The Climate Reality Project Leadership Corps in Miami: Sept 28, 2015
Today, more than 1200 people from 86 countries met to discuss the urgency of Climate Change. As we met, high tide flooded the downtown streets of Miami. Some still deny that we are in an era of ecological destruction. They prefer to use the euphemism of nuisance rather than to admit any accountability, urgency or to offer hope. Yes hope.
Today we met to give hope. Hope to the millions of people in Bangladesh who all live below sea level. Hope to those in Africa who have seen the worst droughts in 500 years. Hope for better health, fewer forest fires, fewer floods and predictable weather. Hope for economic growth.
Hope that we can turn this Titanic around in time.
Why?
2014 was the 38th consecutive year with a global temperature above the 20th century average.
July 2015 was the hottest month on record.
The heat index in Bandar Mahshahr India reached 165 degrees on July 31, 2015.
“Global warming is contributing to an increased incidence of extreme weather because the environment in which all storms form has changed from human activities.” Kevin Trenberth
Like how? Well the science shows that our oceans are getting warmer. Tropical storms are created by the release of energy from the ocean. Hotter oceans release more energy. Tropical storms get more strength which results in more powerful and more abundant rain and wind. Let’s get specific. This year May 25th and 26th saw 162 billion gallons of water fall in Houston Texas. To put that in perspective, in the same time frame, 162 billion gallons of water flowed over Niagara Falls.
Heavy downpours of rain and snow are increasing in number. Our homes and our infrastructure are not used to this type of flooding. Last year we saw more than ten million people displaced from their homes because of flooding.
We are seeing the tip of the iceberg on climate related disasters that while icebergs rapidly disappear.
Oh yeah back to hope. Well here is all the great things that have happened this week.
- Pope Francis addressed Congress and the United Nations asking for quick action on climate change.
- Shell has stopped drilling in the arctic.
- China has committed to significantly decrease greenhouse gas emissions.
- The Financial Times reported that 8 million businesses are committed to move towards the green economy.
- European oil companies (including BP) are supporting a carbon pricing model.
Al Gore discussing the reasons for hope.
- So what can each of us do TODAY?
Commit to be a catalyst for change!
Recognize that Climate Change is happening.
Create a sense of urgency.
Spread the word that Climate Change is SOLVABLE and will create ECONOMIC GROWTH.
Let’s speak up. I am in…are you?
yours in Corporate Social Responsibility
Cara MacMillan