The Heat Is On

While millions of people struggle to keep cool during the latest heat wave in New York, I spent the dog days of summer learning about climate change.
I don't fit the definition of a tree-hugger, and I've yet to see An Inconvenient Truth. However, I did watch Too Hot Not to Handle, and it forced me to look at weather patterns in a different light. I always thought extreme changes in temperature were just part of nature ... but when I realized how blizzards and droughts adversely impact the food supply, I could no longer ignore the obvious: climate change affects everyone -- regardless of age, ethnicity, or economic status.
In recent years, the cost of dietary staples ranging from eggs and milk (dairy) to bread and cereal (grains) have increased. Likewise, items like beef and fish (meat) and oranges and tomatoes (fruits and vegetables) are more expensive. It's not a coincidence that these price hikes are connected to erratic weather -- which shows that Mother Nature doesn't just dictate what we wear, it also influences what we eat.
The environment may exercise control over some aspects of our lives, but that doesn't exempt us from personal responsibility when it comes to burning fossil fuels. Our growing consumption of oil and electricity clogs the air we breathe and taints the water we drink. Such pollution not only damages our health, it also jeopardizes animals' habitats. Since we live off animals and plants, it's in our interest to reduce greenhouse gas emissions so future generations can enjoy the Earth's surroundings.
Some people consider the debate about climate change to be hot air ... but the cold reality is we need to take better care of the planet.