Every day, it seems, brings fresh news and fresh imagesof Global Warming's mounting impact on humanity (and human activities), local ecosystems, and the global ecosystem. Just coming across my desk are images of Global Warming refugees appearing in the nation's capital.
These refugees provide dramatic images underlining "how global warming is making polar bears homelessby causing the sea ice they rely on to melt, threatening many polar bear populations with extinction."
These refugees are a Greenpeace effort to highlighting what is going on in Arctic and globally.
The Arctic sea ice has fallen to a low of 1.74 million square miles in September, roughly 860,000 square miles below the long-term average.
"That’s an area of polar bear habitat three times the size of Texas lost this summer as a direct result of global warming," said Carroll Muffett, Deputy Campaigns Director for Greenpeace. "Our intent with this project was both to communicate in human terms how that global warming is affecting the polar bear and to highlight the very real connection between the polar bear’s fate and our own."
Of course, the impacts are global ... not just locally in the Arctic.
Rising tides and severe storms intensified by global warming have already displaced millions of people around the world, from Galveston to Gambia. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change projects that millions more will be displaced by global warming in the next few decades as a result of rising sea levels, extended droughts, and more extreme weather events that force migrations and make returning difficult or even impossible.
"My intention with this project was to raise awareness of global warming and the plight of the polar bear," said Jenkins. "Our destinies are bound closely together."
Now, the artwork is starting to gain some notice, even some unwanted attention as one sparked a bomb squad response.
And, we can wonder the political preferences behind this comment.
Maybe if these polar bears would get off crack and get jobs they wouldn't be in this plight.
For many more images of this artwork, jump here.
But, the opportunity is before us to not just sit back and watch, but to help change the situation ... or, in this case, to help with the Greenpeace effort..
There is a chance to stand up and help with this effort:
On Wednesday, September 17th, the fifth bear in our series arrived at the Capitol reflecting pool to send a message to Congress that what the world really needs is more ice, not more oil. We were there with him, to make sure the National Park Police knew our polar bear is both harmless and well-intentioned. Ever the good sports, the Park Police told us the bear could stay and continue his protest, so long as someone was there with him to vouch for his good manners. So, we agreed to stay and keep the bear company for as long as he maintains his vigil. A team from Greenpeace has been there with him ever since--eating Klondike bars and playing 'Don't Break the Ice' to pass the time.
Our bear is resolute. He has continued his silent but eloquent protest for twenty-five hours and counting as of the time of this writing and he's still standing tall. And since he's been such a huge hit, we wanted to invite you all to join us. The weather is beautiful. The setting is majestic. The message is inspiring. And both we and the bear would enjoy the company.
Action item, therefore, if you are in the DC area. Get down to the Mall and visit with, protect, accompanied this lost Polar Bear.
And, well, if you are concerned that this might cut into your blogging time, Greenpeace has an answer for you.
So, consider yourself invited--nay, encouraged--to come down to the Capitol reflecting pool on the East end of the Mall and show your support for our polar bear protester. One and all are welcome anytime of the day or night--though night is particularly encouraged. Our solar truck, the Rolling Sunlight, is onsite to provide free, clean solar power and wireless so you can even bring your laptop and get a little work done.
Contact via GreenPeace USA twitter.
And for other sightings of Polar Bears in DC. And, some other Polar Bear sightings.
An associated serious issue ...
There are quite real issues of homelessness in the United States. While this 'performance art' helps to highlight Global Warming issues, we should also realize that it is using another real issue as a tool to highlight its visibility.
Next Saturday is a day of action, a day of action that 100 percent of us should support and engage with. A Day of Action that can have an impact on both homelessness and getting Polar Bears back into their own homes.
A very simple message for a better future:
Green Jobs! NOW!!!!.
Please ... PLEASE ... Take a Look and join the call for action.