No Time to Wait

By Arthur Kull

Published: July 05, 2009

The Post Register, July 5,2009

Island Park, Jan. 21,2132.

I am sitting on the porch of my cabin watching the drops of snowmelt glitter in the morning sun as they fall to the ground from the edge of the roof. Last night's snow is almost gone; just a few patches of white cover the green grass.

Impossible? According to projections, the average temperature will rise 10 to 15 degrees by the next century. Dr. Steve Running, professor at the University of Montana, one of 600 scientists on the International Panel on Climate Change, and Tom Olliff, scientist for Yellowstone National Park, described the latest findings at this year's annual Yellowstone Business Partnership conference.

 The effects of human activity on our climate are accelerating.  Nine of the warmest years on record came in the past 11 years. Measurements at the north entrance to Yellowstone show the growing season has increased by 25 days since 1996. The snowmelt happens earlier, increasing the length of the fire season, which, since 1986, has increased by 78 days.

 Summers in the arctic will be ice-free in 10 years. Many species are either endangered or have vanished.

 The major factor causing climate change is the emission of carbon dioxide resulting from burning coal, oil and natural gas to generate electricity, heat homes and buildings, power factories, and provide energy for transportation. Everybody talks about reducing carbon emissions, but the world's economies are so dependent on fossil fuels that it is difficult to negotiate enforceable agreements. Developing nations want to achieve our standard of living, and we, the rich nations, do not want to give up what we have.

 Can our species survive environmental changes caused by the unfettered burning of fossil fuel? Maybe not! Some predict that breakdowns in the web of life and economic upheavals could cause the collapse of the human race.

 The optimist in me says we will not let that happen. From replacing light bulbs, to turning down thermostats, to buying gas-sipping or hybrid vehicles, many are reducing their energy consumption.

 Although some of these actions seem insignificant compared to what's at stake, anything we do will help. Many businesses have signed on with the Uncommon Sense program of the Yellowstone Business Partnership to implement sustainable practices. Among the two major carbon dioxide-emitting sectors, "new" developments are in the works: nuclear, wind, solar, geothermal and other power production methods are gaining traction over coal, and for transportation, a revival of mass transit is proceeding in many areas.

 We need to act with a sense of urgency, however, before attempts to save this place become futile due to the unleashing of irreversible natural processes that could cause our demise.

 Kull is a chemist and a businessman.

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