I still believe that one man can make a difference

One of my favorite shows growing up was Knight Rider. I know it was corny, but I wasn't the only one that learned about suspension of thanks to a talking crime-fighting car. Why do I bring this up? Am I going to get all 80's TV nostalgic on you? No, I bring it up for the closing line of the introduction to the show. In the opening montage we learn every week about the main character Michael Knight. More importantly we learn that he is working to prove that "one man can make a difference."

Do I believe that somewhat cliched TV message? I certianly do. I think that it is individuals that cause change-much more than groups. If nothing else, any powerful, world-changing group started with one person with an idea to change the world.

This is important because that one person can make a change for good or for bad. It's all a matter of what they are trying to do. It's a hard fact, but what we do with our lives has a lasting impact on more than just us. Every action and interaction has a lasting impact. So why not do your best to make the world a better place?

I'm not crazy enough to think that a smile and a kind word will fix all of the problems in the world, but I do think that I can make a difference in someone's life and that can have a bigger impact.

Is global warming real?

I certainly can't consider myself an expert on global warming or planetary ecosystems, but that doesn't mean that I can't have an opinion on the matter. Let's start with some background about our planet.

First off, we need to realize that when we talk about killing the planet through our actions or inaction, it isn't exactly an accurate description. What we are really talking about is destroying the ecosystem of the planet. The truth is that the planet doesn't need us to survive. If we destroy ourselves, the planet will get along just fine. With this in mind, we do need to consider how our choices are impacting our own ability to exist on this planet.

Next we need to consider the concerns behind global warming. There are two big issues that have come up in the history of global warming that I associate with the concept. Back in the 80's there was huge concern about CFC's that were in pretty much every form of spray can. According to research the CFC's were making holes in the ozone layer especially around the South Pole. The other concern that is huge now is carbon emissions. The carbon emissions come from burning fossil fuels and other forms of combustion. When we burn anything with carbon in it, some of that carbon is put into the air and causes the planet to heat up. (Let's not worry about how this happens for the moment. I've got plenty more to talk about, and you can look it up for yourself.)

So what is the end result of global warming? There are lots of theories about this as well, but the biggest one right now is that eventually all of this global warming will lead to the next ice age. (Confused? Basically enough ice melts at the North and South poles that the water levels rise, and ocean currents shut down. When this happens the Earth cools back down, quickly and drastically.) Imagine glaciers driving down from the poles and parking in your back yard.

Now comes the opinion part of this piece. Does your humble writer think that global warming is real? Is it an imminent danger to life on Earth? Sort of. I think that things are getting warmer, but I'm not sure if it's all our fault. If you look at some of the guesstimated figures about global temperatures, you will see that our planet continues to go through cycles of warming and cooling. Does this mean that we are off the hook? Absolutely not.

Here's the deal, we are definitely not taking care of what we have. There are very few places, if any on the planet, that aren't impacted by the results of our industrial endeavors, and we are making it hard for all life on the planet to survive. I'm less concerned about another ice age when it's hard to get fresh air to breathe. We are on a small planet with few resources and those resources that we have are getting used up. It's time for people to think about how much they use and figure out a way to either cut back or at least recycle things when they are done.

That's my opinion on this. Hopefully it makes sense. Leave a comment, and feel free to suggest other opinions you want from me.