Dear Editor,
Despite growing interest, I see change unfolding slowly. It may be my impatient nature that drives my need for visible change now, but I fear that my nature, whatever it may be, has little to do with the amount of change that is needed at this time regarding the Earth’s environment.
It was reported in National Geographic’s October 2007 issue, that an atmospheric level of 450 parts per million CO2 is the planet’s threshold level.
Also, in the same issue, it was reported that the level in the atmosphere is now 380 parts per million; this level is roughly rising by two parts per million a year. Such numbers sound obsolete, and how can such a small amount be a problem? I am always willing to admit that human impact is not the sole cause of climate change, but global cycles seem to be much slower than what is being observed now.
Various geological records show increases and decreases approximately every 100,000 years, and most seem to max at around the 300 parts per million CO2 level. Since the last ice age, beginning around 70,000 years ago and ending around 10,000 years ago, records show a fairly steady increase. This increase is seemingly parallel to the rise of human population on Earth.
However, I do not wish to debate the causes of global warming; I wish to challenge everyone to lessen their individual impact on their planet.
How is this to be done? It is not our fault our predecessors took to burning hydrocarbons for energy, thus increasing atmospheric carbon levels.
It is, however, our responsibility to stop such a spew of carbon into the atmosphere. I suggest, if distance is not overwhelmingly far, walk or ride a bicycle to class. If you live in the complexes near campus (Buc Ridge or Campus Ridge Apartments, or Evergreen Terrace) the Bucshot is available for your use.
Public transportation is much more desirable than each individual driving their automobile.
Another concern is that the electricity supplied on campus is made available by the burning of coal. We must encourage our university to stray from this.
If such an issue haunts your conscience I suggest you talk with the student government or governing faculty of ETSU. Write a letter expressing your concern. In respect to our and future generations, we must spark the change.
– Patrick Lewis

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