EnviroLink Forum

It's no secret that the warmer waters due to climate change are fueling more intense hurricanes.

It's not that there has never been intense 'canes, but it's just that they are becoming more frequent.

The people in the Bahamas are in trouble. I had an 8x10' cabin tent that I use every 5 years or so, and I figured someone without a home would need it more than myself, so I took it to a collection point. I also bought a huge pack of toilet paper, 20 D cells, a case of Vienna sausages, and a few other items.

When I got to the closest collection point to my house there were a dozen other people also giving. I read in the paper where we collectively filled a 60 ton ocean going barge. That seems like a lot, but sadly is only a drop in the proverbial bucket.

Another barge full of construction supplies is on it's way, and the collection points for food and personal items are open again. Boaters are crossing to help rescue people stranded, as our Coast Guard, the Bahamian government, and the cruise ship that volunteered to help can't get the thousands to safety fast enough.

The Bahamians have always been good neighbors, I'm glad to see my Floridian neighbors responding.

The storm surge of 24 feet swept over the islands, some no more than 5 feet above sea level at high tide. The wind is one thing, the water is much worse.

I understand on smaller islands where help can't get to yet people are without food, without water, and surrounded by decaying corpses.

Island living worldwide is in peril. We need to elect government officials who want to do something about climate change and boycott any candidate who denies it or preaches doubt.

We need to lower our carbon footprint. Plant trees - turn off the Air Conditioner (>40% of the US energy goes to AC units) - drive like you are in the historic Mobil Economy Run (I get 100 miles extra per tankful that way) - nix the leaf blower and use a broom - nix the lawn and plant xeriscape vegetation - and so on. We all know the drill here.

Bob

Do you think these monsters will get even stronger in the future? That's a scary thought...

Yes, I do.

The ocean water is getting warmer, and the warm water fuels these things.

I've lived in their path since 1957 and while years have had their ups and downs, the general trend is up. (At least I don't live in a fire zone.)

As long as we keep electing people like Trump (sorry) and other climate deniers, there is no hope. Rolling back pollution laws only hastens our demise.

Plus each and every one of us must do what we can. Drive the most efficient vehicle that we need. --- Accelerate slowly and coast as much as you can before braking --- plant trees --- paint your roof white --- consume less --- turn off your Air Conditioner --- turn off lights not used (especially those outdoor lights that do nothing but steal the night) --- have fewer children --- boycott corporations who advertise on Fox (the major propaganda mill) --- I could go on and on. You know the routine.

I personally believe we are on our way to the extinction of the human race. What we need to do is slow it down as much as we can so our children and grandchildren have a chance to survive before the years of hardship set in.

Bob