Southern Fried Global Warming

Combine summer with Al Gore's finger-wagging and extensive media coverage of climate change, and you wind up with a public that is aware of global warming. In my opinion, there is no doubt that it is occurring in my hometown of Atlanta. Yes, it is the South and temperatures soar in the summer, but life here has become different during the past few years: We are going further into a drought cycle most likely caused by warming from out-of-control growth. Each day we tear down more trees, pour more blacktop and add more cars and air-conditioners. But, this is my opinion and as Dennis Miller would say, "I might be wrong." Why do I think that there is global warming? I tend to believe scientists who have solid proof instead of a president whose decisions are based on God's voice in his head.

While I think the evidence in Atlanta and beyond is overwhelming, the skeptics keep up their denial. As I drive around Atlanta, I see scores of gas guzzling SUVs, mini-vans and trucks spewing toxic stew into the hot Georgia atmosphere. While I cannot speak for the rest of America, there is no doubt that the majority of the community buys into the naysayers' arguments. Sure, many might agree that there is a problem as they step into their Yukons, but they want to enjoy the luxury and convenience of their vehicles.

Even if we find out that global warming is bogus, we do know one thing: our air is polluted! On hot Georgia days, it is tough for all of us to breathe -- asthmatics and non-asthmatics alike.

The problem with global warming is that individuals, governments and corporations haven't found practical solutions to the problem. Like most of this country, Atlanta doesn't have a comprehensive, reliable, extensive, affordable transportation alternative network. The MARTA rail is excellent, but it only serves a portion of two counties in the metropolitan area. Buses from two other neighboring counties feed into the system, but the problem is that the buses have pricey fares and they get caught in traffic jams themselves. Do you want to carpool? Forget it! It's impossible for us to coordinate ourselves let alone our crazy lives. I would love to bike to work, but our drivers in this city are not trained to handle cyclists sharing the road.

Many look to local governments and the state of Georgia for an answer, but they have largely failed on this issue. Is there a way for private corporations to step up to the plate? Perhaps there is a way for state and local governments to become competent and offer the private sector incentives to build high-quality trains throughout the metro area and state. Is it possible on the federal level to offer tax credits to large corporations to produce more environmentally-friendly autos and products? After being in a vibrant community, I have realized that consumers aren't going to give up their lifestyles. There is no way a family of six is going to trade their mini-van for a Toyota Prius. We must find a way to bring the green lifestyle to them. This doesn't mean that individuals and corporations aren't responsible. We all must be good environmental citizens and the best way to achieve that goal is through education in our media and public and private schools as well as the home (yes, home schoolers included).

When it comes to the global warming argument, balance must be achieved when finding a solution to the problem.