TURN OFF THE OVEN
Is fossil fuel use compatible with life on our planet?
Image by Pizzalife, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons. ‡
Planet Earth, our home, is oven-hot, and the consequences of global warming are everywhere. Dr. Ray Perryman, in his newsletter of July 22, 2024, titled Beryl’s Billions, explains the impact to Texas and the nation of Hurricane Beryl, fueled by global warming. Category 1 Beryl had sustained winds of 80 mph and delivered up to 8 inches of rainfall across the Houston Metropolitan Area. Luckily, it was not at its full Category 5 strength that caused massive destruction in the Caribbean. Yet it caused deaths along its path, damaged business activity, and destroyed critical infrastructure. Economist Perryman estimated the damage to Texas at $1.5 billion and at $2.5 billion across the United States.
We should point out to those who have been vacationing away from our galaxy, that global warming is caused by the greenhouse effect produced by the massive release of carbon dioxide and hydrocarbons by the fossil fuel industry and users of such fuels.
This past Sunday was the hottest day on record, with an average Earth ambient temperature of 62.76 degrees Fahrenheit (F). On Monday, the temperature climbed to 62.87 F. The previous record was 62.74 F last year on July 6. Read more about it here. Heat waves across the planet, in the hottest locations, exceed 110 F on a regular basis, and in some locations surpass 120 F. Global warming causes extreme drought, wildfires and floods.
How healthy to all earthly life is this trend?
How much of the cost of global warming is being borne by taxpayers?
How much of global warming costs are being reimbursed by producers of greenhouse gases?
This is a very stark trend and reason to take emergency actions at all levels. And there is hope.
Why should we vote for GOP politicos supported by the fossil fuel industry?
How wonderful would it be to have eligible voters register and make their way in record numbers to the voting booths on Tuesday, November 5th to vote to save our planet?
Can we stop the madness and elect a POTUS, House of Representative Members, and Senators committed to preserving our planet?
How can we not do that for our own self-interest? The current POTUS and his party has created the strongest economy ever while weaning us from life-destroying fossil fuel use. That is the true meaning of pro-life.
Vote in your own interest, not in the interest of the fossil fuel industry.
Solid article and conclusions. Get out and vote on November 5 and don'y forget to evaluate judges and local/state referendums impact on you and the earth.
Amen to this, Manuel.