By Pat Sajak
Published: 01-16-08
There
are apparently tens of millions of people around the world
who are convinced global warming is real, and mankind
(particularly American mankind) is responsible.
Further, they believe utterly catastrophic results are
imminent unless we drastically alter our lifestyles -- and
soon. These alterations include the things we eat, our
transportation, our daily work and leisure habits, and even
the number of children we should have.
The problem is there are also tens of millions of people
around the world who are skeptical of this theory, and,
despite one side’s claims the debate is settled, a
significant and growing number of climate experts keep
challenging their conclusions. So, those who believe
disaster is around the corner face a dilemma.
While they’re educating their fellow citizens and demanding
governments regulate believers and non-believers alike, the
problem continues, and the date of the world’s doom draws
ever closer.
But there is a solution. It’s relatively simple, can begin
immediately, and will change the dynamics of global warming
overnight.
Instead of continuing to preach to the rest of us, the true
believers need to step forward and set an example. I’m not
talking about recycling Evian bottles; I’m talking about
giving up cars and moving into smaller houses or apartments,
or even forming communes where people can live simpler, more
Earth-friendly lives.
Yes, I’m talking about living the kinds of lives they want
all of us to live.
Such a movement could literally start tomorrow. It would
need a leader, of course; someone who could inspire others
to choose a more spartan lifestyle.
The obvious choice would be Al Gore, who already has a loyal
following.
If he would eschew large homes, gas-guzzling cars, private
jets and the consumption of meat, millions more would likely
do the same.
If enough people joined the cause, Mr. Gore and his
followers would be able to demonstrate the results of this
new way of living in very short order. They could lead by
example. They could create a movement.
They could have uniforms and badges and secret handshakes.
The could have their own reality TV show.
In short, they could become a major force for change.
Carmakers would be driven out of business or forced to
dramatically alter their products to meet the demands of
this eco-friendly Gorian tsunami. Companies of all stripes
would, similarly, have to adapt or perish.
Once the rest of us saw the presumed reversal (or at least
slowing-down) of global warming, it would do more to
convince us than any lecture or study signed by UN
scientists, and it would likely add millions more to the
cause. So what if you can’t get one-hundred percent
co-operation initially? Wouldn’t half (or a third or a
quarter) of the population make a huge difference if they
made substantial sacrifices?
You could argue it wouldn’t be fair to have some of us going
on abusing the planet and leading our lives of consumption
and gluttony while others are putting aside the trappings of
modern life, but this isn’t about fairness; it’s about
survival.
The time for talk is over. The time for action is now.
Just think of millions and millions of committed Americans
making the personal sacrifices necessary to demonstrate
their resolve to combat man-made global warming. And, most
important, thanks to their efforts, theory would be replaced
by fact.
It’s much easier to argue about a study than it is to refute
the demonstrable results when the temperature drops and the
ocean levels stabilize. When future generations write of the
sacrifices of these men and women, they’ll use words like
“inspirational” and “heroic”.
And so, I urge the advocates for change to embark on this
important mission. Do it for the children. Godspeed.
Mr. Sajak is the host of "Wheel of Fortune" and
PatSajak.com.
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