lead the change

“When you live on a round planet, there’s no choosing sides.” ~Wayne Dyer

On Monday, President Barack Obama discussed the elephant in the room so to speak, by addressing climate change in his second inaugural address.

I am proud he took a strong stance and am hopeful he will be able to use his second term to leave a lasting legacy in leading the change on environmental issues and global warming.

He said: “We, the people, still believe that our obligations as Americans are not just to ourselves, but to all posterity.  We will respond to the threat of climate change, knowing that the failure to do so would betray our children and future generations.  Some may still deny the overwhelming judgment of science, but none can avoid the devastating impact of raging fires, and crippling drought, and more powerful storms.  The path towards sustainable energy sources will be long and sometimes difficult.  But America cannot resist this transition; we must lead it.  We cannot cede to other nations the technology that will power new jobs and new industries – we must claim its promise.  That is how we will maintain our economic vitality and our national treasure – our forests and waterways; our croplands and snowcapped peaks.  That is how we will preserve our planet...”

Inspiring words to say the least.  The first true test will come in the next few months when he must decide whether or not to approve the Keystone XL pipeline that would run from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico.

How does this effect you and me?  The Keystone XL Pipeline would produce heat-trapping gases and contribute to global warming.  Coming off the hottest year on record, do we ready need to create something that will make the problem worse?

In addition, there is threat of a spill, which would have devastating effects (an example of such is the Embridge spill in 2010 in the Kalamazoo River).  Plus, according to the National Wildlife Federation, the tar sands create toxic waste ponds that are so large they can be seen from space.  Is that what you want the heart of America to look like?

As an aspiring tree hugger, I hope the project does not move forward.   It’s time to move away from dirty oil and seek cleaner sources of energy.   Here’s to a cleaner, greener future!

Until next time...

Namaste