Putumayo World Music Hour today played songs from mountain regions of the world currently being affected by climate change. In one of the spots they highlighted, the snow-capped mountaintops are expected to disappear within the next 20 years (the snow, that is).
It made me realize that one aspect of preparation for the coming changes (be they mild or dire - because goodness knows, there are still naysayers out there) is taking stock of what will be lost. The areas that will change permanently within our lifetimes, and possibly those of our immediate descendants, may forever alter our experience of unique and special areas of this planet.
Not that we can all just pack up and go trampling around in each endangered area... but perhaps it's worthwhile to be mindful of the spots likely to feel the greatest impact in terms of physical changes to the local landscape and lifestyle.
Whole cultures may change in the wake of extreme environmental transformation... and one day those archived songs, poems, films, books, etc. may be our best way of reconnecting with what once was.
Showing posts with label environment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label environment. Show all posts
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
It's not easy being green...
I heard two stories today that made me feel happy, excited, and proud. Both focused on organizations begun here in the U.S. that emphasize green living, using new ideas to help work against the growing climate crisis.
The first was on NPR's Morning Edition - a story about a man dedicated to obtaining "zero waste" locally and, eventually, nationally. His name is Eric Lombardi and he has created a not-for-profit in Boulder, CO called Eco-Cycle. Eco-Cycle's Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM) specializes in recycling unusual materials and objects. Some of the more unique items they'll recycle for Boulder residents: cooking oil; toilets, sinks, and urinals; and athletic shoes.
The second was on one of our local PBS stations and highlighted the Cambridge Energy Alliance, a nonprofit group committed to transforming the city of Cambridge by retrofitting and re-making existing buildings for homeowners and businesses into green buildings. Not only do they provide consultation and training, but they also provide low-interest loans to Cambridge residents who wish to make "green" updates.
I think sometimes it's easy to lose sight of the innovative and inspirational steps people all around the world are taking to continue making the world a better, safer, more socially conscious place to live. Whether we're headed for an environmental disaster or not, it makes me feel a deep sense of gratitude and joy to know Ari will benefit from the brilliant steps being taken to move us forward.
The first was on NPR's Morning Edition - a story about a man dedicated to obtaining "zero waste" locally and, eventually, nationally. His name is Eric Lombardi and he has created a not-for-profit in Boulder, CO called Eco-Cycle. Eco-Cycle's Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM) specializes in recycling unusual materials and objects. Some of the more unique items they'll recycle for Boulder residents: cooking oil; toilets, sinks, and urinals; and athletic shoes.
The second was on one of our local PBS stations and highlighted the Cambridge Energy Alliance, a nonprofit group committed to transforming the city of Cambridge by retrofitting and re-making existing buildings for homeowners and businesses into green buildings. Not only do they provide consultation and training, but they also provide low-interest loans to Cambridge residents who wish to make "green" updates.
I think sometimes it's easy to lose sight of the innovative and inspirational steps people all around the world are taking to continue making the world a better, safer, more socially conscious place to live. Whether we're headed for an environmental disaster or not, it makes me feel a deep sense of gratitude and joy to know Ari will benefit from the brilliant steps being taken to move us forward.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)