The COVID-19 pandemic, invasive species, and the global spread of persistent chemicals and plastics all serve as a stark reminder that we inhabit an interconnected biosphere. Dangers from one part of the planet can quickly find their way to other parts, with our oceans, atmosphere, ships, and jet planes facilitating the spread of pollutants across the globe. The recent terrifying sight of orange skies over New York City, caused by fires burning 400 miles away, served as yet another example of our interconnected biosphere.
The debate about the causes of these fires is meaningless. While forest fires have always been a natural occurrence, the warming of our oceans and atmosphere, which is directly linked to the surge in fossil fuel use, is exacerbating dry conditions and increasing the risk of forest fires. The West Coast has already borne the brunt of this phenomenon, but now the East Coast is also experiencing its devastating effects. The question is: what should we do?
Our political stability, way of life, and economy all rely heavily on fossil fuels, but a rapid transition to less damaging and renewable sources of energy is essential. Fortunately, renewable energy technologies are increasing rapidly, and over the next 20 years, they will become predominant. While fossil fuel interests will resist the change, their efforts will ultimately prove futile, as the shift to renewable energy is inevitable. This transition will require substantial technological innovation and public spending, and it will take time to complete. Unfortunately, the cost of this delay will be a generation of increased global warming until we reverse the buildup of greenhouse gases.
At some point, we will require carbon capture and storage, not to burn fossil fuels but to extract accumulated greenhouse gases from the atmosphere and mitigate the effects of global warming. However, this global public works project will require substantial technological innovation and public spending, and it will take more than a few days of an orange sky to generate political support for such a vital undertaking.
Sixty years ago, James Baldwin reminded us of the reality of racism in America, and he explored its impact on society, individuals, and religion. Now, as we endure these orange skies, it’s time to confront the reality of environmental sustainability. In the same way that America has struggled with racism, we are equally unaware of the environmental damage caused by our actions. Sixty years on, the fight against racism persists, but we are slowly making progress. However, we are still struggling to come to terms with the reality of climate change.
The recent events over New York are a stark reminder of the need to mitigate the effects of climate change. The causes of the fires are clear and need to be fully understood. While we can only do so much to prevent forest fires, we need to start investing more in efforts to manage forests and reducing fire risks. We also need to enhance our resources for forest firefighting and emergency response. Adaptation remains the only short-term response, but our long-term objective should be to mitigate climate change by gradually reducing and eliminating fossil fuels.
We must recognize the reality of the planet we live on and work towards mitigating the impact of global warming. Skeptics may try to question the facts, but an orange sky that makes you cough cannot be ignored. We must confront the issue head-on, work together, and make the much-needed changes to ensure that our planet remains habitable.
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Jessica Irvine is a tech enthusiast specializing in gadgets. From smart home devices to cutting-edge electronics, Jessica explores the world of consumer tech, offering readers comprehensive reviews, hands-on experiences, and expert insights into the coolest and most innovative gadgets on the market.
