Editorial comment by Frank Barnas: The Valdosta Sierra Club and Global Warming

Having read several cute comments in the Valdosta Daily Times' "Rant and Rave" concerning global warming, I feel compelled to respond. The anonymous posts point to recent snow in New York as absolute proof that global warming should be dismissed. I'd like to carry that line of thinking one step further.

For a moment, let's ignore the volumes of research from NASA, the National Center for Atmospheric Research, and 1,600 climate experts who just released an extensive document on global warming. Two weeks ago, GE, Alcoa, and DuPont called for action to regulate greenhouse gases, so we should mock them. Wal-Mart's pledge to reduce carbon monoxide can be scorned, and Valdosta Mayor John Fretti's plan to have the city purchase hybrid cars can be smirked at as well. Even my own azaleas, which had the audacity to bloom two weeks ago, must have it all wrong.

Ignoring everyone who's actually studied the evidence, I'll pretend for a moment that the climate isn't changing a bit.

Instead, I'll look at some of the other problems we have. We have a national economy beholden to the oil industry. Much of the oil comes from politically unstable countries, some of whom have folks that don't like us a whole bunch. Is using less oil really such a bad idea?

Electricity for homes comes primarily from burning coal. But coal gives off some very toxic and very nasty pollutants -- you can burn a hunk or two in a closed room sometime to get the idea. Is promoting alternative energy, like solar or wind power, that terrible of a plan?

Obesity rates are going up. Simply put, we're collectively getting fatter and lazier, leading to increased health care costs and a lesser quality of life. Is there something truly sinister about promoting a multipurpose trail for riding bicycles or just taking a walk?

True, there are those who demand Hummers to survive the treacherous roads of Valdosta -- that railroad crossing is a real bear unless you're cushioned by a few tons of steel. Obviously, not everyone can bother to concern themselves with global warming. But is there any advantage to having a country with dirty air, pudgy citizens, and fat cars that slurp down gas?

Should oil dependency, pollution, or walking trails seem important to you, I invite you to join us at the Sierra Club meeting the last Wednesday of every month at 7pm at the Turner Arts Center. If you want, we'll focus on just those issues and ignore the whole nasty global warming thing altogether. But should an anonymous ranter come forth to discuss the snow in New York, I'll hand over a CNN report -- it shows that this past January was the warmest one on record in the United States.

Frank Barnas
Chair, Valdosta Sierra Club

• Group News
   
• Chapter News
   

• Join Or Give
   
• Contacts
   

• Resources
   

Jul 23, 2008 -- Stephen asks Sierra Club Executive Director Carl Pope if George W. Bush is a green president or the greenest president. Details...
 

Jul 22, 2008 -- Please join us for our bi-annual planning event at the Dunwoody Nature Center on Aug 16. We will review the chapter's strategic plan and update it for 2009 – 2011. Details...
 

Jul 21, 2008 -- The Chapter Nominating Committee is seeking candidates for Executive Committee (ExCom). If you know of someone you think would be a good ExCom member, or you are interested in serving yourself, contact us by August 22. Details...
 

Jul 05, 2008 -- Learn to develop effective groups, network with other activists, then take what you've learned and put it to into action at your high school, campus, and community. The Georgia training will be held Jul 27-Aug 3 at Cloudlands Canyon Lodge. Register today! Details...
 

Jul 03, 2008 -- Georgia residential consumers and business owners are now eligible for a Georgia income tax credit for installing certain "clean energy property" as a result of the passage of legislation (House Bill 670) during the 2008 Georgia General Assembly. Details...
 

Jul 02, 2008 -- Fulton County Superior Court Judge Thelma Wyatt Cummings Moore issued a decision today effectively halting construction of the first coal-fired power plant proposed in Georgia in over 20 years. Details...
 

Jun 20, 2008 -- Jun-19-2008: With a giant wind turbine representing America's clean energy future as a backdrop, the Sierra Club and United Steelworkers today jointly endorsed Barack Obama as the change America needs. Details...
 

Jun 14, 2008 -- The earth shifted Thursday for Georgia transportation. At least that's the hope of advocates who have decried a leadership void as Atlanta suffered congestion, statewide transportation projects dried up and new funding proposals went nowhere. Details...
 

May 16, 2008 -- Learn how to save money at the pump with our gas-saving tips -- and learn about a better US energy policy. Details...
 

May 01, 2008 -- Nearly two decades ago, Clayton County began building a unique water treatment system that includes wetlands and reservoirs. Details...
 

Apr 25, 2008 -- An exciting exhibition of artwork by artist Jeannine Cook, entitled Seasons on Sapelo, is currently on display at the Emory University Law Library in Atlanta. Details...
 

Mar 20, 2008 -- Georgia is second only to Texas in increased carbon emissions from its power plants since 2002, according to a national report released Tuesday by an environmental advocacy group. Georgia had 20 percent increase in five years. Details...
 

Mar 20, 2008 -- We are looking for a few good people to help work on outreach events like film screenings, picnics, new member events, newsletter articles, and a data gathering project. Details...
 

Mar 11, 2008 -- Select articles from the May - Jun 2008 issue of the Georgia Sierran are now online! The Georgia Sierran, published bimonthly, features timely articles on important issues and exciting events in Georgia. Read all about it! Details...
 

Mar 11, 2008 -- Take action: call or write Rep. Nathan Deal and tell him you support HR4092, the "Mountaintown Scenic Area Act of 2007." Details...
 

Feb 25, 2008 --

Read more

(.pdf)

The proposed coal-fired power plant in Early County, Georgia will take our state and country in the wrong direction. Use of this old, dirty technology will hinder the growth of renewable energy and efficiency programs. Learn more at Details...
 

Feb 22, 2008 -- Our Wildlands and Wildlife Committee needs more volunteers to help protect Georgia's beautiful forests. If you care about endangered species, the North Georgia mountains, hiking, or forests, this committee is for you. Details...
 

Jan 05, 2008 -- Just in case you get a chance to ask any of the candidates a question or five, here's a list to get you started. Details...
 

Jan 03, 2008 -- Register to vote now! It'll only take a few minutes, and it's easy! Details...
 

Dec 20, 2007 -- In 2007, the Sierra Club was able to stand up against serious assaults on the environment, and turn the tide with some major victories. But 2008 will be the Bush Administration's last chance to push their radical anti-environmental agenda. We need your support to continue the momentum we've built: Join Sierra Club - special $25 introductory offer.
 

Sep 29, 2007 -- We Need You! Opportunities available include Development Coordinator (P/T job) and Trainer (volunteer). More information at Details...
 

Support the Sierra Club by joining or by making a donation. When you join or give to the Sierra Club, you help protect this fragile environment we call home. In addition, when you join, your membership will earn you benefits, like a one-year subscription to our award-winning Sierra magazine, discounts on all Sierra Club logo items, and more!

Join:

• Join the Sierra Club online, or
• Use our mail-in form

Give:

• Make a Donation

Want more information? See details at Georgia Chapter Membership.