Dec 14th, 2005
Debate over Global Warming
There are moments in my life when I step back and with a sense of relief, remember that at my core I am an immature moron.
About a week ago, I received a blast e-mail informing me of an upcoming art exhibit. The thematic focus of the exhibit was on global warming and the degradation of the environment. They were even serving only free trade refreshments at the event.
I just couldn’t help myself.
The following is an e-mail exchange between me and the event organizer:
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Dear Event Coordinator,
Just to clarify, is the event in favor of or against the destruction of the environment?
Regards,
J. Wei
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Hi,
That is a funny question to ask. Seeing as how this is climate change awareness week and the sponsoring planet is an environmental group, one might safely assume that the exhibit is focused on raising awareness of environmental destruction and climate change, which is generally viewed as a terrible thing.
Regards,
Event Coordinator
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Dear Event Coordinator,
Don’t you think it is a little judgmental to say that climate change is a terrible thing? Where is your evidence for this claim? That being said, I’m excited to see the exhibit.
Sincerely,
J.Wei
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Greetings,
I’m pleased to hear of your interest in the exhibition. As I am just the event coordinator, and not a member of the environmental group, I am not really an expert on climate change and the destruction of the environment. However, this article from a reputable publication, The Guardian, may shed some light on the topic.
Regards,
Event Coordinator
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Dear Event Coordinator,
I read the article and it does mention some of the negative repercussions of global warming; but I think it is one-sided in that it ignores all the benefits of global warming. For instance, there are many people in cold climates who die of hypothermia. Global warming could potentially help these people, don’t you think? Also, many homeless people die each year because they don’t have enough heat. Global warming could also benefit them. Are you saying you don’t care about homeless people?
Regards,
J. Wei
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Greetings,
I appreciate your input on this important issue and realize that everyone is entitled to their own point of view. There are a variety of perspectives on environmental issues such as the destruction of the rainforest, air and water pollution, spreading of diseases, increasing rates of obesity as a result of the over-commodification of food, and countless others.
True, the growth of industries results in lowered unemployment rates, producing organic food requires a greater effort than commercial products, and we would have to completely overhaul our lives and our society if we are to have a positive effect on the world, and this would result in the loss of (God forbid) profit.
In my opinion, there are no benefits to climate change. It would take a gazillion years of global warming to help homeless people on the streets but only a few decades for the polar caps to melt. You may also have noted the increase in natural disasters in the past year.
Ignore these events if you would like, but you may also want to consider why these things are happening and what we might have to do with it.
“Benefits of global warming” is an oxymoron, but everyone is entitled to their own opinion and choosing whatever path in life they decide.
Regards,
Event Coordinator
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Dear Event Coordinator,
Did the dinosaurs have anything to do with the ice age? They all were wiped out due to the environment. Maybe if they had some global warming, they would still be around.
Also, there is no such number as “gazillion,” as far as I know.
J. Wei
