There is an ominous feeling in the air. I know that others, like me, can feel it. Those of us with acute senses can notice the slightest shift in energy, just walking from one room to another, or driving from one part of town to another. We remain on high alert, always observing the world around us. Many of us are loners, living solitary, and often lonely lives.
We are surrounded by climate change deniers. Recent months have shown us that climate change is really happening; although some still refuse to believe that humans have played a part in it. The ocean temperature in Florida has risen to over 100 degrees F. threatening marine life and coral reefs – and ultimately, entire ecosystems. Extended droughts and heat waves in many areas of the country are also affecting human life. People in Phoenix, Arizona are piling into emergency rooms with 3rd degree burns, obtained from touch metal seatbelts in their cars, or stepping on hot pavement. Their pets, too, suffer from burns to the bottoms of their paws.
The nearly total covering of the Earth with concrete, asphalt, and tall buildings with glass windows has caused temperatures to rise as much as 8 degrees higher in cities. This is exacerbated by the lack of trees and vegetation that would normally provide shade. Trees and plants protect the planet just as the skin on our bodies protects what is inside of them. We have removed the earth’s protective covering, exposing our planet, other species, and ourselves to unfathomable suffering. We have taken what was once beautiful and replaced it with impermeable substances. Then we have strewn it with trash, cigarette butts, and bits and pieces of metal, plastic, and electronic rubbish.
We can no longer deny that our world is heating up. Peoples’ tempers are heating up as well. Our own country continues to become more divided. Suicide bombings and wars continue to rage in other parts of the world. Are you one of those who can feel the urgency of our situation? Can we turn the tide of the glowing and growing embers – both real and emotional? I believe that we still have time – but very little. We can find ways to douse the flames that are threatening life as we know it; but we must choose to do so. We must be willing to change. We must do our part.
