Global Warming and the Peak

Global Warming and the Peak Oil Problem:

The Human Element

Each day I commute to school, travel to work, or take a short shopping trip, I tear away a little piece of the Ozone layer. Each time I turn up my air conditioner or power on my heater, I emit a little more CO2 into the atmosphere. But each time my engine turns over or my heating and cooling system hums to a start, I also deprive a future earth dweller from doing the same.

From the monotone lectures of former Democratic presidential nominee Al Gore to the earth-saving actions of Captain Planet, societal icons have been talking about global warming for decades, and science keeps shedding more and more light on the potentially earth-melting situation. While some suggest that humans' contributions to global warming are insignificant, other studies call on human lifestyle changes to end the continuation of climate change. Although the amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere and the constant warming of the earth is certainly an important topic for politicians and scientists, I'm more concerned with how my actions will affect the "me" of the future.

That's right, a thousand years from now, a young person with my hair color, my height, and perhaps my unique interests will sit relatively near where I sit, but unless I change my actions, that young person won' be typing on a computer. If I don't change my actions that young person won't be listening to the television hum in the background. If I don't change my action, lights won't be softly illuminating my bedroom. If I don't change my actions, not only will more and more CO2 be released into the atmosphere, but also the radically limited fuel reserves in this country and across the world will be depleted -- preventing that 3008 "me" from enjoying any of the comforts that I take for granted.

While global warming may be of concern to the planet, the peak oil problem is of equal concern to the human element. Without the technologies we currently enjoy, lives across country boarders will be forever changed. Most scientists have already concluded that oil has reached its peak and can only decline until it has run dry. While drilling in the Middle East and Alaska holds some promise, it is only a temporary solution to the problem. If this peak oil problem continues to persist without significant fuel usage reduction or alternative fuel development, the future will quickly become oil depleted. Not only will the "me" of the future be unable to enjoy a quick trip to the supermarket or video store in a car or on a motorcycle, but also technological and medical innovations will cease, and research into the arts will be replaced by an overwhelming need for one ultimate priory -- survival. Overwhelmed with this task, we will abandon the desire for learning and inquiry that we now hold dear. In a world filled with men and women who are only trying to survive, who are not searching for learning, love, or justice, I could not reside, as removing the desire for searching and learning removes the human element.