Tag: climate change

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Why Mother Nature Has More Powerful Legal Rights

Table Of Contents
  1. Colonialism vs Egalitarian
  2. Mother Nature’s rights
  3. Work in progress

Is it possible for the entire modern civilization to ban together and pledge equal rights for Mother Nature? No, but keep reading! The design of the current economic system oppresses the poor. This has driven them to degrade giant swaths of protected land. As a result, deforestation is one of the biggest issues in dry, arid and poor countries. They have a choice to either expand a harvest or risk starving their family. So the choice becomes clear. Economic systems that pay farmers pennies a day have no rights. They are slaves that work every day to make a measly $200.00 a year.

Human rights are the basic freedom that belongs to every person. They’re shared human values which include dignity, fairness, respect, equality, and independence. However, there are forces in this world that don’t believe in rights. That is to say, there is a twisted vortex of greed, hate, sickness, and blatant disregard. It’s destroying the rights of hard-working people. Injustice and inhumane treatment have hurt not only humans but also the natural world.

Will it ever stop? It’s not an exaggeration when I say this is a question that millions perhaps billions of people ask! The unequal treatment of whole ecosystems is one of today’s biggest issues. It is society’s biggest social problem. It’s rooted in history so it will not be easy to change. There are thousands of tribes with different customs, religions, and beliefs. So, it seems near impossible to fix the racial biases that shape the world today. Colonialism has made the largest impact on human rights.

Colonialism vs Egalitarian

Today’s leaders seek a policy to govern the rights over people, territories, and things. This economic dominance so far has created a climate catastrophe. We cannot respect nature if there is rampant inequality. But, we do have it within ourselves to protect nature. There is a way of life that predates our modern state. These people are the hunter-gatherers, the more natural or Egalitarian people. They believe in governing with equal political, economic and social rights.

The core beliefs of a family represent mutual respect and fair treatment of one another. Respect that lays the foundation required for equality. Family members identify themselves as having the same social and economic caliber. All that’s needed is equality and education for stewardship to become a core value in the family system. Stewardship has long term benefits for social and economic order. It’s important to realize that it’s in the best interest of families, social order, and future generations. It’s in the best interest of Mother nature.

Mother Nature’s rights

There is an Egalitarian Tribal family that has sought to make a positive impact. It’s a change that will protect the rights of a natural ecosystem. In 2017 a tribe from New Zealand has changed the way people can treat a River. The Maori Tribe from the North Island won legal rights for the third-largest River in New Zealand. The legislature awarded them a victory because their case was strong. Instead of managing the river the law will now treat the river as an entity. The rights of the river are the same as the tribes. So for instance, fines and prosections will be given to those who dump or overfish. The law will try the offender with the same laws as an entity. The incredible process was the longest litigation in the country’s history.

The tribe’s core value recognizes the genealogy of the human race. As a matter of fact, molecules that form our bodies come from the Universe. So, rather us being a master of the natural world we are apart of it. This legal win will allow the Tribe to build a framework of the river’s new life. They say it is not an anti-development or anti-economic framework. But a core belief about how the future life of the river will run. This connection to the natural world runs deep with Indigenous people. The livelihood and general well being of future generations rely on the health of the river.

Work in progress

Something other than a person having human rights is an established idea. The definition of a “legal personality” is a common corporate practice. It distinguishes the legal obligations of the directors and shareholders. So, the theory is practiced in modern business. Once in effect the people, legislature and corporations must take it seriously. Advocate Mumta Ito, believes the current system is programmed for self-destruction. The legal system is the enabler.

“the only way we’ll be able to change things is to create a new operating system with nature’s rights at its core.”

mumta Ito founder of Nature’s Rights

However, the lives of those that live in a city or suburb don’t have the same connection to the environment. The desensitization of society’s polluting way has created a climate catastrophe. A lawyer named Neil Howlett says if this law is passed outside the cultural basis it will not work. Skeptics say dedicating personhood is an act of desperation to save a river. Regardless, indigenous Hunter-gatherers like the Maori tribe will steward the rights of mother nature. Co-existing conditions such as peaceful relations and the right to do business are however necessary. Indigenous people around the world should not be oppressed. Corporate greed and disregard for human rights can not offer us the change we need.

You can make a difference when it seems impossible. Mother nature needs your help.

Here is a list of things you can do to help.

Talk to family members: Give back to Nature. Often families look for ways to make quality time. Cleaning up a beach, garden, do your own juicing, plant a tree. There are many ways to bond and do good for the Planet.

Bake your own cookies: The palm oil that manufacturers use is devastating the Amazon rain forest’s habitats.

Buy Fairtrade Chocolate: This program is designed to give locals (farmers) and their families sustainable incomes and working conditions.

Support initiatives led by Indigenous Tribes or support a non-profit advocacy group.

Check out these interesting stories and info on this topic!

New Zealand’s River

Fairtrade

Eco-friendly rights

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How The Climate Emergency Affects Your Money

money can't save their future

The climate crisis has put the world`s leaders on center stage. Their passive inaction on climate issues has created a movement. This social unrest has cast them into the public spotlight. To cope with the stress caused by the scrutinization from the public eye leaders have declared a CLIMATE EMERGENCY!

In 2016, the world declared the first climate emergency. Since then 25 countries have taken up the challenge. They`ve accepted and are now willing to mitigate the damage done. In 1979, Scientists held the first climate change summit. It then took 36 years for Governments to come together and prepare an agreement.

194 parties agreed to take action that would reduce threats related to global warming. For instance, rise in sea levels, drought, intense fires, and so on. So it’s no wonder why people are wondering what do we do now? What does this mean for me? How will the government`s actions prevent a catastrophe?

The Climate Emergency

Climate Projections

In the past 12,000 years, Earth’s temperatures adjusted plus or minus one degree. Yet, in the past 100 years, our planet’s atmosphere is on track for a projected four-degree warming trend. Scientists believe the earth had experienced this temperature 4 million years ago. But we don’t know what the world looked like back then.

The Intergovernmental Panel of Climate change states that any temperature rise over 4 degrees will lead to “substantial species extinction”. By 2100, they expect to hit the 3 or 4-degree target. At that point, they believe the world’s agriculture system will collapse. The projected population is 11 billion people by 2100. So the threat of no food is why more people should be worried about the climate crisis.

Drought and Social Unrest

Inaction is not an option, it will only make matters worse. The destruction of ecosystems and species is not just our doing. The heat caused by global warming will not be stopped. There is no switch that can be flicked or dial that can be turned. We will watch helplessly and hope for rain. Like children in a war zone, we’ll slowly die. Not because of bullets, but because of heat, food and water scarcity.

Today the hotter regions of the Earth have politics governed by food and water scarcity. The land is protected by force, and walls are built by hatred and anger. For example, Nasa measured the groundwater in the Tigris and Euphrates rivers between 2003 and 2009. They found it had lost water faster than any other place in the world. While the Scientists were watching water levels drop political experts noticed tensions rising in the region. Drought caused thousands to become angry and together they began a revolution in Syria.

Canadian Contributions

Every time we go to the mall and buy something we’re taking from the supply chain. Think about all the energy it took to get there. The raw materials mined or created in a laboratory take energy to produce.

Then we ship raw materials and manufacture them into goods overseas. Next, they`re shipped back, trucked, flown or put on a train to locations across Canada. The chemicals and gases it takes to create these man-made products eventually get released into the environment.

So when we make a purchase it directly affects the CO2 in the atmosphere. We`re burning Fossil fuels to mine, log, process, ship, and ship again. In the past, this logistically has worked. But we`ve had fewer people on Earth. So, our economy can`t work without dire consequences.

Carbon Taxing

If people are not willing to change their ways then the government has no choice. They must step in and do it for us. The Canadian government implemented a Carbon tax to Ontario, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. What are they doing with our Carbon tax dollars?

From the government`s perspective, the best way to address the cost of climate change is to tax us. Like taxing cigarettes it nudges people to make a change if it costs them more. Once the government taxed cigarettes people vowed to quit and sales decreased. A collaborative government agreement was signed to keep climate change in check. However, they can’t change the GHG emissions without the support of the public.

Environment Canada states, by 2020 the Climate tax will have removed 50-60 Megatonnes of Carbon from the air annually. If their calculations are correct it is effective. This effectively reduces emissions by 12% each year. British Columbia introduced the Carbon tax in 2008. According to a 2018 report B.C. has the fastest growing economy in Canada! Coincidence?

Canadian Industry

The Federal government’s website shows the most significant reduction will come from Industry. Corporations haven`t spent money on innovative technologies on their own accord. They’re lured with a carrot to get them to think and act differently. Therefore, through taxation, the government enforces methane reduction in the oil and gas industry. 

The goal is to reduce emissions between 40-45% below 2012 levels by the year 2025. They’re allowing flexibilities while encouraging innovation of methane reductions. Canadian taxpayers have collectively reduced the potential compliance costs for the oil and gas industry. By more than 1 billion dollars…

One of the ways companies uses this money is by using cost-effective technology. For instance, they`re using drone planes with infrared cameras to detect gas leaks. If they know where the leak is then they’re able to fix it thus saving time and money. The Carbon tax is hotly debated because it`s misunderstood. But in the end, the Canadian government gives 90% of the tax dollars back to the public. They do this in the form of rebates to those that use transit, electric cars or smart home technology.

Change Matters

The Climate crisis is a term that politicians, activists, and scientists use to get our attention! If we wait we’ll struggle to cope with the warming atmosphere. Fortunately, there is still time. Feel a sense of relief knowing that you can make a difference.

Support a circular economy, drive alternative vehicles, eat a 100-mile diet. There are so many ways to live a more meaningful life. Small changes in everyday decisions will help the climate emergency. It is the betterment of those living in hot arid climates. Plus, it will promote a better life now and for the future. What will you do today that will make a difference for tomorrow?

Read more about this topic in these great resources below

Carbon Pricing in Canada

Canada’s commitment to the carbon reduction

Carbon Tax

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Ice Breaker: How To Start The Best Dinner Conversations

Do you find your dinner conversation is boring? Find out how you can spark the best dinner conversation tonight! This conversation will lead to further life-altering conversations. I guarantee you! A dinner table is a place where important conversations happen. Quality family time is spent here, business deals are made and romance is sparked! It’s important to talk about the things that matter now not later. A busy life gets in the way and we have less time to have long meaningful conversations. But dinner time is supposed to be a time when families and friends reconnect.

What could be more important than having a conversation about Climate Change? When I talk about Climate change to those around me I swear it’s easy to misunderstand what’s happening to our planet. I hear questions like, well what happened in the past? Hasn’t the Earth been this warm before? Thankfully we have scientists that can help answer these questions.

One-third of Canadians need to have this dinner conversation

One-third of Canadians don’t believe that it’s humans or industry which has changed the Climate. According to the Abacus Data Poll, we’re leery because we feel it’s an opportunity for the government to collect money. For example, the Canadian Carbon tax is not very popular. We believe it’s just another reason to tax common people.

The Whistle-Blowers

But, it now seems there’s a big enough change which has sparked Meteorologists to speak up. Many believe Science is not convincing enough. Maybe these people are the whistleblowers to deliver an ice breaker the world needs!. This is another way to begin the conversation in Climate change. After all, if we’re not talking about the problem than we won’t be able to solve it. The big question for these Meteorologists, is when does it stop being a fluke and begin to become a trend?

In fact, there are twenty-six thousand independent references to the fact that the climate is changing. The length and intensity of heatwaves have risen and bird populations have changed migration patterns. A 63-year study observed 96 species of migrant birds. The findings show they’ve altered their arrival and departure dates. They’ve done this to adjust for the increase in temperatures.  Is this the Canary in the coal mine?

We’re free to have opinions but can’t escape the facts

What will it take for everyone around the world to take notice? A good dinner conversation. The problem with the weather is everyone has their own climate bubble. We look out the window take note of the weather. Then decide if we need to wear a coat or a sweater. The seasons and our knowledge of the weather are very localized. We can learn more about weather events on television. However, snapshots of these weather patterns won’t tell the whole story. This brief encounter doesn’t give us the knowledge we need to decide if a change is warranted.

I have outlined the best experiments that deliver the truth about climate change. There is already significant evidence that we are shifting the world’s temperatures. The creation of Green House Gases is pretty much 9th-grade science! If the air inside the Earth continues to heat up than the ground cannot stay cool.

Molecular Reactivity

In 1824 an experiment concluded that the air in the atmosphere has the ability to keep the earth cool or hot. John Tyndall an Irish scientist was the first to discover the experiment and explain air. He used a sensor to measure the temperatures of two sources of heat. Two fires were lit on opposite sides of the tube. He then used gases within the tube to study the reactivity.

He found Nitrogen and Oxygen didn’t change in the presence of heat. However, he found Carbon dioxide and water vapor gas is reactive when exposed to heat. The result of the experiment shows that CO2 traps heat. It’s the ability to absorb and re-emit energy which causes the Green House Effect.

Measuring CO2

Scientists are able to measure the quantities of CO2 in the atmosphere. Infrared imaging can show levels of Carbon dioxide. This image looks like the swirling existence of gas found around the world. They’ve developed a bell curve or keeling curve to study the levels. It suggests we’ve experienced a recent steep incline in CO2.

Moreover, scientists are acquiring data from the Antarctic ice sheet. Their expeditions are drilling deep into the ice bed. They’ve taken years to decipher data. It tells us how much CO2 has been present in our atmosphere for the past 800,000 years. These Ice pockets found in drilled samples have trapped gases. A snapshot in time of what CO2 levels and our climate looked like thousands of years ago!

Below a popular graph is written by one Scientist. He and other climatologists have developed graphs that outline the history of our climate. What you need to know about global warming discusses the matter further. The best dinner conversations should be the center of any good climate change debate.

It’s getting hot in here!

They can also measure the history of temperatures in the lines found on clamshells. The clamshells grow every year and can live up to 500 years. Thus, the study from Bangor University was able to decipher 1000 years of Marine climate. The recorded graph below shows the temperature and Carbon dioxide is similar. It shows the relationship between the rise and fall of CO2 correlates with the rise and fall of temperatures.

Scientists found we’ve released 37.1 billion tonnes of CO2 from fossil fuels in 2018. The CO2 from fossil fuel has a distinct chemical fingerprint in the atmosphere. So Scientists can predict that the majority of the current warming trend is caused by ourselves.

A tree can absorb up to 48 pounds of Carbon Dioxide a year. All of the trees on Earth are currently soaking up a quarter of the CO2 that we release into the air. Without trees, we would be in a worse state than we are now! Trees keep the ground cooler and so do the oceans. Oceans are absorbing heat molecules that dominate the climate. A staggering ninety percent of the heat we’re releasing is being soaked into Oceans. But, this cannot continue. The consequences of heating up the Ocean is catastrophic to Oceanic life.

Time for Change

This dinner conversation is a good ice breaker between family and friends. After all, if we’re not talking about our problems at the dinner table then chances are it won’t come up! Our planet didn’t come with a owners manual and we’re changing the balance of our atmosphere. An experiment like this has never been done in 40 million years! I know we’re clever enough to fix it. It’s the effort by everyone that needs to happen that scares me the most! Can EVERYONE in Canada change their routines, habits, and lives?

Carbon Tax

Who is John Tyndall

Climate Change Nasa

The Weather Machine Documentary

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36 Easy Ways To Live A Better Life

Table Of Contents
  1. A Reason to live a better life
  2. Here are thirty-six good deeds to live a better life.
  3. Materialism costs consumers their futures

A Reason to live a better life

Climbing a mountain seems like madness and once you’ve reached the top of the summit all that’s heard is silence. The metaphor of climbing a mountain is often described when searching for a better life.  But those who climb mountains are often faced with tough decisions, not beauty. Why do people search out and conquer such extreme goals? Yet when they’re faced with changing simple daily habits find it so hard to commit to them? Dreams and desires are mountains of the mind that drive us to be.

After all, isn’t life complete once you reach the highest goal? Life is good and should there be any reason to seek out more? No, not really. But, countless people who have reached their goals will tell you the idea is misleading. Most that achieve their dreams and ultimate desires find they quickly become bored.

Moreover, the time has come where we’re forced to face the issues created by our desires. Where fascination and obsessions have worn out our planet. Our need for the planet’s resources is far and wide. Demand has risen and will further rise in the future.

Now Scientists are telling us temperatures and sea levels are rising. Consequently, World Leaders in different countries are asked to rise in the face of this new challenge. So, many have declared a climate change emergency. But what can one person do to make a difference? 

Here are thirty-six good deeds to live a better life.

Unplug your devices.

It’s often the little things all together that add up to savings. If you get into the habit of pulling the plug it will help swell your pocketbook.

Plant wildflowers

Planting wildflowers in public areas beautify the grounds. It gives beneficial insects food and gives grassy areas more attractive.

Buy post-consumer paper

Cascades prides its brand on using post-consumer cardboard to make their tissue.

Plant a vegetable garden and donate the vegetables to the food bank.

Food donated to the food bank is often filled with white flour, sugar, and salt. The fruits and veggies are canned and fresh produce isn’t a popular hand out. You can change that by giving fresh fruit and vegetables from your garden.

Turn off the lights before bed.

Lights that blaze through the night are not their to protect. That’s why they made security systems! Turn off your porch or hallway light and save money.

Turn the tap off

The natural thing to do is keep the water running while brushing teeth or washing the odd dish. Water is the most precious resource on the planet, next to air. Treat water with the respect it deserves and conserve as much as you can!

Take public transport instead of driving

For those people that wouldn’t take a bus even if it meant they’d save money. It’s not that bad! Bring your earbuds, listen to a good podcast, research a hobby, interest or read a book. This is downtime and often reflecting on life happens on the bus.

Stop Plastic

Remembering your plastic bag is hard at first but eventually, you get better at it! It’s exactly like conditioning your muscles when you work out! They get stronger and so do you! The same goes for looking for ways to reduce packaging waste.

Hold the door open for a stranger

The lovely thing about this action is that you’ll find people randomly reciprocate. If you open the door first your efforts will not be lost. Just like anything you put effort into you start to see results. Plus it makes you feel good inside!

Write a letter to your local MLA

I have written a letter for you! Copy and paste it from How to stop using plastic bags effectively. I provide a link so you can find their email with one click (Canada only). Even since the climate emergency was declared people are still reaching for a plastic bag.

Sign up to change.org

Support petitions that help to end climate change and plastic. People that have a passion for social causes are creating them in the hope to change the world. Help let their dedication take them to the next level. It is their dream to have your support and it could make a profound difference.

Buy an electric car

Keep in mind that electric cars are best when your power comes from hydro, solar, or wind energy. If the powerplant down the street is using fossil fuels to generate electricity than it defeats the purpose.

Attend an event that supports earth-friendly ways.

A farmers market is such a good way to find products made close to home. I like this idea since it’s here you find new ideas, attractive organic produce.

Read a book

Justine Mckeen’s Bottle Throttle is a good book for the children in your family. The book is about a child’s worries about what plastic is doing to the environment and how it might affect her friends. Reading books like these ones can give you another perspective. It offers some insight and inspiration for those that need it.

Spend more time outside

The International Journal of Environmental Health research shows that you just need 20 minutes in Nature. Even if you don’t spend it exercising it still improves your wellbeing!

calculate your carbon footprint.

Families can help each other by holding one another accountable. Set a goal and try to reduce it by twenty percent. finding ways to reduce waste with your family will all be life-changing. If you can reduce your carbon footprint you’ll save time and money.

Volunteer your time.

Volunteering can be so much fun! It is a way to see new places, meet new people, and have a great experience. Don’t just volunteer for just one cause. Make sure you volunteer for multiple causes to keep things interesting.

Buy soap bars.

Plastic bottles are a nightmare! Everything these days is held in plastic. However, the variety you can find in a soap bar for all hair types is really good. Quite often they don’t have the chemicals you can’t pronounce. Plus, they’re often made by local soap makers. So, help out a local small business owner while using less plastic. It’s worth it.

Skip eating beef.

The book OMD is written to show you that plant-based diets are good for your mind, body and the planet too. Suzi Amis Cameron offers tips and recipes for this one life-changing idea. Just cooking one meal a day differently can make life better.

Pick up trash at the park or the beach.

Train yourself to pick up other people’s trash. That’s a concept that is actually quite hard to grasp. It’s not an easy task and it may not be your trash but it’s your planet.

Be a part of or organize a market for local consumers

Let your inner ecobabe out! If you’re feeling entrepreneurial than now is the time to invent, discover, and distribute eco-friendly products. Network with other people that have other good ideas and find a way to get it to the consumer. Set up a pop-up shop or join the local Farmer’s market.

Reuse take out containers

The smaller containers are great for packing lunches or organize your craft drawer. Store leftovers or bake and give your goods away. Be as bold as to save them up and give them away again. Who knows! Another person’s trash is another person’s treasure. Get creative. These takeout containers are built to last for the next five generations…at least.

Talk to someone

Practice incorporating climate change or plastic pollution into small talk. If you share your worries with another it could change their perspective. Talk to a friend or family member about rising temperatures and sea levels. Talk to a stranger about the trash in our oceans.

Buy Organic

Organic food supports the healthy lifestyle of Farmers. Traditional farming supports the natural ecosystem and if done right will change the world. Organic farming involves crop diversity, harmony with nature without pesticides. All the good things we want for our planet.

Let a child write a letter

A child’s letter comes from an innocent place that can melt hearts. It’s often more powerful than a letter coming from an adult. It also gives the child a sense of accomplishment and gives them purpose.

Support ethical companies

We buy products with attractive packaging or good taste. We don’t take into account who we’re supporting when we buy it. What is their environmental and social impact? It’s not easy to tell unless you stop and do some research. Not many people have time for it. Stop supporting companies that don’t take their environmental impact seriously.

Eat fruits and vegetables grown locally

When you choose fruits and vegetables do you look to see where it’s grown? Quite often apples grown in your local region will sit next to the apple grown 100 miles away. Make sure you’re aware of which one to choose. Go with fruit or vegge with the smallest carbon footprint and help a local Farmer out.

Bake

When you pick up a six-pack of muffins, a box of cookies or a bag of bread you’re not just getting the food. Reduce your reliance on prepackaged baking and try doing it at home. #Tip: When you bake only bake half the dough, freeze the other half. A brilliant way to reduce reliance on the packaging and Palm Oil.

Post on social media

Share your experience doing something good for someone. Post stories of how you overcame a challenge and figured a good solution. It will give others the motivation to do the same!

Make homemade soup

Chicken soup for the soul! Why would making soup give you a better life? It’s is a healthier option to canned soups. You get fresh vegetables and fewer preservatives. Store-bought soup also comes with an aluminum can! Aluminum cans are not as bad as plastic. But it’s still considered a single-use product. It is recyclable however in our trashy pandemic state it should be avoided. In this case, less is more! *Freeze leftovers

Plant a fruit tree

Fresh fruits such as Cherry, Pear, Apple, Plum or Peach sound so good! Plant one in your yard amongst the wildflowers. The grass is a popular choice for most lawns but it’s not the best choice. A Fruit tree will bring wildlife to your home and fresh fruit to your table.

Invest in solar panels

If your power comes from coal-fired plants maybe it’s time to cut the chord!

Bring your own Coffee cup

I asked the Barista at the local Starbucks how many people bring their own cup. Her guesstimate was 1 in 10. I don’t know about you but I drink a lot of coffee and hardly ever see anyone with their own cup. Lead by example. Tell the person waiting beside you your wish. A wish that more people would remember their own cup.

Say no to straws

We lived without straws before and managed to get by! Who taught us that we need a straw to suck back our favorite beverage anyway? Plastic straws are unnecessary. So next time your handed one give it back and tell them why!

Materialism costs consumers their futures

If we practice these new habits we will find fulfillment. Fulfillment in the sense where we practice good deeds while keeping money in our pockets. Like a mountain climber, we have to remain present. Every decision must be done consciously with the knowledge that if we don’t change now life will be very different in the future.

These 36 changes you make to your life will affect the economy. However, in the long run, it will adjust and be better off. It’s not natural to have continual growth without consequences. Continuous corporate profits are not sustainable.

Lead the way

Therefore, it’s time to support those invested in the community. Overall it’s important to support companies defined by their environmental policies. Find out which 12 companies lead the way to a circular economy. You still have some time to do what is right for our planet!

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Save $14,000 For Retirement when you do this!

Working towards creating a better future should be budgeted into every family plan. If we establish what retirement looks like we’d imagine the same standard of life indefinitely.  But, there now needs to be a symbiotic relationship between us and the environment. Caring for our home and considering nature is now more important than ever!

Statistics show that sixty-five percent of Canadians are contributing some of their earnings towards retirement each year. When we come to the crossroads later in life we understand the value in saving once it’s time. It`s nice to have eggs still left in the basket for ourselves and our children.

The decision to make ONE change can give you a huge payback that many people will miss in a lifetime. There are currently 7.7 billion people on Earth and only four million people have bought all-electric cars so far.

Novelty and how it affects retirement plans

Ordinarily, brand new car purchases are a popular choice for many Canadians. The thrill of the drive and that new car scent is alluring and attractive and the temptation is real! Statistics show over two million brand new cars were sold in 2018 in Canada. Yet, once a new car leaves the dealership’s lot everyone knows the car depreciates significantly in value. But, we still buy them anyway!

The next best model, a faster motor, larger towing capacity, fully loaded, or even the basic package. People want it! Our brains are hard-wired to seek new and unfamiliar. The reward chemical dopamine injects us with happiness and fuels the need for new and different things. But, what do you think would happen if everyone decided to save their money? Just keep the car they had or buy used?

The people of Cuba keep the cars they have and so far have kept them going for close to seventy years! The cars are now pretty rare and car collectors consider them desirable so keeping your car could be beneficial. If we wore our cars out before buying another the world would be a very different place. We would all be a little richer.

How To Make An Environmental Friendly Investment And Save Money

Conversely, what we need now is an alternative motor for the future. One that can solve the rising CO2 emissions. The Lithium reserve in the world holds enough for four billion people to use one electric vehicle. Presently, electric car sales are on the rise every year. Canadians have bought nearly thirty-five thousand units in 2018 alone. A rise of 158% compared to 2017!

I’ve done some research and found the Nissan Leaf is super affordable. It is also the second most popular all-electric vehicle behind Tesla. The all-electric vehicle is traditionally less harmful to the environment. Plus, statistics show a consumer will save $860.00 in fuel each year! The 2012 Nissan Leaf’s average costs are an affordable $14,000.

A new all-electric vehicle will take thirty years of fuel savings to pay off the original cost of the car. Therefore, it doesn’t make much sense for those trying to save money. The reduction of petroleum consumption will reduce the carbon footprint for each household. Thus, reducing Canada’s reliance on oil from foreign countries.

The car companies have come up with all the bells and whistles a commuter could ever need. The carbon footprint from the manufacturing cost of one car is equal to twelve tonnes of CO2. This is equal to the weight of two elephants!! Canadian consumers have bought two million new cars last year. This is equal to four million elephants sized puffs of CO2 released into the atmosphere every year.

Electric cars are on the rise as a reliable, environmentally friendly option. Buying it used, makes the most sense for the average person’s pocketbook. Save money for retirement and give our health and the health of the environment a break.

https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1093657_buying-a-new-car-is-greener-than-driving-an-old-one-really

Electric vehicles sales update Q3 2018, Canada
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Desertification and How To Solve It

Deserts… Hot air that wipes the condensation clean off any surface. It’s a zone that will whip the butt of anyone underprepared to beat the heat! Not much can survive in this kind of climate and if there is life its there because it has adapted over thousands of years. People don’t belong in this kind of weather, we like water! However, these regions, although they naturally contract and expand they’re growing in size. Deserts often expand independently from human activity. But the increase in CO2 is making the Earth warmer contributing to the desertification process.

Children learn in Grade six science about extreme temperatures. Cold frigid air is found at the Earth’s poles and the intense heat is found near the equator. Science also explains the Poles, mainly the Arctic is now warming. Cold winds are scattered from the Arctic by a semi-permanent low-pressure system known as the polar vortex. The warming Arctic is a sign we’re losing the balance between hot and cold on Earth. Warmer temperatures will make life more difficult for people. If this happens eventually desertification will be a larger worldwide issue.

History of desertification

Desertification already covers over one-third of land on Earth. To compound the problem the Earth’s population is rising to levels never seen before! Desertification has historically destroyed large Empires such as the Roman and the Grecian Empire. People starved for food and water and large populations dispersed or died away. Evidence shows the majority of soil degradation happens in densely populated areas. Inappropriate land use such as deforestation, grazing livestock, agriculture, and mining are the biggest reasons.

Factors that contribute to a warm Earth

In one lifetime, we’ve seen a sixty percent loss in species and the loss of half the world’s topsoil. It’s something that has happened relatively quietly and quickly. Our appetite for delicious coffee, tasty food, and cotton t-shirts makes us numb to what we figure we can’t control. Some of the greatest ingredients we can’t live without like Coffee beans, Palm oil, and Cotton are grown in warm arid climates. The farmers lack the education to keep the soil beneath their feet fertile. Instead, what’s happening, once the soil dries, they move through the rainforests cutting down the trees. They’re after the rich soils which give them ideal growing conditions.

The Amazon has suffered but, no country is immune. From Canada, Iceland to South America every county in between. We all do it. Canadians don’t have the political turmoil, and our level of poverty is moderate in comparison to warmer arid climates. We have resources that are still untapped and our climate can still get pretty cold.  However, every human need is the same and we’re all takers. We aren’t born with the ability to conserve in the conservatory and we’re taking more than we give back. But, what happens when there is no more to take from a warm Earth?

“Idealism is like a castle in the air if it’s not based on a solid foundation of social and political realism.”


Claude Mckay.

Where do we go from here?

If we want to achieve success, then we need to provide those that don’t have the proper background and skill with education. If we don’t know how to give it then we should spend the money to get it and give it! In the poorest societies in the hottest regions, the struggle is real! They don’t have the money or education to renew their landscape. These high-density areas have hardly any natural resources. This is how poverty and destruction are perpetuated in a warm Earth.

Ecologists are speaking out. They’re addressing the ever-growing problem of desertification. John D. Liu born in Nashville, Tennessee is a world-renowned cameraman and ecologist. He is actively creating a solution. In 2017 he founded the Ecosystem Restoration Camps. A worldwide movement linked to restoring large scale tracks of degraded land. He believes that the harmful effects from humans have not only caused Greenhouse gases, but also ruined biomass, organic matter, and diversity.

A Working Solution

The Ecologists from the Common Land project estimate the world loses over four trillion US dollars a year!! All this money is lost because of overexploitation and building the wrong type of Infrastructure around the world. The firm is responsible for coordinating partnerships between the Investors, Companies, Entrepreneurs, and farmers or land users. There are four zones that this particular partnership addresses, Social Capital, Financial Capital, Natural Capital, and Inspiration for the Future.

The Return of Natural Capital

First of all, they’re creating the opportunity which allows the local ecosystem a chance to recuperate from thousands of years of abuse. This abuse is caused by the agricultural sector, which relied heavily on the Earth to produce pastures for livestock to graze. It’s the constant pounding of hooves on the ground and the nipping of new growth from hungry mouths. It is difficult to ask two million people to stop the cycle since it is their livelihood and the only thing they have ever known!

Secondly, Common Land establishes a business case between the farmers and their support network to promote a new way of life for the farmers. They promote sustainable farming practices involving planting trees and crops, beneficial to the biodiversity of the area. Consequently, this new way ends livestock herding and gives the men and woman a new way of making a living through sustainable means.

The Return of Social Capital

No one knows the importance of security more than the American people. The American political administration understands they must continue to produce economic vitality, growth, and prosperity at home. The administration feels there will be dire consequences if they continue to trade away its prosperity for financial security. In the end, they will end up losing both! With economic stability so comes national security.

Furthermore, the Common Land’s goal is to restore social security by promoting order. Part of the plan is to educate people, bring back jobs, business activities and secure each region.

The Return of Financial Capital

Common Land’s works with the most brilliant minds, passionate hearts, and skillful hands. They offer commercial, public, private and grant sources at different stages of their projects. They develop a business plan that injects the capital needed to fulfill the goal to create a safe, fertile, and profitable environment for the local population. An investment that will start seeing returns in twenty years.

The Return of Inspiration

In conclusion, this organization is bringing back a sense of hope to people that could barely support themselves. People are working hard to stabilize areas of the planet that need help the most. It not only restores hope but also a sense of fulfillment. Local people in arid regions have a renewed role as environmental stewards in a warm Earth. What a wonderful opportunity for anyone involved in the process! I wish only good things for this organization and the people surrounding the operation.

To learn more about this topic click here:

Deforestation

Soil erosion

Desertification

Worldwide Wildlife

John. D Liu

Common Land

Economic security is national security