Convergence Technology Council - CTC

Coastal areas in Vietnam see a rise of 20cm in the past 50 years, increases in the frequency and intensity of typhoons, and a rise in temperature of .5C degrees. As water levels rise in Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, India, and Malaysia, nearly one third of the world's population seeks relocation inland to escape the encroaching ocean. The World Bank claims global population is growing at 1.7% annually, further escalating the refugee problem.

In an interview with NPR (National Public Radio), retired Marine General Anthony Zinni expressed a concern that such conditions could plunge the world, and of course the United States, into conflict. "We will pay the price later in military terms. And that will involve human lives. There will be a human toll." General Zinni, participating in a panel of retired military leaders further contributed findings:

Climate Change (related to national and international security)

1. Projected climate change poses a serious threat to America's national security.
2. Climate change acts increases the potential instability in some of the most volatile regions of the world.
3. Projected climate change will boost tensions even in stable regions.
4. Climate change, national security and energy dependence are a related set of global challenges.

 Now that is something for us to consider, far beyond the impact of climate change on the environment, there is a consensus climate change could result in increased terrorism, or war resulting from the impact of refuges escaping their homeland (due to loss of land mass, loss of rain/fresh water, desertification, etc).

It's about Natural, Cyclical Environmental Trends...

Former Gov. Palin, in her 9 Dec 2009 OP-ED in the Washington Post claims:

"But while we recognize the occurrence of these natural, cyclical environmental trends, we can't say with assurance that man's activities cause weather changes. We can say, however, that any potential benefits of proposed emissions reduction policies are far outweighed by their economic costs." Palin

Not everybody agrees with her analysis, and her opinions have prompted heated discussion throughout the political, environmental, and international community.

Al Gore, former Vice President and Presidential candidate commented on the reality of CO2, greenhouse effect, global warming, and Sarah Palin's editorial by stating "It's a principle in physics. It's like gravity. It exists."

"Our representatives in Copenhagen should remember that good environmental policymaking is about weighing real-world costs and benefits -- not pursuing a political agenda. That's not to say I deny the reality of some changes in climate -- far from it. I saw the impact of changing weather patterns firsthand while serving as governor of our only Arctic state. I was one of the first governors to create a subcabinet to deal specifically with the issue and to recommend common-sense policies to respond to the coastal erosion, thawing permafrost and retreating sea ice that affect Alaska's communities and infrastructure." Palin

We need to fully understand the correlation between Alaska's coastal erosion, thawing permafrost, and retreating sea ice and General Zinni's concerns that such impact on a global scale could plunge the world into a period of violence.

And not everybody agrees with Gov. Palin's concerns on the impact of becoming environmentally responsible on the economy.

There is also the risk of rising sea level and increasing temperatures. A recently released report from the Asian Developing Bank (ADB) shows that South East Asia is likely to suffer more from climate change than elsewhere in the world. There will be considerable economic costs too, with a projected 7-8 per cent lost in GDP, unless climate change is addressed. (Simon Tay, Chairman, Singapore Institute of International Affairs)

The Washington Post added a poll following the Palin OP-ED asking readers "Do you view Sarah Palin as a credible commentator on climate change?" 83% said "no." When asked if she would participate in a debate with Al Gore on climate change, she was not too excited, saying in an interview with ThinkProgress.ORG "I'll get clobbered because, you know, they don't want to listen to the facts," believe that any debate would heavily favor Gore's position. No doubt.

Target 350 - Status 389

According to reports published at the Copenhagen Climate Summit (COPS15) the world now has an average atmospheric carbon dioxide level of 389 parts per million. This is the highest in the earth's recorded history. Most of the world's scientists and scientific organizations believe the upper limit for CO2 is 350ppm, which is obviously breached.

Scientists claim that we are adding 2ppm to the atmosphere every year, which will result in a global temperature of potentially 4 degrees (F) by the end of the century, which could further result in ocean levels rising nearly 2 meters (by the end of the century). 6 ft?

Goodbye Miami. Goodbye Long Beach. Goodbye Miyako Jima (Okinawa).

Believe what You Will - But Understand the Issue

Maybe you believe this is not a problem, and is a normal global cycle. Maybe you believe the amount of CO2 going into the air is a very unhealthy thing for living creatures. Maybe you believe half the island nations will disappear within 15 years.

But it is time to put a stake in the ground and study the issue. Let the democrats in the US run with the issue, and it might cost you something in your quality of life. Let the republicans run with the issue and you may float away with your lungs melting.

However given the emotions attached to this issue, you cannot avoid the topic.

John Savageau, Long Beach