As natural resources on the planet continue on the downward slide, arguments on the validity and practicability of the Kyoto agreement continue to rage like a wild fire, and some Neros are still fiddling while Rome is burning, it is good to note that the race for alternate and renewable energy sources has been on the uptrend.
Governments may haggle over carbon credits, industrial captains may throw a few punches at repressive Kyoto-derived government regulations and developing countries can continue to cry foal! - even though there is no need for this since they are dependent on emergent technologies from the developed countries; The fact remains that none of these political or industrial pundits are as capable as the individual at resolving the issue of global warming.
Individual and mass involvement has in the past made a lot of difference in the direction of events.
There is no reason why such an active role at this point cannot be used to dent the bloated ego of green house gases.
Participation makes for perfection, so this is a call to all individuals or family units on the planet to unite and fight global warming.
The several ways that individuals can participate range from the basic to the advanced and a few of these are outlined below.
Walking: Most people need just that little nudge or excuse to hop into their jalopies for a joy ride to the mall, when walking could have been a healthier and more productive alternative.
When you walk, you not only get to passively exercise your body, you can also use the opportunity to check out the neighborhood, fraternize with your neighbors, save on gas and maintenance fees and help reduce the green house gas that is threatening to suffocate us all.
Bicycling: Sometimes, one needs to run an errand real fast.
It will not hurt to do the pedal thing rather than opting to step on the gas.
Pedaling will cause you to sweat and loose some excess baggage.
Stepping on the gas will always cost you some money while adding to the excess baggage you are already carrying.
Plus, do not forget that every little bit of noxious emissions generated especially during short trips adds to what is already floating in the atmosphere.
Participating: You can join a club, an organization or a movement that is championing the cause for better environmental management.
Mandates of such bodies are to keep governing bodies awake and alive to their sworn responsibilities.
Most government organizations are like resting masses.
They will remain in a state of inertia unless prodded by an external force, which in most cases are voluntary organizations.
These voluntary organization rely on the strength of their numbers to project a strong voice that can initiate change.
If you do not have such an organization in your neighborhood be the first to start one.
Reduce, reuse, recycle: Virtually all government agencies in developed countries have instituted the mentality of recycling, reusing and reducing flow of garbage to the dumps.
Methane from garbage dumps is know to be just one of the noxious gases we need to avoid like the plague.
Methane can be safely collected and burnt to produce electricity under controlled circumstances through various recycling programs.
It is therefore the duty and responsibility of the individual to actively participate in the recycling programs of their county.
It is our planet and we all have a responsibility to preserve the environment for future generations.
This is why all hands must be on deck to ensure that we are doing that little bit that will transform into the big difference we need to save our environment.