Tufts should be proud of the approximately 100 Jumbos who showed up on the Res Quad this weekend to rally for drastic reductions in American carbon emissions as part of the national Step It Up campaign. As global warming shapes up to be one of the biggest challenges facing our generation, developed nations across the world are coming to realize just how much human and financial capital will be required to avert ecological and social catastrophe.
With climate change shifting the needs and demands of populations across the globe, industries will slowly have to respond to the new conditions by developing more environmentally friendly policies and products. The problem with this market-based scenario is that we simply do not have the luxury of time in solving this problem. Dramatic changes need to be made now, which is why activism could play a key role in helping to bring about positive transformations.
Earlier this year, the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released a 1,572-page report indicating that there is a 90 percent possibility that the current changes in Earth's climate are caused by human activity. This document described in detail not only predictions of a new face for the planet's meteorology and geology, but also the devastating effects that such changes could have on the world's poorest inhabitants. Tufts' students studying international relations will do well to look into some of these global forecasts.
Those students studying domestic policy could find themselves interested in a report to be released this week by a group of private government consultants. Commissioned by the Center for Naval Analyses, this report will highlight national security concerns that will inevitably result from rising ocean levels, droughts and violent weather.
As for the rest of us Tufts students, we do not all have the time to give up our multiple activities and become die-hard activists. But we can make incremental changes in our everyday lives that might help reduce carbon emissions. For upperclassmen, eschewing trips in a car for bicycle errands, making an effort to buy local food when possible, and turning off electric appliances when not in use will all contribute to a healthier planet. Of course, most people cannot be expected to completely eliminate their carbon footprint, but everyone can take realistic, simple steps to reduce the energy they use.
Global warming is an issue that is going to affect each and every one of us. It is important that those taking part in initiatives such as this weekend's rally be regarded not as radicals on the fringe, but as conscientious members of the mainstream. Of course, we are not applauding aimless activism. It remains to be seen just how much change will come about from protests like this weekend's. But at least the issue is getting talked about out in the open air, because this is one dilemma we cannot afford to ignore.
