Drop in the Ocean?
In less than 50 years, marine life as we know it may disappear entirely. This means not just dead oceans, but dead ecosystems and the mass extinction of all those who depend on it. This means us. Does this sound far-fetched? So is the idea that vertebrate life in the oceans has more than halved over the past 40 years, but those are statistics published by the World Wildlife Fund’s 2014 Living Planet Index. In 1990, governments began meeting to discuss what we could do to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and avoid global warming.
According to Drop in The Ocean, there is 61 percent more carbon dioxide in the air today than it did back then. What does all this mean? What can we do now to make life better for ourselves and for future generations? This film explores these questions.
As the film points out, many modern luxuries such as global travel and technological production contribute to global warming. Should we ditch these or are there smarter ways to reduce carbon emissions? What might these approaches be, and how can the government get involved in such a way as to inevitably lead down the same path full of citizens who have already expressed interest in these types of activities? The answer lies at least in part in the form of large institutions, such as hospitals and small towns that consume large amounts of energy, a community-run wind energy industry could provide a real solution for those who choose natural energy alternatives but cannot afford them on a daily basis.
There is as much scientific evidence on the dangers of climate change as there is on the link between smoking and cancer. While pundits may deny climate change altogether, or at least postpone any direct action to improve things until it brings them immediate benefits, the reason most people don’t prioritize climate change is another matter. Think about it, how often and to what extent are we influenced by what happens in nature?
Ireland is at particular risk in some places, including its ports, due to its proximity to sea level, but it’s not the only place. Factual information shared with ordinary people and direct action by our government can change things. Those who benefit from a system that provides economic benefits to us all at the expense of dangerous climate change and sea level rise have different priorities than most of us. No matter which end of the spectrum you are on, this is a movie worth seeing and a conversation worth engaging in.
