Giraffes & Global Warming

 

The image above (from the BBC)  is the shocking and gruesome image of six giraffes that perished due to severe drought conditions in Kenya.  The giraffes were attempting to acquire water from what was basically a shallow mud pit.  They were already weak from dehydration and poor food availability and became stuck in the mud and died. 

This significant drought in the region of Kenya is only another indication of the increased amplitude of the various harsh weather events befalling our planet due to global warming.  I am fearful the trajectory we are already on is already guaranteeing significantly more horrible weather related tragedies.  But, I also believe that EVEN WITH the most stringent political policies to combat carbon emissions to slow and hopefully stop global warming.... the lag time between change in our actions resulting in a turnaround in climate.... is akin to the time it would take to slow and reverse an aircraft carrier moving at full speed (in other words.... there would be an incredibly damn long lag time).  And, this will likely be further exacerbated because it is unlikely we will, as a planet, successfully enact the most stringent and viable options we have.  

The other rather frustrating aspect related to global warming is how so MUCH emphasis is (at least in the US) about "individual action" and "individual responsibility" in regards to global warming.  While it is helpful for folks to try to be conservative in their usage of energy, it is really only through unified, national and global policy changes incorporating strong science understanding that true change MAY occur.  In some ways, I think the "individual responsibility" arguments are somewhat of a "smokescreen" by governments and likely the fossil fuels industry to obfuscate true awareness of the real changes needed, and to divert attention of folks to demand their governments reform its policies.

Final brief note:  I feel fortunate to have SOME access to BBC news and other programming.  It is such a more global perspective than anything I can access in the US.  It is far more "global" than even NPR, which tends to (in my opinion) be the best US produced newscasts available.  

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