The Iroquois people embraced the Seventh Generation Principle, a philosophy so vital that it was embedded in their Great Law of the Iroquois Confederacy. Oren Lyons, a chief of the Seneca Nation, explained that the Peacemaker urged leaders to make decisions with the well-being of the next seven generations in mind. This principle is crucial for us as parents when we confront the pressing issue of climate change. We must ask ourselves: Are we making choices that will ensure our children and their descendants have a livable planet?
Climate change is a tangible reality. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns that global temperatures could rise by 0.5 to 8.6ºF in the next century. This increase will lead to drastic changes in weather patterns, resulting in more floods, droughts, and extreme heat events. We are witnessing the oceans warm and become more acidic, ice caps melt, and sea levels rise. The consequences are dire: more hurricanes, loss of coral reefs, diminished glaciers, and the potential disappearance of entire islands. The predominant driver of these changes is the release of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide.
This is the future we’re creating for our children. If we do not act now, they will bear the brunt of climate change’s catastrophic effects. They could witness parts of New York City—like Manhattan—submerged as sea levels continue to rise, prompting massive evacuations similar to those seen during Hurricane Sandy. Additionally, heat waves could become deadly, with an estimated increase of 110 to 260 heat-related fatalities per year in New York City alone. In response to these threats, the city has developed a report called the Special Initiative for Rebuilding and Resiliency (SIRR), aiming to fortify New York against the impacts of climate change.
The implications extend beyond urban areas. A projected rise in sea levels by just one foot by 2030 could render streets in major cities impassable during high tides, leading to traffic chaos and skyrocketing flood insurance costs—shaking the real estate market in vulnerable neighborhoods. The repercussions won’t just be confined to New York; other coastal cities like Miami, Galveston, and Hampton Roads will face similar challenges.
And let’s not forget the natural wonders we stand to lose. The iconic glaciers of Kilimanjaro may vanish by 2030, reflecting a broader pattern of glacier loss worldwide, with approximately 400 billion tons of ice lost since 1994. According to the United States Geological Survey, many glaciers in Glacier National Park are on track to disappear, and of the 25 remaining that are larger than 25 acres, computer models predict that several will vanish by 2030. I fondly remember visiting Glacier National Park as a child; when I take my own kids, they will see far fewer glaciers than I did. If we fail to act, their children may see none at all.
Furthermore, climate change is wreaking havoc on coral reefs. Rising ocean temperatures and acidification are causing widespread coral bleaching and mortality. If carbon emissions continue unabated, ocean pH levels could drop to 7.8, leading to the disintegration of coral reefs. This could rob future generations of the chance to snorkel in vibrant reefs like the Great Barrier Reef or those in the Caribbean.
Steps We Can Take to Combat Global Warming
However, there are steps we can take to combat global warming:
- Advocate for your representatives to uphold the Paris Agreements to lower carbon emissions.
- Challenge appointments of climate change skeptics, such as Myron Ebell, who has been nominated to lead the EPA.
- Reduce your carbon footprint through simple changes, like switching to compact fluorescent bulbs.
- Walk more often and consolidate your driving trips.
- Follow the advice from Conserve Energy Future’s “35 Ways to Stop Global Warming” by reducing, reusing, and recycling as much as possible. For example, repurpose yogurt containers for takeout instead of using Styrofoam.
- Limit hot water usage.
- Plant trees with your children as part of a fun family project.
- Choose products with minimal packaging.
- Bring reusable bags for shopping.
- Reduce meat consumption.
Above all, it’s essential to instill a sense of environmental stewardship in our children. Teach them about recycling and involve them in tree-planting activities. Explore natural wonders together before they fade away, and engage in conversations about climate change. By fostering this awareness, we empower them to care for the Earth for generations to come. Only through their commitment can we begin to tame the climate crisis.
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In summary, as parents, we have a responsibility to prioritize the health of our planet for the sake of our children and future generations. By taking action today, we can ensure that they inherit a world where nature thrives.