The hot topic these days is Global Warming. We read about it, we watch the news about it and we, as the human race have come to realise that this is an issue of real concern. It is no longer an Al Gore myth, for scientists have given us the proof that we want that Global Warming is a reality on earth now.
Many people have asked me what is my perspective about this? Is there some sort of higher reason why this is happening? Is it Karmic?
Or for those who are firm believers of the Laws Of Attraction they may ask, did we attract this?
In truth, it does not take a rocket scientist to see that Global Warming is caused by humanity's self centredness, period. Human beings are supposed to be the most evolved of all creatures on earth. The Human race, unfortunately, has joined the race towards destruction. And this in turn, has caused us to behave even more lowly than animals.
Animals do not feed on greed, they may be territorial (human beings are territorial too as seen through the ongoing wars around the world with 78,400 people killed in wars so far since the beginning of this year) but animals work with the laws of nature.
They eat to live, and they take only what they need. Human beings live to eat. Since the beginning of this year 20,091,600,000 chickens have been slaughtered for food, this is not counting the billions of cows, buffaloes, turkeys, horses, rabbits, ducks, geese, goats, pigs and fish that have been slaughtered for food as well. Yes, fish as well. The extreme practices of fishery have started the downward spiral of eventual extinction of all ocean life. We have a population of 6 billion people on earth yet a high percentage of these 6 billion are dying of starvation. This means that most people in developed countries such as Singapore are feeding on greed.
One of the biggest contributors towards Global Warming is not just the depletion of fossil fuel, or deforestation, but livestock farming. "According to the 2007 report by the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), livestock generate a whopping 18 percent of human-related greenhouse gas emissions—that's even more than the gas-guzzling transportation industry" for more information on this visit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tpym5AZ0Ac8
So, what can we as inhabitants of this planet do? Does the responsibility of uplifting/healing/re-balancing the planet lie in the hands of politicians, rich economies, scientists or the more 'powerful' nations?
Of course not. Each of us on this planet has a say in what goes on on this planet which we call home. And in truth, the majority of us have the power to change the tide of events. We need not be powerful, rich or famous because collectively our actions will make a difference. So taking action is the key.
Choose a vegetarian/vegan diet (this also reduces the amount of cruelty inflicted onto the animal kingdom), recycle, contribute funding for tree planting campaigns, offset your carbon footprint, buy only necessities, re-use, reduce the use of plastic, use the public transport or at least drive a hybrid car, walk, educate others if they are keen to listen, join a worthwhile environmental cause/movement, and of course in your own home apply common sense in your power consumption.
The steps are simple, the results phenomenal. The planet needs us and it is our responsibility as citizens of the Earth to deliver.
© Shamala Swee Bee Tan, June 2008