Winter Walk at Sandy Point State Reservation, Plum Island, MA
Climate change is a complicated problem to solve, and it’s not getting any easier in this political climate. Yet, hope looms like a beacon shining over rough seas and rising winds. We need to stay the course with all running lights burning bright.
For decarbonization, nations must work with businesses, steer toward net zero emissions, and stop the rise in CO2 emissions. Significant progress was made when nearly 200 countries met in Baku, Azerbaijan, for the UN Climate Conference COP29. The conference was democracy in action, where no higher authority could tell nations what to do. A unanimous voluntary consensus across all countries must be reached before a resolution can be approved. To be effective, nations must work with businesses, and only they can regulate corporations.
Decarbonization accomplishments are significant at the global level. All countries agreed to raise the “New Climate Quantified Goal for climate finance.” Under the centralized carbon crediting mechanism, environmental and human rights projects cannot proceed without the informed consent of Indigenous People. Climate finance’s quantity, quality, and sources were increased to support developing countries. Unfortunately, nations disagreed on binding commitments to phase out fossil fuel subsidies. However, most of the biggest fossil-fuel-burning nations are making significant reduction commitments.
At the local level, it is a different story. Our interest in decarbonating actions that require changes decreases dramatically when rewards are vague or for future generations. This requires faith in scientific communications. Unfortunately, “the science” we must listen to has apocalyptic overtones.
To many, the battle for market share between fossil fuel and green industries (solar, wind, EVs, etc.) appears like that of Pepsi vs. Coke at the Super Bowl. Just as we drink more cola during the game, regardless of the brand, we will always consume more energy if it is made available. Regardless of who is winning, consumption and profits go up for both.
On an individual level, fighting climate change should be as commonsensical as planting bulbs in the fall so flowers bloom in the spring. The climate is also changing because we have upset the balance of nature, with the loss of vegetation and soils replaced by impervious surfaces and heat islands, followed by stormwater management issues.
Restoring nature, planting vegetation, deepening soils, and more rain gardens that will hold more water to reduce stormwater damage will produce results with tangible quality-of-life improvements. We can take the field with more talk of rehydration and less decarbonization banter. We repair the Earth’s water cycle with more vegetation, more cooling white fluffy cumulous clouds, The Simpsons’ skies, and less heat-trapping cirrus clouds.
Viewing climate change as a symptom of what we do to the land puts the problem in our hands. We find ways to increase the carbon drawdown with more plant photosynthesis, deepen soils to hold more water when in abundance with less stormwater runoff, and keep more water in the land when needed during dry periods.
By comprehending the big picture and taking a more ecologically holistic approach, we decarbonize the atmosphere and rehydrate the land. Look not to the future but to the present predicament. Let’s act today for immediate and seasonal improvements that will benefit all.
Despite the winter darkness, more flowers will grow and bloom in the spring when there is more vegetation and soil, fewer impervious surfaces, and the Earth is rehydrated.
by Dr. Rob Moir
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