The Iroquois people emphasized the Seventh Generation Principle, a fundamental aspect of their culture, documented in the Great Law of the Iroquois Confederacy. Oren Lyons, a chief from the Seneca tribe, articulated the essence of this philosophy: “When making decisions, think of the impact on the next seven generations so they can enjoy what we have today.” As parents, it is crucial that we apply this wisdom to our approach to climate change and reflect: Are we making choices that benefit not just our children but the generations that follow?
The reality of climate change is undeniable. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns that the Earth’s temperature could increase by 0.5 to 8.6°F over the next century. We are witnessing shifts in rainfall patterns, leading to more floods and droughts, alongside escalating heat waves. Our oceans are heating up and becoming more acidic, ice caps are melting, and sea levels are rising. These changes will pose significant challenges to both our society and the environment, resulting in more frequent hurricanes, the loss of coral reefs, and the disappearance of glaciers. The primary contributors to this alarming trend are greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide.
This is the world we are bequeathing to our children, underscoring the necessity for us, as parents, to make combating climate change a top priority. If we allow this crisis to persist, our children will face the harsh realities of climate change, witnessing the devastation of cities like New York as sea levels rise and catastrophic floods become the norm.
In fact, a report from the city, titled the Special Initiative for Rebuilding and Resiliency, highlights the urgency of preparing for climate impacts following Hurricane Sandy. The forecast indicates that by 2030, a mere foot of rising sea levels could render streets impassable during high tides, dramatically affecting traffic and increasing flood insurance costs, which would in turn devalue homes in vulnerable areas. New York City is just one example; coastal cities such as Miami and Galveston will face similar threats.
Beyond catastrophic scenarios, we are also losing our natural wonders. The glaciers of Kilimanjaro could vanish by 2030, a trend mirrored by glaciers worldwide. Since 1994, we have experienced a staggering loss of 400 billion tons of glacial ice. In Glacier National Park, many glaciers have already disappeared, and projections suggest that some of the remaining larger glaciers could vanish by 2030. When I reflect on my childhood visits to this park, I realize that my children will witness far fewer glaciers than I did, and their future offspring may see none at all.
If we neglect climate change, we deprive our children of the natural beauty that should be their inheritance. We are failing to care for our planet for the sake of the seventh generation.
Coral reefs are another stunning aspect of our environment at risk due to climate change. Warmer and more acidic ocean waters are leading to coral bleaching and death. If the current rate of carbon dioxide emissions continues, ocean pH levels could drop to 7.8, causing coral reefs to disintegrate. This poses a serious threat to experiences like snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef or exploring Caribbean reefs.
Fortunately, there are numerous actions we can take to combat global warming. Here are some practical steps:
- Advocate for your senators and representatives to adhere to the Paris Agreements aimed at reducing carbon emissions.
- Urge them to reconsider appointments of individuals like Myron Ebell, a climate change skeptic, to positions like the head of the EPA.
- Lower your own carbon footprint by switching to energy-efficient light bulbs.
- Walk more and drive less, or consolidate trips to minimize miles driven.
- Reduce, reuse, and recycle as much as possible, turning yogurt containers into restaurant takeout bags instead of using Styrofoam.
- Use less hot water in daily life.
- Plant trees together with your children.
- Opt for products with less packaging.
- Bring reusable bags to the grocery store.
- Consider reducing meat consumption.
Most importantly, instill a sense of environmental stewardship in your children. Teach them the importance of recycling and caring for our planet. Engage them in activities like tree planting or visiting natural wonders before they disappear. Encourage them to take an interest in climate change, as their passion will be pivotal in slowing down this pressing crisis.
For further insights on this topic, check out this informative post on home insemination kits. For a deeper dive into fertility and pregnancy, visit this excellent resource that covers various aspects of this journey. You might also find valuable information on this authority site regarding at-home insemination.
In summary, as parents, we have a profound responsibility to address climate change, ensuring that we are safeguarding the environment for not only our children but for future generations. By taking proactive steps today, we can help create a sustainable and beautiful world for them to enjoy.