I think mankind oftens gives itself too much credit. Now, I do agree we do have an impact on our environment, but in the total scope, I believe we are an insignificant part of Earth's evolution. I mean, seriously, if the North Pole decides to head south or if millions of square miles of ice sheets decide to melt, there's no a lot we can do to stop it. Yes, we can help prevent accelerating the problem, but remember, this is a pretty big rock we think we can control.
I believe the bottom line is, people are scared. We always have been. It goes back to...it's always easier to believe bad than it is to believe good. Humans are "doomsdayers" by nature. History documents this.
Back on topic...yeah, the weather seems weird lately. But, I remember some pretty damn cold, snowy days when I was growing up! And I remember my Dad and even my Grandpa telling me stories of huge blizzards and frigid cold. I am sure we've all heard something like "the blizzard of '42" or something along those lines. I also remember 3 years ago, we didn't get much snow here in Omaha and the winter was pretty mild. And I know for a fact, the winter here last year was horrid compared to even this "tough" winter.
Looking back, world wide, the "hottest day" recorded temperatures range from the 1910's in North America and Africa up to 2010 in Asia and Europe. The "coldest day" records range from 1890s in Asia, 1910s in Europe and more recent years in the Americas. I don't think we can take a few weeks of bad weather and say there's a trend.
Also, we have to remember when we do compare modern day weather analysis and compare it to just 50 years ago for example, how accurate is the data? Yeah, I am sure the recorded temp is correct, but weather patterns? OK, go back 100 years ago, then 200...10,000. We tend to lump Earth's history into the experiences and span of our own lifetime. This planet has been through more climate changes over the centuries than we can even imagine. (By the way, how could we possibly know the temperature of the North Pole 2,000 years ago?)
I used to go into the city and think "man, we are really messing this planet up". All you can see is towering columns of steel, concrete and glass. There are miles and miles of asphalt...and all the other stuff you find in a large city. But, then I started flying. It always amazes me when I look down from 3,000-15,000 feet up and see how insignifcant we really are. We aren't the "global masters" that we tend to believe.
Now, I don't mean to sound like such a defeatiest or pessimist...I do think there are things we can do and I think there are things we ARE doing. But, it bugs me to no end knowing that people can put so much emphasis on weather patterns and global climate when there are so MANY things wrong in this world we can fix with the skills, knowledge and tools we already have. People are starving, over-crowded, neglected and abused. I guarantee you these people aren't worried one bit about oceanic currents and jet streams. The wealthy (meaning anyone who is not struggling) don't have to worry about feeding their family today, tomorrow, etc. But, just like impoverished families, they do worry about their future. In their case though they worry about global warming, rogue asteroids and solar storms. So, in a way, we're all worrying about our future...but to what degree determines who we are in society.
This post has gone on way too long and I still have tons to say
But, I will sum up by saying yes, we need to continue to study human impact on the environment, we need to support committees and organizations investigating and implementing measures to lessen our impact and we need tougher laws and have the courage to enforce them when they are ignored. But...as a "species", we shouldn't make it a priority when so many of our own kind have no hope of a future no matter what's in store for planet Earth.
In my mind, there's no reason to worry about the roof when the foundation is already crumbling.
As always, just my $0.02...
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