Take a good, hard look at the graph and caption below.
This graph, based on the comparison of atmospheric samples contained in ice cores and more recent direct measurements, provides evidence that atmospheric CO2 has increased since the Industrial Revolution. (Credit: Luthi, D., et al.. 2008; Etheridge, D.M., et al. 2010; Vostok ice core data/J.R. Petit et al.; NOAA Mauna Loa CO2 record.) Find out more about ice cores (external site).
Sadly, as of today, the EPA, weaponized by the GOP, has rolled back coal regulations that could have saved lives. Drunk on removing regulation, no one in power is considering the implications of allowing coal power to return in droves. NASA, the last bastion of climate research, says it’s not looking good for anyone:
Ice cores drawn from Greenland, Antarctica, and tropical mountain glaciers show that the Earth’s climate responds to changes in greenhouse gas levels. Ancient evidence can also be found in tree rings, ocean sediments, coral reefs, and layers of sedimentary rocks. This ancient, or paleoclimate, evidence reveals that current warming is occurring roughly ten times faster than the average rate of ice-age-recovery warming.
If that doesn’t scare the living hell out of you, allow my hyperbolic language for a moment — we don’t have a lot of time left on the clock. Last time I checked, there’s only one Earth. Maybe, start giving a shit. At this rate, humankind will be in grave danger in less than 50 years times. This is not up for debate. Contact your member of Congress or the Senate. Ask him or her to support climate legislation immediately. Find a member of the House here and a member of the Senate here. Most importantly, go vote.
Looking for more tips on reducing your carbon footprint or fighting climate change? Here’s some further reading:
- World Wildlife Fund
- The Nature Conservancy
- Rainforest Alliance
- The United Nations
- Natural Resources Defense Council
- American Museum of Natural History
- Union of Concerned Scientists
- The Earth Institute
- National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration
- National Geographic
- The Years Project
- Harvard’s Climate Action Plan
- Japan Climate Initiative
