Geologist’s perspective on climate change.

Geology is a study of the Earth’s patterns based on historical evidence left above and underground. Today’s geologists must calculate in an additional factor: human-caused climate changes that increase the risk of harmful events. Fifty-five million years ago, a massive release of methane gas from the ocean floor extinguished many species, and it appears that this accompanied a period of extreme global warming.

Dr. Peter Barrett – Professor of Geology, Antarctic Research Centre, University of Wellington, New Zealand (M): The massive discharge 55 million years ago was on account of, or at least it was at the same time as and linked with the rifting of the North Atlantic, so huge disturbances, sort of energies beyond what we can imagine.

VOICE: There are a number of related risks that coincide with global warming, for instance, ocean acidification and plant extinction due to high atmospheric CO2 levels.

Dr. Peter Barrett (M): When we look at the trends and projections, like the midpoint for the projections for the century, it’s 3 degrees. It still means there’s a risk that it could be more than 3 or 5.  But what it does mean, is that we will have created a climate that makes that inevitable. And so this is a legacy for our children’s children.

VOICE: Dr. Barrett agrees, as many scientists do, that for the sake of future generations, we must reduce our carbon footprint as quickly as possible. He also commented on the benefit of reducing meat consumption.

Dr. Peter Barrett (M): Producing meat is more carbon intensive. I personally am eating less meat.

VOICE: We thank Dr. Barrett and geologists worldwide who are concerned and actively informing the public of our planet’s urgent situation. May we work together to reduce the risks of warming, including turning more to the healthy plant-based diet, to stabilize and preserve our planetary home.

Brazilian priest calls for an ethical solution to environmental problems.

Father José Roque Junges is a Jesuit priest and a leading bioethicist. Speaking at a recent Congress of Bioethics in Bogota, Colombia, he said that addressing global warming should come not only through technology but also a morally-based lifestyle. This includes such practices as avoiding excess consumerism and reducing meat consumption.
Our sincere gratitude Father José Roque Junges for sharing your wise perspective that planetary harmony comes from a life based in ethics and compassion. Surely our collective care and lighter footsteps that come from moderate living and adopting a more plant-based diet will bring abundant benefit to our Earth.

http://www.eltiempo.com/vidadehoy/ciencia/2008-09-08/bioeticista-brasileno-dice-que-hay-que-regular-el-consumo-para-contrarrestar-el-calentamiento-global_4526132-1, http://www.catholicethics.com/padua/planning/index.php, http://www.prto.mpf.gov.br/info/info_bibdetalhes.php?iid=1297&ctg=3&sctg=7