I SUPPORT THE REFINERY HEALING WALKS
We can no longer deny global warming. Local governments are actively planning and seeking strategies to address the results of climate change and inevitable sea level rising in order to protect their residents.
For example, FEMA just released new flood map revisions to take affect Dec. 2016. My home is in a minimal flood hazard area. With the new zoning, my home will be in a special flood hazard area which is subject to inundation by the 1-percent-annual-chance flood event.
We know global warming is in part due to greenhouse gas emissions. We talk about lowering our carbon footprint but for most, it is confusing about how to make that happen. The modern infrastructure is set up so that most of us are dependent on gasoline for transportation, natural gas for heating, electricity for everything else. What can we, as individuals, do?
Many people are choosing to use public transportation and carpool. Hybrid and electric vehicles are available. Those who are fortunate enough to own their own home are installing solar photovoltaic systems to collect and convert sunlight into energy. Some communities are electing to bring in alternative sources of municipal power. Choosing to buy products locally, eating foods locally and in season, and reduce the amount of waste going to the landfill are all valid ways things we can do as individuals to reduce the carbon footprint.
WE CAN DO MORE
Are the small and important steps we take as individuals helping? Are all these all these activities we are doing as individuals enough? Is there more we can do? In general, the reality is that businesses and industry use many more resources than do individuals.
The belief that we need oil to maintain our infrastructure is hindering change. This belief is driving the world to mine dangerous sources of oil. This crude is so dangerous that it can and has exploded in transport to the refineries. The extraction of these oils are polluting drinking water and may be causing earthquakes. There are beginning to be legitimate concerns about this dangerous process. According to the Wall Street Journal, Texas regulators are scrutinizing some of the biggest U.S. energy producers in the wake of several earthquakes that have rocked the Dallas-Fort Worth area this year.
Again, it is a belief. Change is possible. Change is happening. In April, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory made a major leap in artificial photosynthesis. Dr. Peidong Yang, a chemist with Berkeley Lab’s Materials Sciences Division and one of the leaders of this study, says, “Our system has the potential to fundamentally change the chemical and oil industry in that we can produce chemicals and fuels in a totally renewable way, rather than extracting from deep below the ground.”
FOR EVERY ACTION THERE IS A REACTION
What can we do as ordinary individuals to support that change? Send a message that we support the expansion of renewable energy. Newton’s Third Law of Motion reminds us that, “for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.”
The statement means that in every interaction, there is a pair of forces acting on the two interacting objects. The size of the forces on the first object equals the size of the force on the second object. The direction of the force on the first object is opposite to the direction of the force on the second object. Forces always come in pairs – equal and opposite action-reaction force pairs. This is how to make that change.
I believe that our actions are important and do make a difference. I believe it is important to make meaningful actions that are clear and in a direction to help where change needs to happen. Taking the same action with others amplifies the reaction. An action can be as simple as a thought or a prayer.
THE REFINERY HEALING WALK AS AN ACTION
These walks are nonviolent and are led by Native American Elders in prayer. A prayer for peaceful resolution and conservation. An action promoting clean air, clean water, and soil, safe jobs, safe roads, safe railroads, safe waterways, vibrant healthy future for all children, a just transition to safe and sustainable energy.
WON’T YOU JOIN ME ON JUNE 20TH for 2015 REFINERY HEALING WALK #3?
We will meet at the Ninth Street Park, Benicia
8:00 a.m. Water Ceremony & Registration
9:30 a.m. Walk Begins
These walks are safe and well-organized. There will be medical support and access to drinking water. Support cars are available to assist people who are unable to walk the entire distance. Contact me if you would like to participate. For more information.
Calculate your carbon footprint.