A climate-change activist prepares for the worst

[Forkboy]

Ten years ago, I put solar panels on my roof and began eating locally grown food. I bought an energy-efficient refrigerator that uses the power equivalent of a single light bulb. I started heating my home with a stove that burns organically fertilized corn kernels. I even restored a gas-free lawn mower for manual yardwork.

As a longtime environmental activist, I was deeply alarmed by new studies on global warming, so I went all out. I did my part.

Now I'm changing my life again. Today, underneath the solar panels, there's a new set of deadbolt locks on all my doors. There's a new Honda GX390 portable power generator in my garage, ready to provide backup electricity. And last week I bought a starter kit to raise tomatoes and lettuce behind barred basement windows.

I'm not a survivalist or an "end times" enthusiast. When it comes to climate change, I'm just a realist.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/25/AR2011022503176.html

[Whoa_Nelly]

1. Heavy article..a lot to think about...

Have already been worried about what world my grands will have to live in as adults :/

[Forkboy]

4. My fear of the future is why I've never had children.

The idea of bringing children into this world is too sad for me to contemplate for long. I fear for all of us.

[defendandprotect]

2. Know this is a point about our situation with Global Warming ....

but I'd rather be dead than live that way --

having food when others don't --

having warmth when others don't --

I'd rather depart!!


What was it some poet said -- Frost?

And if I am dissatisfied with what I learn

from having died -- I shall return!


Don't think anyone will be returning to this planet for tens of thousands of

years -- IF the planet survives the upheaval to come!!

[Forkboy]

3. Well, the planet will survive, but we may not.

At least not in the numbers we do now.

I'd love more than anything to be wrong about this, but I already see signs of what's to come (food shortages, water shortages, migration of people from areas hard hit already, etc). It's already happening.

[defendandprotect]

7. There is no guarantee that the planet will survive -- no one knows how Global Warming may compound -

least of all our scientists who make that clear.

Certainly don't think you're wrong on any of this -- but even if the planet survived

it may not be inhabitable for 10,000 years or more.

One of the major things I think the elites are trying to do is to take the money

and run -- but there really isn't anywhere they can go. Mainly, I think they don't

want to be around when the public figures out the reality of Global Warming -- and,

perhaps, will want to hold some capitalists accountable!

Also keep in mind that increased earthquake activity is also part of this.

Presume volcanic activity the same, but haven't seen that mentioned.

Aside from all that, there's GASLAND still coming at us -- yikes!

And the atrocity that BP has bestowed upon on us -- in the Gulf and on the residents

and animal life there.

On and on -- but, hey! We're a super-power -- we have nuclear weapons -- !!

Who cares about a lousey planet!!

:nuke:

[Throd]

5. Personally, I think you're over-reacting, but it never hurts to be prepared.

We are going to do some suburban farming this year.

[Forkboy]

6. Personally, I think we're under-reacting.

[stuntcat]

8. yah

I don't know anyone who even thinks realistically of the future. Everyone I know thinks we'll go on forever eating and buying all we want.

[Throd]

9. Oh, we may have to change our ways willingly or not.

I'm just not picturing a future Mad Max style dystopia.

(Not saying the OP is either.)

[flvegan]

10. I agree.