[Homestead] So what do we do?
Gene GeRue
genegerue at ruralize.com
Fri Feb 13 13:06:43 EST 2009
On Feb 12, 2009, at 3:07 PM, Marie McHarry wrote:
> Mother Jones had this article on the coming changes in weather:
> http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2008/11/diet-warm-planet
> . . . . I think we can probably quit worrying about terrorism, etc.
> When the
> ecosystem shafts us, we're in deep doodoo. Have any of you given this
> consideration? In practical terms, I mean.
Want to rate worries? Seems to me the bigger issue is falling oxygen
levels. Do you like to breathe?
I've looked for maps to instruct readers on projected climate change.
Not much found that is very useful except in general terms: in drought
areas there will be more droughts; in rainy areas there will be more
rain; in violent wind areas, more of that. As for rising temperatures
I am all for it; I would love to grow citrus at Heartwood.
Reduced individual energy usage will come due to the pain of rising
prices but increasing population may negate that gain. As with many
issues, there are viable community responses. My electric co-op has
the right idea. We get our electricity through a consortium of
utilities that own coal-fired generating facilities. Last year we had
a light bulb swap: for every incandescent bulb turned in, members
received a new CFL unit. The board found that reduced load means lower
overhead today and less cost in the future by eliminating the need for
new generator capacity. It's a win-win plan that means less coal will
be burned. The calculations to sell members on the plan may be found at:
http://www.serviceconcepts.coop/coopcustom/cflpaybackhowell-oregon.htm
Besides the present economic focus, most Americans are too conditioned
by consumptive lifestyles and day-to-day issues to take global warming
seriously. Most of us do what makes us feel good, as with recycling
and reusing and wearing stuff out. Lifestyle change will be resisted.
We homesteaders live sensibly but will always be a tiny minority.
Expect change. Be prepared. Become ever more independent.
Gene GeRue
www.RURALIZE.com
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