The Simplest Solution to Global Warming

Why are winters getting warmer and the summers becoming scorching hot? Why are weather patterns changing and varying drastically from past climates? The answer to those questions is so simple, yet complex at the same time. Global warming is one of the most dangerous problems facing our planet at the moment and there seems to be no easy cure. In his novel, Ishmael, Daniel Quinn tackles the concept of global warming and provides his own insight on it. He mentions two types of people, Takers and Leavers, which can be somewhat summarized as people of today's civilized cultures and people of primitive cultures, respectively. Quinn then proceeds to elaborate on the diverse qualities and peculiarities of the Taker society and essentially stating that their culture is the cause of numerous problems afflicting the world today. Based on Quinn's beliefs and other evidence, it seems that most, if not all, solutions to the ongoing problem of global warming have failed because people fail to see that they are attempting to defy a fundamental law. Until they respect the world and everything it has to offer, people cannot change the world.

Global warming has recently been gaining a more prominent role in the public spotlight as people begin to perceive it as a potential threat to our future. The problem has been overlooked in the past because there were not many excessively noticeable effects on the environment and the climate. Recently, however, it has been shown that global warming has led to increases in the average temperature. This continued warming has resulted in more erratic weather patterns such as abnormally warmer winters and scorching summers. The Union of Concerned Scientists believe that, "with continued warming, we can expect more extreme heat and drought, rising sea levels, and higher-intensity tropical storms. At risk are our coastal property and resources, the livability of our cities in summer, and the productivity of our farms, forests, and fisheries" (Global Warming Solutions). The dangers and consequences can be disastrous for the current generation, but more importantly, for the generations to come. Patricia Lefevere of the National Catholic Reporter suggests that "newborns of the 21^st century may have to cope with flooded coastal regions, erosion, storm damage, contamination of freshwater supplies and rising water tables" (12). One of the most disturbing aspects of this problem is that it is cumulative. If the problem is ignored, then the greenhouse gases will continue to collect and accumulate. Though some might believe that everything will balance out in the future and kind of solve itself, it does not seem likely that the warming effect will slow down and even reverse its effects unless actions are taken.

But to take action means to truly understand the problem of global warming. The underlying cause of global warming is high greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere which trap more heat from the sun. Carbon dioxide is a major contributor to the crisis because it can lead to water vapor, which is a significant greenhouse gas. The water vapor, in turn, leads to the formation of clouds that trap the heat and energy (Flannery 28). The trapped heat obviously needs to warm something up and therefore alters the surface temperature of the Earth. It is unfortunate that some scientists do not perceive it as a problem, often mentioning that the forests can take up carbon dioxide, but "there is only one major carbon sink on our planet and that is the oceans" (33). After all, it would only be logical that since plants use carbon dioxide to create the energy needed for their growth. However, this rate of uptake cannot keep up with the increasing carbon dioxide emissions, especially if, according to Lefevere, the average America adds twenty three tons of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere yearly (12). Considering the entire population of America alone, twenty three tons per person per year is extremely high. The problem with people of today is that they fail to understand the consequences of global warming, which can be disastrous. As Quinn said, "their foe will lie bleeding to death at their feet, as the world is now" (84). Though global warming has been brushed aside in the past, the increasing risks of this deadly problem have provoked more efforts to spread understanding of it and potential solutions.

The increased attention on global warming has encouraged many scientists and other groups of concerned people to propose possible solutions or remedies to mitigate the consequences of the problem. Numerous groups have suggested that the solutions are quite feasible because we already possess the "technology and ingenuity" to decrease the effects of global warming (Global Warming Solutions). There are numerous ambitious groups with high hopes of solving this global problem afflicting the Earth. While some choose to remain passive and continue with their lives, there are those who struggle to find a cure. For example, one proposed program believes that the extra carbon dioxide emissions could be decreased if iron fillings are used to fertilize the Southern Ocean. This method relies on the concept that iron fillings would aid plankton growth, which in turn capture carbon dioxide to carry out photosynthesis, and finally sink to the ocean bottom after it dies (Flannery 250). The attempt to fertilize the ocean with iron fillings is flawed because scientists estimate that only 900 tons of carbon will be sequestered from the process. Unfortunately, this is insignificant compared to thirteen gigatons of carbon dioxide that humans produce yearly (250). The cost of the process far outweighs the miniscule benefit. Furthermore, the plan to pump carbon dioxide directly into the ocean also carries "severe side effects," such as an increase in the acidity of sea water. Even with the flaws in the method, it still has the potential of being beneficial. However, it is still a series of individuals who acting on a solution rather than a collaborated effort. As a result, there is little success to be made.

Another idea from Professor Takashi Ohsumi of Japan's Research Institute of Innovative Technology suggested another plan that would comprise of "pumping compressed CO2 directly into the ocean depths." This method would only cost approximately fifty dollars per ton of carbon dioxide (251). After all, research has shown that there are "high rates of death among organisms in the vicinity of the plume" (251). This clearly shows that these expensive and tedious methods fail because of their inefficiency. They are creative but not feasible or fitting because though benefits can be reaped from these processes, there are too many side effects and initial conditions to carry out these processes. The effort and financial resources required portrays their inefficiency. Flannery also suggests that even if these attempts are utilized, they will still not create any significant change in climate anytime before 2050 (257). Though Flannery suggests that this may not create any significant change, this also shows society's inability to appreciate some change. The process of solving global warming is gradual and must be taken one step at a time. Therefore, if everyone participated in these small steps, then would that not equal one giant step? Would that not result in a significant change?

Whether the proposed solution is simple or complicated, many of these attempts to solve the problem of global warming have failed. In contrast to these complex and innovative attempts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, there are many simpler ideas. A person can contribute to the overall effort by purchasing a more fuel efficient vehicle, because after all, the average American adds approximately ten thousand pounds of carbon dioxide from the cars he or she drives (Lefevere 12). And as for the simple solutions, they seem to be much more feasible. After all, the only requirement is that everyone or most people take part in a worldwide effort to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. It does not seem impossible from a first glance, but the flaw of this solution again lies in the requirement that a majority of the world's population needs to wholeheartedly follow the plan. People of today's Taker society are captivated and basically brainwashed by Mother Culture, a term that Quinn coins to refer to society's culture. With society's current mindset that they must do what is most appealing and beneficial for them in the short run, this solution is close to impossible.

A potential reason why these solutions have failed, as Quinn suggests, is that people are missing the fundamental problem-they lack respect for the Earth. According to Quinn, the Taker society believes that "the world was made for man to conquer and rule" (82). With this mindset, humans believe they are above the laws of nature and they compete "outside the law" (130). When one group decides to not follow the laws, chaos usually ensues. This is true in the case of humans because currently, many humans have ignored the well-being of the Earth and its other inhabitants. Instead, society today has simply undertaken any project or effort that would contribute to the well-being of mankind. This disregard and lack of respect for the environment and other creatures is the fundamental problem behind global warming. Though small actions might be occasionally taken to help environment, such as recycling, they are not done out of respect for the world. Instead, they are done for the benefit of man. They are done so man does not run out of resources and suffer a horrible future.

While this fundamental problem seems simple, many people often have no understanding or even recognition of the underlying cause. This obliviousness is highlighted in Quinn's analogy of the Taker Thunderbolt and the Taker society's flight. "...and so he starts pedaling with all his might. Which of course does him no good at all, because his craft simply isn't in accord with the laws of aerodynamics" (107). Just the person in the example, humans fail to realize that they are not "in accord" with the laws of nature. They are no different than the other creatures of the Earth, yet they compete outside the laws of nature. This inability to realize that the primary cause of what is causing global warming and other problems facing society today stems from the concept of "Mother Culture" (133). The pedaling also signifies peoples' futile attempts to fix the symptoms of global warming while completely overlooking the reason for it. Their effort certainly is not discouraged; however, this effort is wrongly directed. This is why so many proposed solutions fail-they fail to attack the problem at the root, which is the lack of respect for the world.

In addition to overlooking the fundamental problem, people are overconfident in their own decisions. After all, they believe that the world was created for man and therefore they should be the rulers. This blinds people and clouds their judgment. In Quinn's analogy, the Taker on the Taker Thunderbolt thought, "So far so good. He thinks with amusement of those who predicted that his flight would end in disaster, broken bones, and death" (106). One of Quinn's deeper meanings of this analogy is to suggest that humans often blindly believe that that just because nothing horrible has occurred yet, that nothing horrible can happen. Or even if they do realize that the future seems gloomy, they do not care. They choose to disregard the future and live in the present and/or past. This mindset is inefficient and flawed because tomorrow will become today; the future will become the present. And when that day comes, people will look back and regret not taking action while they still could have.

Even so, there is still a chance to make a difference and change the world, but to do so requires people to gain a greater understanding and respect for the earth and their role on it. Lefevere suggests that this is an "educational phase" to "relate what's going on in the entire world" and "make it concrete enough that people will go away knowing what to do to save the planet (12). Flannery also presents a positive attitude, suggesting that collectively, people can attain 70 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions "in a few months." He believes that this drastic reduction can be achieved through "a few changes to your personal life, none of which requires serious sacrifices" (303). This attitude will work if coupled with Quinn's belief that people "need a vision of the world of the world and of themselves that inspires them" (249). Until they gain this perspective, attempts to fix the problem will continue to fail. And even more importantly are those that do nothing about global warming, which is the greater majority of the people. Mark Twain even remarked that "Everybody talks about the weather, but nobody ever does anything about it" (qtd in Global Warming Solutions).

Though society today has attempted to take action against global warming and make an effort to fix it, their efforts have ended with little success. The lack of success should not discourage people, but instead, inspire and encourage them to seek out the reason why their efforts are not paying off. They must reconsider where to put the effort and this location takes time to realize. The solution to global warming is fairly simple, but sometimes it is the simplest things that are the hardest.

Works Cited

Flannery, Tim. The Weather Makers. New York: Atlantic Monthly Press, 2005.

"Global Warming Solutions." Union of Concern Scientists. 21 May 2007. Union of Concerned Scientists. 2 Dec. 2007 .

Lefevere, Patricia. "Meeting to Seek Global Warming Solutions." National Catholic Reporter 17 Aug. 2007: 12. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Rutgers University Library, Newark. 2 Dec. 2007 < http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdf?vid=5&hid=15&sid=fb8271ad-5301-4d42-a115-a2e4d5253377%40SRCSM1>.

Quinn, Daniel. Ishmael. New York: Bantam/Turner, 1992.