Air Pollution
In my teens and early twenties I flew quite a bit. I noticed that sometimes the air appeared polluted, but normally it was really clear once you got away from large cities. Forty years later the air is always polluted, even when one is hundreds 
of miles away from cities.
We have now found ourselves in a situation where global air pollution poses a genuine threat to the future survival of mankind. There is consensus among scientists worldwide that air pollution from cars and trucks, factories, and coal burning power plants is responsible for the vast majority of this. Mankind has caused this as a byproduct of industrialization. This is not some natural cyclical phenomenon of nature.
When one looks at the inherent selfishness of our species it seems unlikely that global cooperation will be achieved in reducing the air pollution. But there are some encouraging signs too. China is not only a rapidly growing country with a massive population, its leaders are also far more committed to renewable green energy than western countries like America.
Here in the USA we can genuinely help. Governmental policies supporting green energy are vital, and so is individual action. Our per capita consumption of energy is higher than anywhere else on the planet.
There are many “news outlets” which confuse entertainment with honest reporting of the facts. As consumers we need to learn which ones are telling us the truth and which are not so concerned with integrity or candor.
On an individual basis one of the more important
things we can do is use energy wisely. Reduction of waste and conservation includes things like adding more insulation to your house, caulking leaks, lowering the thermostat in the winter and raising it in the summer. Changing light bulbs to the compact fluorescent type is useful. Walking or riding a bicycle is not only good for your health, it helps reduce energy consumption. When you get a new car, don’t worry so much about its sex appeal or large engine, give primary emphasis to fuel economy. Consider riding a high MPG scooter instead of taking your car.
The politicians will not go to the effort to support genuinely green policy options until there is a true groundswell of support from the people. Like with so many things in life, not words but action on a individual basis is what will change the world.
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