I’ve advocated before that we can accomplish global changes by beginning with ourselves. Recently, a new book has been published on this subject: Cooler Smarter: Practical Steps for Low-Carbon Living (Published by Union of Concerned Scientists) In it one will find steps an individual can take to fight climate change. The suggestions are so specific and easy, that an individual can act without waiting for Congress to pass a law.
I’ve supported the work of UCS for several years and respect their research. Recently, they’ve been turning their attention to the influence corporations have on scientific studies and sadly their results show an influence that isn’t in the public’s interest. We remember Merk’s attempt to manipulate clinical trials on Vioxx and the tragic results for some patients. But the experience isn’t isolated. In “Heads They Win, Tails We Lose,” reported in UCS’s magazine, Catalyst (Summer 2012, pg. 11) we learn, for example, that certain industries involved in the production of stainless steel and textile dyes use chemicals that have been linked to cancer. These industries have avoided regulation by floating “deceptive statistical analysis to undermine the link.” (Ibid. 11)
Happily, UCS isn’t waiting for Congress to act. They’ve launched the Center for Science and Democracy dedicated to the purpose of fostering well-informed debate and evidence-based decision making. More information about the Center and its forums can be found at : www.ucsusa.org/scienceanddemocracy.
I know that the avalanche of bad news in the world can sometimes be overwhelming. My point is that we should never accept hopelessness. We can change ourselves and support groups that share our goals. That way, we never need to feel alone.
(Courtesy of ucsusa.org/publications)
