Global dimming

An often overlooked effect on global climate change is that of global dimming. This phenomenon is characterized by a reduction of radiance on the earth's surface. While the primary cause of this effect is disputed, it means a lot to those researching global warming. It is hypothesized that aerosols and other pollutants in the air form a sort of protective layer around the earth, shielding it from the sun, although this effect is more pronounced in some areas than others.
What bothers me is how little this effect has been mentioned by those championing the fight against global climate change. All too often, someone will claim that it's still pretty a pretty tolerable temperature on our planet, and they don't remember it being very different from when they were younger. Al Gore managed to put an entire segment in his movie about his childhood but failed to mention that there may be a reason why global warming has been kept in check. Since aerosols and pollutants destroy the parts of the atmosphere that protect us from the sun (possibly permanently), and simultaneously produce a temporary shield from the heat, it follows that when this pollution shield can no longer protect us, global warming will (likely quite suddenly) become an obvious concern.
The role of pollutants in shielding us from the sun is well known enough for several experts to suggest a massive synchronized release of pollutants as an emergency contingency plan for when the planet draws near an uninhabitable state. I think that if the awareness of this effect could be more widespread, then public understanding of this dire state may change.

Hope as a moral repsonsibility

In regards to hope, I'd like to first defend my blog title. "We're all doomed" (aside from being my favorite album from Boston hardcore band, Toxic Narcotic) refers to the current projection of our future based on current trends. If oil spils, trash islands, nuclear threat and co2 emissions continue at this rate, then we are in fact, doomed. However, this concept of the tipping point (as well as the reasons to disguise public intent towards this ethos) truly do indicate a need to be hopeful, and a need to follow one's true moral code. This follows due to the natural unpredictability of change in opposition to the combine. The ungradated nature of serious alterations to our consumerist, economic and political  structure are indicative of an obligation to stay committed  to the "good fight" whether it seems practical or not.

Hay

Hi, I'm Tyler Boutiette, and I'm a superdeduper senior. I'm a psych major, but I'm happy to finally add philosophy as my second. My main interests include, music, health, meditation, consciousness, rock n' roll, and direct action. I made a point to make this semester an environmentally oriented one (just added green living seminar), and I look forward to arguing with y'all.
ps. I am an introvert, don't take it the wrong way, I am both friendly and opinionated.