Northfield Rotarian Alan Anderson started by saying that Rotary has “Protecting the Environment” as a new focus. RI has had 6 focus areas; adding environmental sustainability as a 7th recognizes that all 6 are at risk due to changes in the climate. Alan emphasized that the RI Board of Directors vote to add 7th was unanimous.
In reviewing climate science, Alan pointed to a November 2018 report that included multiple government agencies’ input: climate change is real, and effects are irreversible. The report stated that burning of fossil fuels is driving climate change. While the greenhouse gas effect is necessary to warm the planet, too much CO2 is problematic.
Alan showed a graph of atmospheric CO2 tracking a 50% increase in years since 1958. Numerous effects of this increase are already being felt, including more extreme weather, heat waves, droughts, and floods. There is a water emergency on the Colorado River, which is a first, and there is concern that It might be necessary to cut off water to farmers.
Sea level rise is another issue. Predictions for the year 2100 range from 1-3 feet, and coastal cities are already feeling the impact, and the economic impact is already being felt. The number of events and cost have both increased substantially in the decades since the 80s, which could have major consequences for US and other economies.
To tie this issue, to Rotary, Alan described how the 4-way test applies. Climate change is real, i.e. it is the truth, with the other 3 parts of the test applying as well. Alan showed a slide of the Rotary magazine issue with the climate change cover story.
While much of the news on climate is negative, there is lots of good news. Corporations are seeing the need, and taking action because it’s good business.
Specific actions that people can take: start a RCAT localy (Rcatnow.com URL).; Take the Global Climate Pledge; Join Citizens Climate Lobby; Join Rotary’s Environmenta; Sustainability Action Group. www.esrag.org.
If you want to see copies of the slides from Alan's talk, email rkerfwilson@gmail.com
About the Speaker: Alan Anderson was born & raised in Owatonna MN, graduated from Oregon State with a BS in Wildlife Science, served in the Army National Guard, and owned a small business, all before working as an executive for the Boy Scouts of America for 35 years. He retired in 2012 and has been working to do his part to preserve a livable world for his 5 little grandchildren and all of ours.