droughts – Green Hill Report

Washington (GGM) Analysis | September 19, 2019
by Noreen Wise

Listening to the four determined youth activists air their views during a Congressional hearing on Wednesday September 18, 2019, was a refreshing moment of realism after nearly three torturous years of altered reality, alternative facts and a
constant deluge of propaganda through rallies, tweets and proxies.

These four activists cut through the pervasive GOP BS and made it clear that if Congress doesn’t act, and if GOP continues denying the existential threat to their hopes and dreams and bright futures, then their generation would hold them accountable.

Swedish activist Greta Thunberg did not suffer fools lightly. She spoke little, was very direct with her answers, and submitted a multi page document written by scientists as her testimony, asking Congress to rely on the experts.

But it was the words of 17 year old youth Climate Activist Jamie Margolin, co-founder of Zero Hour, that should resonate with all parents. Jamie explained that the most devastating impact about the looming climate crisis is that she can’t dream about a
bright future. She stated that her horizon is nothing more than a big “IF.” She is not able to wrap her mind around which colleges to apply to, because “what if” the climate crisis impacts her dream college or potential career. The future is now too unpredictable to plan for. Nothing is solid or certain. Her testimony made it clear that Generation Z feels like they’re standing in quick sand.

Can any of us imagine growing up without being able to tightly clutch a dream to lift us out of present day hardships? That dark void of hopelessness is too difficult to process. This is America. I refuse to let this be the reality of today’s youth. I personally would not be able to exist without having hopes and dreams, nor would I have been able to survive the many difficult challenges I’ve faced across the years without these two vital life-sustaining essentials.

Additionally, stress and anxiety impacts the immune system and changes our perspective on relatively minor everyday challenges. An “uncertain future” creates an emotional crisis and the only way to counter it, is for all adults to quickly move into action and commit ourselves to lowering our personal carbon footprints ASAP.

We can fix this. Let’s go!

Washington (GGM) | Analysis | August 5, 2019)
by Noreen Wise

Clean water shortages around the world are considered a civilization altering condition that threatens the survival of millions, perhaps billions of global citizens. Prolonged heat waves and sustained droughts are already creating unlivable zones in large swaths of the world, and increasing the demand for clean water in areas that currently have an adequate water supply. More people trying to sustain themselves on less water often escalates conflicts and violence and has the potential to become a national security threat.

In light of the extreme water shortages resulting from climate change, it’s now more important than ever that the water we do have, remain protected and pure. Thus, it’s incomprehensible that Trump would insist the EPA rollback Obama’s regulations on coal ash removal and storage, established to protect ground water, and allow coal manufacturers to use coal ash for leveling in unrestrained quantities, as well as store in unlined ponds without liners.

Every single irresponsible, life-threatening Trump decision like this one, is a call to action. Constituent phone calls to Congressional Representatives make a significant difference. Climate change further exacerbates an already dangerous situation, spreading the thick coal ash hundreds of miles beyond the original site. For example, Hurricane Florence in North Carolina last year, with 1,200 roads flooded, and an epic spreading of hazardous waste such as coal ash, was so alarming, the state still has no conception of the overall extent of the harm to human health. Only time will tell.

Coal Ash‘s impact on health:

Contains: arsenic, lead, mercury, chlorine, and many other heavy metals
Causes cancer
Impacts Nervous System
Cognitive deficits
Developmental delays
Behavioral problems
Birth defects
Heart damage
Lung disease
Reproductive problems
And more…

The writing is clearly on the wall, however. Regulations for the storage of hazardous materials during a time of shrinking water supply, and increased weather extremes, is an absolute imperative. Trump increasing profit margins for a few cronies, while destroying the health and well-being of millions of Americans, seems criminal.

I urge you to please let your Representative know how strongly you object to your water supply being contaminated and your health compromised.