Hurricane Sandy has shown us very clearly what kinds of weather events we are likely to experience in the future and how little prepared we are to deal with them. The cost for New York hzs been the loss of human life, billions of dollars in property damage, and a city thrown into turmoil. I could go on forever railing about how we had this coming---that it's Gaia's revenge against our species for our arrogance and stupidity---but it wouldn't change the fact that Americans probably haven't learned the right kinds of lessons from this experience.
If you're at interested in what the "right lessons" to take away from Sandy are, I would highly recommend reading the following excellent article by Nicholas Kristoff:
It's probably too late to stem the tide of climate change. Many climatologist believe we've reached a tipping point already and there's not much we can do about that. But we might be able to staunch some of the most severe effects of climate change, if we act now and if we act with collective resolve.
My fear is that we've become so soften by our materialism that we couldn't act now, even if we wanted to. And that's a real tragedy---not so much for the planet, but for one extremely selfish species that inhabits it.
Welcome to the new normal.
Alex, your pessimism about the future and about our species' ability to change makes me very sad. You may be right that these kinds of events probably represent the "new normal" but I do think, especially after a tragic event like this one, that many people will be much more focused now on the issue of global warming. I see Sandy as a wake-up call to all of us. We simply can't go on doing business as usual.
ReplyDeleteThe Bloomberg issue that you've used to illustrate your piece shows that even corporations know that we are in for big trouble if we don't start to pay more attention to our environmental problems. If nothing else gets the attention of politicians and business people, the extreme economic costs of ignoring the dangers of global warming surely will.
This is a great opportunity to educate people about this issue. So thanks for sharing the excellent Kristoff piece!
Optimistically,
Sara
It's sad to say but I don't think this experience has opened up our eyes to treat the environment in a better way. I'm sure that people didn't expect this hurricane to hit us in such a tragic way (since Irene wasn't as severe). Honesty, I only think that people will just be more prepared if we get another hurricane coming our way. Majority of Americans do not acknowledge how negatively the world is being affected and I can include myself in the majority group. How much can I do for the world though? Stop driving my car to places? Myself alone wont make a difference at all, compared to the billions of people living in this planet. America seems to just be about living life in any way we can and dying when our time comes.
ReplyDelete-Sunny C.
I was affected by hurricane sandy directly and it definitely opened up my eyes. I think only some communities realized how bad the damages were. During hurricane irene I didn't really think to much about it because I wasn't directly affected. However, now It really makes me sad and helps me understand that something needs to be done because these terrible hurricanes are going to be the new normal. Everyone needs to pitch in and change the way that they are living to save this planet.
ReplyDeleteSam B
I believe that climate change and global warming is something that is very real. I also must say that being as pessimisstic as this is a shame. If we actually made this climate change and so forth popular then we'd definitely see the changes. Not only do smaller individuals such as celebrities have to get involved, but I beleive is our president does something about this then the country will have to make some change. The hurricane did directly affect me and family and friends which makes it a lot more real than not. The fact that this country hasn't done anything major to change this is sad and will eventually play a huge roll within years and more storms to come.
ReplyDeleteCarissa S.
In the world we live in today it always takes a horrific event to open everyones eyes and see what is really going on around us. If this issue was to be taken care of then some many people could be saved from the damage of these storms that hit. As we see from hurricane sandy New York took a huge hit and was definitely not ready for it. The hurricane affected not only me but many of my friends and family members and I truly saw what a natural disaster can do to us. Our country needs to step up and make a change before its too late.
ReplyDeleteThis srticle is 100% true. I never use to focus on how we treat the planet but lately I have been. Sandy has giving me a wake up call and we all should take that disater in to consideration of how we treat this plant. This hurricane has torn down many trees in my neighborhood. With the damage that was caused many people still havent focus on the fact that the way we treat this planet can be the cause of the damages that has happened. When the storm was over my family and I was driving and most of us that was in the car was saying that the trees should be cut down. I had to tell them that we actually need more tress than they think. The government should try to address this issue or else we will all suffer.
ReplyDeleteK Green
It is scary what we have done to our planet. Many people have made decisions that have put our ecosystem in danger. Making money has become a big part of why people have made poor decisions. They never thought of the effects things would have on our planet and the lives living in it. Why has this never been a priority to our government? Is it that they don't believe that problems do exist? That the lives of animals, nature and the environment are okay. How ignorant can they be? Sometimes I do feel like so much damage has been done and continues to be done to ever repair the damage. And sandy sure showed us that we are definitely not prepared for catastrophies. What can we do as tax payers and citizens to get people to listen to us? The right kind of people. What organizations are out there that can organize some plans and ideas that can help to change some things, being that the damage that is already done can not be reversed.
ReplyDeleteHurricane Sandy was a very tragic experience for so many individuals since late October. Some people came out of this tragedy being lucky, and some did not.Those who lost power for 3 weeks and had their basements flooded are considered lucky. The damages that were done to homes, boardwalks, parks, and more are unbelievable, and hard to see. The places that hold so many memories are completely gone. A simple thing, like baby pictures being completely destroyed and never to be seen again, could really weigh deeply on a persons life. However, this hurricane was a learning experience for all of us. Some of the teachings from Sandy include, learning that you do not HAVE to use your cell phone 24/7 (as most teenagers do) because during the storm we needed to save our battery, causing us not to use it as much. Also, how friendly and helpful your community is in a time of need. How thoughtful and caring people, bringing those who lost their homes, coffee and breakfast. Although it isn't much... It's a great feeling to know that people care. On the other hand, the gas shortage,was a HUGE problem and really made people go insane staying in their homes with no power, going to bed when the sun goes down and waking up when the sun comes up. We lived a completely different life for a few weeks.Now things a going back to normal, and hopefully we do not have to deal with these issues annually...
ReplyDeleteGabriella A.
Yes, many people have been affected by hurricane sandy and should really think to themselves and start taking more care of this planet before these type of stuff continue happening. many people though did not really think into it that this might happen more often and for next time will be more prepared.
ReplyDeleteYelena M
Hurricane Sandy was definetly a wake up call for the United States, New York in particular. As a New Yorker I am very familar was the mentality that nothing could ever happen on the east coast. My family alone was very ill prepared for how strong the storm would actually be. The possibility that these storms could get stronger is a very scary thought. Hopefully this storm has opened everyone else's eyes as to what is really going on. The government was finally forced to take action in regards to our environment. If this diligence would continue our world might have a chance.
ReplyDeleteWhile I agree with some of authors comments that we were unprepared for hurricane Sandy. By saying that it is to late fore us to try to change the way we live is crazy. Yes some of the damage is already done, but that doesn’t mean we cant correct what we have been doing and attempting to fix our future. It might not be corrected in our lifetime but hopefully when we have children that the environment and the way we live our lives will be in a healthy style.
ReplyDeleteHurricane Sandy was devastating. I know many people that can no longer live in there homes. They lost everything. It is extremely sad. This was caused by climate change, yet, I still don’t see much being done about it. I understand that we are in a recession, but, something should be done to make our planet a greener place. Alternative energy is an amazing idea and it works! Why can’t we start a nationwide program to promote it? And after this gas crisis we have had I don’t understand why people wouldn’t promote the use of electric cars and solar energy. I know I do.
ReplyDelete-Brenna D
People need to open their eyes and realize the path that this environment is going today. They need to take into precaution in protection of their possessions and of their home. It is unfortunate that Sandy effected so many families and none were prepared for the devastation that was to follow. Its very sad to see but people need to open their eyes and help out and realize what is in store for years to come
ReplyDeleteI am extremely afraid for the future and I do believe Sandy was a huge warning as well as Katrina and we need to start listening and expanding the environmentalist acts. I had a conversation with one of my customers and I couldn't believe how they did not believe that Sandy was due to climate change or w.e you want to call it. Our government has to stop being bullied by the oil industry and start taking a stand for what is right. And what is right is taking care of our present to have a future.
ReplyDelete-Antoinette K
Hurricane sandy was a surprise to everyone, no one thought it would have been as destructive as it was including me. I do believe global warming is real, and that we (human species) contributed much to the destruction of our planet. sad to say, but this destruction is only going to get worse. The human species are bone of the most powerful species known to man and now is the time for us to come together and resolve these issues, even though it may already be to late we should still attempt to do our parts in saving what's left of our planet. It's like one of those things that you know you should do but it only becomes clear when it affects you. I for one was greatly impacted by sandy loosing my house, car, I understand how tragic things are becoming because of our negligence. I am prepared and ready to start saving our planet because I now clearly understand what it a difference it will make!
ReplyDeleteBy: Sheika Baksh
These two articles could not be more truthful. Hurricane Sandy has been nothing but a wakeup call for most people. If people are still denying that our actions are hurting our planet and causing changes in our climate then they should of seen how destroyed the places Sandy hit were. People could not believe how devastating Sandy was but the signs were all there. It drove me insane that none of the president candidates seem to address these climate issues as often as they did other issues. It seems to me that that global warming and environmental issues seem not to get as much attention as other problems we face. I hope this hurricane gives people the extra push to change our ways of living, it sure did for me.
ReplyDeleteReading these to articles just highlights the fact that climate change is real and is very present. Hurricane sandy left everyone with their jaws wide open. No one could have ever expected the outcome of this hurricane. Seeing the ever present damages around us is finally a huge eye opener. So that the real underlying cause of these natural disasters can be seen, global warming. Knowing that none of the presidential candidates spoke about climate change issues, we now have an eye opening event not only for us but for the ones that lead our country. Sadly time is running out, this time that we do not have enough us might not last us if we do not change our way. The thought of that is scary and I can only hope that everyone can open their eyes and help our planet, not only for the sake of the planet but for our whole existence.
ReplyDeleteI believe Hurricane Sandy was a huge warning, showing that our planet is in desperate need for a fix up. This planet needs a revelation to where we are caring more for the planet, because i believe the climate is changing due to all the damage that is being done by this planet, I am not saying that everyone is perfect, but i do believe everyone should make the effort to change the planet and do whatever they can to try to help it,even if it is throwing something out in the recycling bin.
ReplyDeleteSara V.^
DeleteHurricane Sandy should be a huge wake up call, it definitely was for me. As the hurricane was approaching I was thinking about the movie we saw in class about how the Earth's climate is significantly rising and this was just another example. Hurricane Sandy devastated so many people and we all saw the chaos along with the gas. I'm scared that if we as humans don't start taking serious actions that it will only be a matter of time till another devastation like this happens again. It is scary and I strongly believe that people need to start making changes such as conserving water or even just turning off the lights in order to decrease the likelihood of this again.
ReplyDelete-Alexandra P.