I am an 82-year-old, longtime resident of San Mateo and have seen lots of changes in my lifetime. Sadly, some of the choices my generation made hoping for an easier, more comfortable lifestyle has caused many of today’s challenges. To be a good ancestor, we must now look at least seven generations ahead because we now see how short-term gain can very often cause long-term problems. Today we are facing a very serious climate crisis and there is no easy answer. Clearly we must make some tough choices about our use of resources and the impact we are having on a planet that is simply unable to support and meet our demands.
I have grandchildren and feel responsible for their future. I am ready to make some tough choices about my lifestyle to assure the generations to come, when I am no longer alive, will have a meaningful life. Creature comforts and having more does not make life better even though we think so. My years have taught me it is all about relationships, meaning and purpose that make getting up each day a happy choice.
We have been told we don't have the years you talk about to make the necessary changes. We can't wait for other states to join us as each state has its own problems and needs to be addressed. San Mateo County and our neighbors can and must start now to make the tough decisions and demonstrate what is possible. Short-term thinking will not work. We must look carefully at cause and effect and make choices that will allow Life to continue for generations to come.
Unfortunately, Ms. Traubman, a lack of creature comforts and having less does make life harder, and I’m sure many think so. Why would we make unnecessary changes when the changes we make will not make a whit of difference to a so-called climate crisis? Especially since China, Russia, and other developing nations, and even developed nations return to using fossil fuels because “green” power is not able to keep up with energy demands. BTW, wasn’t it years ago when folks thought there was a global population limit because we wouldn’t be able to grow enough food? I don’t believe many of us have sampled Soylent Green.
Well Libby - I am almost 80 years old so we are of the same generation. If our ancestors had looked ahead for 7 generations they would have given up at that time. They experienced and caused two world wars, assorted holocausts, and severe economic crises. We are in no way experiencing the crisis that you seem afraid of. There is no climate crisis, it is all part of living on this planet. We, like the next 7 generations, will cope. Humans are far more adaptable than you seem to give them credit for.
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Unfortunately, Ms. Traubman, a lack of creature comforts and having less does make life harder, and I’m sure many think so. Why would we make unnecessary changes when the changes we make will not make a whit of difference to a so-called climate crisis? Especially since China, Russia, and other developing nations, and even developed nations return to using fossil fuels because “green” power is not able to keep up with energy demands. BTW, wasn’t it years ago when folks thought there was a global population limit because we wouldn’t be able to grow enough food? I don’t believe many of us have sampled Soylent Green.
Thank you for your great letter, Libby!
Well Libby - I am almost 80 years old so we are of the same generation. If our ancestors had looked ahead for 7 generations they would have given up at that time. They experienced and caused two world wars, assorted holocausts, and severe economic crises. We are in no way experiencing the crisis that you seem afraid of. There is no climate crisis, it is all part of living on this planet. We, like the next 7 generations, will cope. Humans are far more adaptable than you seem to give them credit for.
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Be truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
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