In a remote location in the center of the Pacific Ocean resides the island nation of Tuvalu, a small country with a population of approximately 12,000.
In recent years, Tuvalu has experienced a new security threat that does not involve weapons, war, or terrorism. Instead, climate change is this country’s primary security threat.
As Joseph Sharpiro revealed on NPR, rising water levels coupled with stronger and more frequent cyclones are a threat to Tuvalu’s existence.
But unlike many countries in the world facing the same threat, Tuvalu’s material contribution to climate change, such as greenhouse gas emissions, are practically nonexistent.
Nonetheless, this country could literary disappear from the face of the Earth simply because developed nations — not to mention a few developing countries such as China — opt not to reduce pollution levels.
They are the ones that pollute the most. So what is a country like Tuvalu to do about this?
Sadly, there are few options, mainly due to their small size and limited influence in the international system.
For those who believe climate change is a hoax, please get informed and accept that scientists have done their research.
These discovers are not from just a few scientists; researchers from across the world have contributed to this emerging scientific consensus.
Experts now agree that high concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere from the emission of greenhouse gases actually cause a rise in average temperatures.
Global warming is a serious problem and it is about time we address it. I was glad to see that over the summer there was increased awareness on the matter, from “Live Earth” concerts, to several “green” TV commercials, to more organic groceries at the supermarket.
A number of factors have contributed to this phenomenon. I don’t think our concern for Tuvalu’s existence is one of them (well, at least not for Americans), but high gas prices, the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, and floods across the country certainly are, including many others.
I believe it is about time we start thinking about global warming more seriously and take action.
Even if you don’t really care about Tuvalu, I’m sure you do care about the price of gas, the beach, the air you breath, and even the future of the next generation on this earth.
It is our responsibility to take care of the environment, and the longer we wait to take action the worse the consequences will be.
I’m not saying you have to become a tree-hugger (and don’t get me wrong, I like tree-huggers!), but you can make small changes that will make a big difference.
Recycle your trash, drive less, walk more, vote for leaders that are committed to protecting the environment, buy organic food, etc.
Tuvalu is not the only nation in the world suffering the consequences of global warming. It is our responsibility as a world power and the number one polluter to take action, not only for our own well being but for the rest of the world.