The fact the citizens of planet earth are emitting carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere at an alarming rate are now beyond valid dispute. The Noble Prize awarded Al Gore and a group of highly respected scientists is considerate recognition that global warming is a planetary emergency that demands our attention and action. The continued burning of coal and natural gases contributes to global warming, depletes our natural recourses and results in the dependence of the United States on other nations for scarce energy resources. Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases make breathing harmful in big cities and will jeopardize our living environments to an even greater extent unless we immediately change our current energy dependent lifestyles.
The issues of reducing greenhouse gases and global climate change were the primary focus of The Kyoto Protocol. This is a treaty negotiated in Kyoto, Japan in December 1997. In form, it is an agreement made under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change where countries that ratify the protocol commit to reduce their emissions of carbon dioxide and five other greenhouse gases or engage in emissions trading if they maintain or increase emission of the gases. The treaty expires in 2012. Talks have begun on a future treaty to succeed it. Unfortunately, the United States has not ratified this treaty.
The primary reason the United States has failed to ratify the Kyoto Protocol must be attributed to the well funded realm of junk science. Critically deficient pseudo-scientific garbage concocted by scientists for sale, the term “junk science” is used to describe the use of these sophistic “studies” that claim to challenge or obfuscate the facts and causes of global warming. It is well established that energy companies have invested millions of dollars in such studies with the singular purpose of confusing the general public. In ultimate terms, this investment sacrifices truth for short term gains recognized in reduced oversight and regulation. In other words, the public good is sacrificed for private gain.
The Kyoto Protocol accomplished the goal of pinpointing the threat of chlorofluorocarbon emissions around the world. It showed that when a global problem arises we can take care of it. Unfortunately, neoconservative political influences in the United States have prevented ratification and compliance with Kyoto’s caps on carbon dioxide emissions. Fortunately, many cities and states have implemented Kyoto’s standards and we are beginning to see uniform collaboration to address this crisis. An effective way to stop the increase of greenhouse gasses is to hold companies who emit the greenhouse gasses accountable. There are large public companies that have established policies to cutting emissions, lower waste and recycle materials while saving money in the process. Progressive energy saving and recycling plans as those employed in many states set the example for other states and companies to follow.
Some people may not conserve energy in small amounts because they do not believe their efforts are worthwhile. It must be recognized that every action makes a difference and there are plenty of opportunities. For example, I recently noticed there were no recycling containers in McDonalds’ restaurants, so I simply carried my recyclable trash back to my dorm where it could be recycled. Energy conservation is as easy as adjusting the thermostat up or down two degrees depending on the season. If this is done consistently, these small measures would save vast amounts of resources and energy. The great result about conserving resources is that nearly all the time simple conservations save money. In fact, almost every family could save money if they knew how to operate their homes more energy efficiently.
By purchasing slightly more expensive energy efficient light bulbs home owners may save money in the long run and reduce their harmful emissions. Stereotypically, we believe that big coal burning industries are the main contributors to global warming, when actually fluorescent light bulbs in homes combine to produce as many greenhouse gasses as factories. Imagine all the phone books, junk mail, credit reports, and other items that can accessed electronically without actually using paper and eliminated. As a public, we need to inform ourselves about these measures among others that they can implement in everyday life to make a significant difference. Conservation can be found in simple things like not letting the water facet run while brushing your teeth saving water now essential to parts of our country that never before had such concerns. It is a matter of recognition and effort.
The effects of global warming are more far reaching than extreme storms, loss of land, and loss of wildlife; the main concern is for our fellow human beings. Thomas Jefferson wrote in the Declaration of Independence that “all people are created equal.” As a nation we must also evolve as a people who work to advance this concept. Conservation allows more people to enjoy the earth’s resources equally.
It is time we make the concerted effort. The world will not end in our lifetime even if we do not change the course of past actions. At the same time, we should take the responsibility to promote a better quality of life for one another. We cannot continue to ignore caring about the environment. There is too much progress that can be made and every little bit does count. We can start a new era where global warming refers to our hearts instead of our environment.
This week, try to organize more people to make small concerted efforts to improve the environment and conserve our resources. It may simply be taking a responsible role in recycling. It starts with your decision to save the essential resources for living so everyone will have the chance to live in a healthier world climate. The world is what you do.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Saturday, November 10, 2007
SCHIP - Caring for Others
The saying goes: “Be nice to your children because they will choose your rest home.” I suggest we should pay greater attention to the health care of our children because as a generation, our care will pass to them. Our care for others is not some postulated political equation. With parents caring for children, as with parents caring for parents, there is a deep and abiding moral value found in our consideration and care for others. I believe this is an American value.
When our care for others, particularly low-income children living in the United States without health coverage, is combined with the highly charged realm of political hyperbole we all too often end up focusing on the jargon. Of course, this refers to the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Possibly, rather than continue its bantered politico jousting, Congress may find that by changing the underlying funding mechanism for the program, SCHIP may continue to serve its original purpose covering the health care costs for low-income children while addressing the vast increase in the number and needs of low-income children. Much to their detriment, low-income children have not learned the socio-philosophical economic restraints to government referenced health care. These children just need medical care.
In its original 1997 form, SCHIP was enacted as a block grant program with a fixed annual funding level. The purpose of SCHIP was to help states pay for health coverage for uninsured children in families whose income is above levels that would allow them to be eligible for the state’s Medicaid programs as of March 31, 1997.
SCHIP has been a success; however, as a block grant program, it fails by design to address the escalating costs and needs of eligible low-income children. Congress did not anticipate the dramatic increase in health care costs and children in need over the last decade. At some point, SCHIP must be considered in the larger answer that our country must find to address our health care systems.
Common sense might suggest that if we responsibly address the health needs of low-income children now, these children may become healthier adults costing our health care systems less. Then they may contribute to our economic system; and, pay the taxes necessary to fund the Bush Administration’s adventure in Iraq and immense increase in our debt to China.
When our care for others, particularly low-income children living in the United States without health coverage, is combined with the highly charged realm of political hyperbole we all too often end up focusing on the jargon. Of course, this refers to the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Possibly, rather than continue its bantered politico jousting, Congress may find that by changing the underlying funding mechanism for the program, SCHIP may continue to serve its original purpose covering the health care costs for low-income children while addressing the vast increase in the number and needs of low-income children. Much to their detriment, low-income children have not learned the socio-philosophical economic restraints to government referenced health care. These children just need medical care.
In its original 1997 form, SCHIP was enacted as a block grant program with a fixed annual funding level. The purpose of SCHIP was to help states pay for health coverage for uninsured children in families whose income is above levels that would allow them to be eligible for the state’s Medicaid programs as of March 31, 1997.
SCHIP has been a success; however, as a block grant program, it fails by design to address the escalating costs and needs of eligible low-income children. Congress did not anticipate the dramatic increase in health care costs and children in need over the last decade. At some point, SCHIP must be considered in the larger answer that our country must find to address our health care systems.
Common sense might suggest that if we responsibly address the health needs of low-income children now, these children may become healthier adults costing our health care systems less. Then they may contribute to our economic system; and, pay the taxes necessary to fund the Bush Administration’s adventure in Iraq and immense increase in our debt to China.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
