With severe weather events, 'out of sight, out of mind' doesn't work anymore
Flooding proves we need climate change planning
by David Sirota
Two months before my Colorado community was overwhelmed this week by epic rains, our state's chief oil and gas regulator, Matt Lepore, berated citizens concerned about the ecological impact of hydraulic fracturing and unbridled drilling.
During his speech, Lepore insinuated that those advocating a first-do-no-harm posture toward fossil fuel development are mostly affluent and are therefore unconcerned with the economic impact of their environmental advocacy. Coming from an industry lawyer-turned-regulator, it was a deceptive attempt to pretend environmental stewardship is merely a rich person's luxury.
After this week's flooding, of course, "thousands of oil and gas wells and associated condensate tanks and ponds" are underwater in Colorado, according to the Boulder Daily Camera.
In short, there's a serious possibility of an environmental disaster that should concern both rich and poor.
Another lesson is that in the age of climate change and severe weather, the old "out of sight, out of mind" defense mechanism should no longer provide comfort to anyone. Consider my family's own microcosmic experience.
(Continued here.)
by David Sirota
Two months before my Colorado community was overwhelmed this week by epic rains, our state's chief oil and gas regulator, Matt Lepore, berated citizens concerned about the ecological impact of hydraulic fracturing and unbridled drilling.
During his speech, Lepore insinuated that those advocating a first-do-no-harm posture toward fossil fuel development are mostly affluent and are therefore unconcerned with the economic impact of their environmental advocacy. Coming from an industry lawyer-turned-regulator, it was a deceptive attempt to pretend environmental stewardship is merely a rich person's luxury.
After this week's flooding, of course, "thousands of oil and gas wells and associated condensate tanks and ponds" are underwater in Colorado, according to the Boulder Daily Camera.
In short, there's a serious possibility of an environmental disaster that should concern both rich and poor.
Another lesson is that in the age of climate change and severe weather, the old "out of sight, out of mind" defense mechanism should no longer provide comfort to anyone. Consider my family's own microcosmic experience.
(Continued here.)
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