Why is it our duty to continue the conversation of climate change? The simple answer: to save humanity. Humans rely solely on the Earths processes, as do all other biotic organisms. We have reached a point of understanding of these processes, yet refuse to respect their intrinsic importance.
The Anthropocene is a direct result of human activity on Earth. We facilitate the careless emission of greenhouse gases that warm and alter our home. Climate change brings on extremes of all kinds: flooding, drought, increased storm events, rising sea level and ocean acidification— resulting in the shift of species composition and/or species extinction.
Why should our goal be to save humanity? The very creatures who brought on these unnatural series of events?
Homo sapiens evolved for a very special reason— not for strength (Homo neanderthalensis and Homo heidelbergensis) but for brain size (The Institute of Human Origins, 2008). The capacity of the human brain is arguably infinite. Over a short period, Homo sapiens have harvested both glory and disaster.
Humans have the capability to address and act on climate change. Will we? When? Or, are we evolutionarily incapable of caring for generations of life beyond our own? Our will to survive as a human might greatly surpass our will to defend and protect others. Collectively speaking, our motivation for survival should not revolve solely on our “tribe” or family unit. Instead, we should rely on our undefined potential as an entire species.
The dynamic issues of a warming climate require us to learm from out mistakes— a statement that is never fully absorbed or taken seriously. Humans must develop cognitive adaptation such as surrendering the life of luxury. We must never give up our curiosity— the seed of education. Humanity must reestablish compassion where it is lost or forgotten. Compassion for that which gives us life and which we give life to.
Sources:
Greene, J. et al., 2009, Homo Sapiens, Institute of Human Origins.
Institute of Human Origins, 2008, Homo Sapiens: http://www.becominghuman.org/node/homo-sapiens-0. (accessed February 2017)
Joseph Omojuwa, Humanity, Post Photo.