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Blog Action Day 2009: Climate Change

Blog Action Day 2009

I found out about this event through a couple of environmental groups I am a member of. Today is a day of global activism, virtually! Should I say e-activism? Essentially the idea is that today, Oct. 15, 2009, bloggers around the world, from all walks of life and with completely different topics and passions, will all blog about the exact same thing. This year's topic is particularly appealing to me, both as a marine biologist who's job is impacted by climate change, and as an engaged global citizen. So, while I'm being an e-activist, I thought I'd add my two cents to the topic of climate change.

First off, there's debate as to the term "Climate Change". Some argue that this phrase is a watered down version of "Global Warming", which was replaced by those who are still not on the bandwagon (there's still people out there?!?). Some people want to use the word "Global Warming" instead, as it tends to pique people's interests and fear of impending doom more than the more PG-rated "Climate Change". As for me, well, I prefer climate change. I suppose that's because I'm a scientist, and therefore trained to thoroughly consider hypotheses and theories, conduct rigorous analysis, and when I make a conclusion, continue to maintain a level-head. No running around waving my hands and screaming "the world is ending, everyone run!!!". Plus, that's just not my personality anyways. Anyone who knows me knows I'm pretty much on the mellow yellow side of life.

But seriously - global warming, climate change, whatever you want to call it - it's a reality we all need to own up to. I don't need to give any examples, as we are all aware of major catastrophes like Hurricane Katrina. For me, it's just weird to sit back and look around and know that I am living during a time of major change in the world. When my parents were born there were millions and millions (dare I say billions?) fewer people living on Mother Earth. The worries of their daily lives were so simple, looking back. I often wish I could go back to when I was a kid, when I could only watch TV for 1 hour on Sunday night (The Muppets). I read a lot of books, was curious about the natural world in my neighborhood (ants, trees, slugs) and that Jacques Cousteau talked of. A time when I wrote with a pen in my diary that had a little lock on it (protect it from my sister's eyes). I played outside and talked a lot to my sister, brother, and parents. I mean, talked in person, on the couch, at the table, at the beach, in the yard. There was no internet, Xbox360, iPhone, DVD's, Prius...

I know I am over-simplifying things, but sometimes it just seems that as I've gotten older life has gotten more and more hectic. There are more distractions, more work, more worries, just more. Some of this "more" is the cause of climate change. More development, more driving, more production of stuff, more people, more packaging...I am not telling anyone what to do, but I'm personally trying to focus on "less". Less stuff, less waste, less buying, less money...so then I can focus on the important "mores" - family time, reading, relaxing...I think that if everyone just stopped once and thought about "less" we'd all be a little more...

Do you blog? Get involved! (and check back here on October 15...)

Get involved!