The Greenhouse Effect
The 1980s has seen the five hottest years in Britain, with 1988 being the hottest since records began, globally. There has been the greatest increase in heat since the last ice age. All of this is due to the Greenhouse Effect, the gradual thinning of the ozone layer in the upper atmosphere. The developed world, which consists of only one-quarter of the world's population, has caused 80% of its destruction.

The average town puts 705 tons of ozone destroying carbon dioxide into the atmosphere every day. This comes from car exhausts and industrial discharge. This could be overcome largely by not using cars, and improving public transport systems. Yet, how many car owners would want to part with their precious machines? If the general populous was really aware and cared about the pollution of the atmosphere, then cars would become redundant immediately. We could all change things right now, if we weren't so afraid of altering our present lifestyles.

Another way to lessen the effect of ozone destruction, would be to stop the manufacture of CFCs (Chloro-Fluoro Carbons), used as propellants in aerosol sprays, and to cool refrigerators. This is another ozone-destroying gas, which increases the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. A substitute has been developed, but the manufacturers say “it costs a lot more to make than CFCs do.” If they cut their profit margins it would be more readily available. The politicians stumble blindly through bureaucratic rules and regulations, not really making any policies for the immediate future concerning CFCs.

The membership of ecological organisations, such as Friends of the Earth, Greenpeace, and Ark, has increased dramatically in the last few years. People want to take on a more personal responsibility for the health of the world. Everywhere, people are becoming more planet-conscious, leaving the politicians behind in this race against time.

Rainforest destruction is an expression of the greed and need for financial security caused by the present order of things. The forests are cut down in Brazil to provide a living for the poor, by the government to pay off foreign debts, and by landowners for their own financial wealth. All of these have one thing in common: the quest for money. They are all interrelated, and a change in the condition of one of them has an immediate effect on the others. So, you are caught in a vicious circle, each one needs the other to exist, and the root cause of their existence is money.

As the world warms up the seas expand, raising the sea levels by 2-3 foot in the next couple of years. The deserts are expanding, flooding and drought increases. Environmental changes are happening faster than ever. The unenlightened governments and capitalists won't stop their cruel destruction of the Earth. The only way to bring about change is to take on the responsibility ourselves, to take action today, or face impending disaster.

(Originally published in Peace & Freedom Magazine , No. 6, Vol. 2, Summer 1989)