Self-Sustainability

In order for humanity to save itself, it must adapt or die, like any other species.

 This ability to adapt, unfortunately, is a little more challenging for our species. You see, we can rationalize, and convince ourselves of ideas deemed too demented for animal-kind. We have been known to clear-cut whole forests in the name of progress, unwittingly killing thousands of species in the process. We tell ourselves that everything is okay, because the system works, because people care, but what happens when people stop caring and start profiting?

As a species, we've found ways to live cleanly through science. We now can harness wind and solar energy, given freely, straight from the planet itself, yet we still choose to drill into the ground to bring oil to our surface. In fact, Germany, which isn't known for its record-breaking days of sunlight, has now been able to produce half of the necessary energy to power its entire country, for a single day. In fact, according to AWEA (American Wind Energy Association) Kansas has the second highest wind potential in the whole United States. 

Yet, we still live with only one lonely windmill in our town of Topeka, Kansas.While this marks a progressive effort, why did it take us so long to start realizing our potential? Were we worried about the birds? The up front cost? Or do we really just not like looking at them?

Whatever our reasons, we can't forget the inevitable conclusions that most scientists agree on: Global warming is happening.

If we don't change our habits and take things seriously, the consequences for ourselves, our children and our grandchildren could be significant. Even more water shortages, causing even more wildfires, more super-storms and flooding, even down to furthering our already miserable summers with more allergies, insect bites, and worse air quality.


As with any topic, it is important to verify this information for yourself. You have the power to inform yourself when it comes to environmental issues and what we can do as a nation to sustain ourselves. The best way to do that is not to sweep this under the rug, but to keep the discussion going. The consequences are too dire to ignore this issue any longer.

If we all do our part, we can save the world.

Photo sources:

photo credit: Sigfrid Lundberg via photopin cc

photo credit: Ed Suominen via photopin cc

photo credit: NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center via photopin cc