There likely is a probability that there is another planet in the universe with a biosphere (though I doubt it). However, isn’t it enough to know that we live on what must be a very rare phenomenon in the Universe: a totally living planet — a planet where a few molecules associated with life literally expanded into a biosphere composed of millions of species? And shouldn’t that alone suggest how foolish we are not to suspect that this biosphere is very special. Planet Earth’s biosphere is why we even exist. All the evidence now suggests that Earth’s biosphere and our continued existence depend primarily upon our actions — destroyer or protector? How can that be and why don’t we believe it?
There are two major sources of now circulating greenhouse carbon gas with very different origins — biosphere carbon that has been continuously cycling since the fifth major extinction event that ended the dinosaur era (66 million years ago), and former biosphere carbon that was buried during the earlier 470 – 90 million year period of Earth’s tumultuous paleontological past. Moreover, it is the older carbon that is now being released exclusively by human action.
The carbon dioxide from both sources will chemically participate in the present carbon cycle. However, the expected carbon balance within the present biosphere is becoming seriously disrupted by the increased carbon dioxide from the fossil fuels; and at the same time the biosphere is being significantly reduced, much of it for wasteful human exploitation.
The increasing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere clearly informs us that the present biosphere is becoming overloaded not only in the air, but also in the water and soil. Consequences are a too rapidly warming atmosphere, and an increasing acidity of water and soil. Climate change mitigation is now for us to do the mitigating. A recent public opinion poll indicates that a majority of us do believe we are the cause of the current climate change, but only about 5 percent believe it to be “extremely important” personally.) Only 1 percent has done something about it. Being among the 1 percent, to paraphrase: Ask not what the biosphere does for you; ask what you must do for the biosphere.
- Go solar. Please, no more excuses. The fossil fuel carbon now being released by us is essentially "alien," now overloading the present carbon sinks (the atmosphere, the hydrosphere, and the soil). What can you do now? Research for yourself, and create from the solar energy options available. Check out www.GreenEnergyOhio.com
- Plant trees. While alive, they sequester carbon for hundreds of years, and as useful lumber remove carbon from the biosphere — clearly not a geological timeline, but a good stopgap measure. And during their lifetime, trees provide infinite pleasures, both practical and visual.
- "Green" to a much greater extent the city and suburbs, emphasizing urban agriculture — food production close at hand, significantly reducing fossil fueled transportation and increasing carbon sequestration.
These actions should make evident the need for a major change in our mindset: that is for each of us to become a partner with the biosphere, preserving and spreading diversified biosphere over every available Earth surface, both inside and outside our human population centers.
The potential for climate change mitigation by the biosphere has been vastly underestimated. For instance recent studies demonstrate that for every human body cell, there are 10 non-body cells, mostly microbial, that live on or in us in a beneficial symbiotic relationship. All are participating in the carbon cycle. Imagine now a global biosphere, in which those species not microbial are actually multiple species (like us), all active carbon cycle participants. All humans are now needed to incorporate solar (and/or wind, a solar by-product) as a significant energy source, and diversify the biosphere with sustainable rural and urban agriculture integrated into sustainable landscapes.
Impossible, you’re thinking? Really, which of the above are impossible for you personally to do? Expand these actions to being done by all Americans, providing the leadership for a now rapidly maturing solar energy economy and future for us and the world.
Life on Earth has survived its cataclysmic past, but most species have not. Does humanity really want to test if we will be among the survivors under a global climate never experienced by humanity?
Lou Laux is an emeritus professor of biology at Wittenberg University in Springfield.
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