– were you there for this performance?!
[…] it to Jenn of Tiny Choices, one of our Mothers of the Earth, to use humor to ask two very serious questions: Do you think […]
clever, I have never heard or her before…
[…] The Perks of Global Warming […]
I stil run in to a lot of skeptics. And I’ve learned for most of them, it is not worth arguing the facts. I just turn it around - what if you are wrong? Is it worth that SUV or setting that AC at 60 if you grandchildren cannot live on this planet? Is it really so hard to consume less and be mindful?
I also run into people who believe that we will develop a technological solution of some sort - something to save our butts miraculously. Same thing here - I just turn it around - what if we can’t? Wouldn’t it be better if you used a stainless steel water bottle? Why not?
Jennifer
Smart Mamas Do It All Naturally
www.thesmartmama.com
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