Monday, July 26, 2010

You wouldn't know it from being in Riverside...

but the first half of 2010 has been the warmest year on record worldwide. UPI reports the data. Of course, while the planet is slowly cooking, the US Senate refuses to take action on climate change in the energy bill due out this year. If it's any consolation, the Senators will be able to watch over the next century as the Potomac reclaims DC all around them. Paul Krugman also has an excellent piece this morning about just WHY we won't be getting action on climate change this year. A hint- it's got a little something to do with a certain very powerful industry whose products just stopped gushing into the Gulf of Mexico.

In these times of low political will, it falls upon you and I, the common citizen, to create the impetus for change. I say to you all, go forth and ride transit! Get on your bicycles! Get out you pens and paper and write your local legislators and congress-critters about your experiences moving yourself about without destroying the planet in the process. Talk to your friends and neighbours- most people are transit supporters, and just need a little push to go ride it.

Solving climate change is going to be a very long and protracted process, but it starts with individuals standing up, speaking out about urban form and sustainable transportation, and then voting with their wallets- getting out and riding bikes and buses and trains and leaving the car in the garage. We cannot be discouraged. We all have a duty to our fellow humans and our planet to do whatever we can to stop this impending disaster, and we must start now.

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