At Critical Mass
Climate Change Is The Single Most Important Issue Of Our Time
In the two years that I’ve been writing this monthly column, the intention is to raise awareness surrounding human-made climate change. My hope has been to educate and motivate people to action. I have heard from so many of you who take the time to read and provide feedback through email or when I run into you around town. I always value your input.
While I have loved writing this column, I fear that education and awareness simply are not enough to motivate everyone to the necessary degree.
The language itself regarding climate change has been confusing and often used as a political football. The term “global warming” has been around since the 1950s. It became common in the 1980s, when NASA scientist James Hansen defined the phrase during a congressional hearing.
Many thought that global warming meant that the Earth would just get warmer and there would be no winter. When it would snow, or our winters seemed longer than usual, a joke about needing some global warming invariably surfaces. In January, for example, as extreme cold was about to hit the Midwest, President Trump tweeted, “What the hell is going on with Global Warming? Please come back fast, we need you!” His utterance, riddled with ignorance, downplays the crisis before us.
Over time the term “global warming” has evolved to “climate change.” Both have created controversy (and political talking points between parties), as news outlets and the public debated whether humans were the cause.
Recently, I noticed that the news was beginning to use the term “man-made climate change” on a regular basis. This is a good change, but is it enough to motivate us to act? Because, honestly, we don’t have time for debate.
In my career I have the privilege of working with highly educated individuals, including many young people who are just starting their careers in the medical field. I get to draw off their excitement and energy as they share their hopes in making the world a better place and improving lives. However, I have been shocked about the lack of concern regarding climate change.
I think about the inspiring 15-year old Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, who has made headlines around the world with her activism demanding immediate action on combating climate change. I am missing a Greta Thunberg in my office.
One new employee recently casually claimed that climate change is “generations” away. My heart rate soared, as I had to quickly navigate how to effectively respond to this comment. Another employee has said that recycling is just too confusing. A third routinely grabs disposable plastic utensils and plates, even though ceramic dishes and metal utensils are provided.
The ongoing amount of waste in my office alone has been disconcerting, and highlights that activists have somehow been unable to effectively communicate the seriousness of the climate crisis before us. While I am frustrated that I don’t have a passionate young activist in my office, I can’t blame them for their confusion, when those of us who are much older are still debating what is causing climate change.
Let me state this clearly: Climate change is human–caused. It is the single most important issue of our time.
• In May, for the first time, our planet surpassed 415 parts per million of CO2 levels. Human beings have never lived under these conditions. National Geographic noted the risk to human health as CO2 levels continue to rise.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that the overall health effects of a changing climate are overwhelmingly negative.
• The United Nations Population fund notes that human population grew from 1.6 billion to 6.1 billion during the 20th century. That’s 4.5 billion in just 100 years. During that same time frame CO2 emissions grew 12-fold.
Many believe that one solution to uncontrolled human population is the education of girls, and empowering women to manage their reproductive health and help combat population growth. Project Drawdown, which is the world’s leading source of climate solutions, has identified 100 solutions to reverse global warming (check out drawdown.org). The authors identify the education of girls as the No. 6 most impactful solution.
And yet, last month Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chair Tom Perez, issued a statement after being pushed to hold a debate on climate change. “The DNC will not be holding entire debates on a single-issue area.” A single-issue area? This issue is already causing irreversible harm, species extinctions, and out-of-control CO2 levels.
A recent report highlights the potential for heat related deaths in our cities. Denver planners are rolling out plans to double and triple the density throughout our neighborhood, but not one serious conversation about human population control has entered the discussions – not locally or nationally.
Yes, DNC, you need to hold a debate on climate change. Yes, Denver we need leaders who are going to consider climate change at the top of every planning effort in this city. We need brave leaders to keep forcing the uncomfortable conversations and pushing for the required solutions.
We can’t afford to ignore and downplay this issue. This is a climate emergency.
Tracey MacDermott is chair of the board of Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. Active in the Registered Neighborhood Organization for many years, MacDermott was the 2012 recipient of the Dr. J. Carlton Babbs Award for Community Service. She was trained as a Climate Reality Leader in 2017, and is currently the Statewide Co-Chair of the Climate Reality Project for the 100% Committed Campaign.