The New American Dream
From weather.com
How concerned are you about global warming?
Very concerned - 33.0%
Somewhat concerned - 17.3%
Not very concerned - 11.1%
I’m not convinced it’s true - 38.4%
According to an informal survey from weather.com (results above) it seems that the majority of people still don’t believe in global warming. The scope of the climate change problem is such that we need the majority of the world to understand it and make the important changes necessary to preserve the planet. If we don’t, I think the new American Dream might look something like this.
Housing
The modern day dream house is less than 1500 square feet. Solar panels provide electricity and it has the best insulation, windows and energy efficient appliances that money can buy. It costs over one million dollars. Larger houses are less expensive and are usually sold to low-middle to lower income families.
Employment
Unemployment rate is 15%. The most highly sought after jobs for the middle class are in retail at stores located within a 2 mile radius of home.
Transportation
Most people utilize public transportation. Cities without adequate public transportation become severely impoverished and eventually cease to exist. Higher income families own one car that is hydrogen powered. Large SUV’s and other fuel wasting vehicles are inexpensive and typically owned by low-middle to low income families. Gasoline is $20 per gallon and gasoline theivory is the most common non-violent crime committed.
Food
All home owners have gardens where they grow most of their produce. There is a water shortage. Health officials now only recommend 5 cups of water per day.
I realize this is an exaggerated description but I’m trying to illustrate a point. The U.S. is responsible for 40% of the pollution that is causing the climate to change. We are also notorious for ignoring warning signs until they reach epic proportions. Exactly what are we waiting for? So, what do you think? Is my description above a possibility, or do you think I’m off my rocker?
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I am a cynic, by personality and by profession as a journalist. And I am astounded that so many people — well, Americans, anyway — are so blind, deaf and dumb to the larger world. (I am American, by the way.)
In a good-news, bad-news sort of deal, I think that eventually everyone will be living in green ways. The bad side of that is that it may be due to a forced, doomsday scenario.
If/when that day comes, it will be due to that 38 percent you mentioned above, among others, having run the Earth’s resources and good nature into oblivion through seemingly endless — and willful — ignorance.
On the upside, there is a whole lot more chatter about “green living” in the world today than there was even a few years ago. That, to me, is a positive sign.
That is quite the scenario you have painted Gina. I find it very sad, and get quite angry when the ignoramous of the world try to say there is nothing to worry about. I’m also convinced that all the air/water/soil pollution, all the re-engeneering of our seeds is responsible for the increases of cancers world-wide. Stay green Gina we all have to do our best to convince the rest of the world. I always say that “A lot of little will eventually amass to a big”. regards Suzy the StitchWitch
Hi Adam! I agree, there are some positive signs out there and I sure hope we can make the necessary changes and avoid the doomsday scenario that you mentioned.
Hi Suzanne! Thanks for visiting my blog! I love that saying and I sure hope our little will amasses to a big soon!
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