Global warming event lures dozens to Beechwood Farms
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Monday's temperature flirted with 90 degrees and the humidity was oppressive -- a good day to stay indoors and blast the air conditioning. But at Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve in Fox Chapel, about 35 people gathered to discuss ways individuals can combat the effects of air conditioning, automobile exhaust and factory emissions on the environment.
They were there for a seminar titled "Combat Global Warming in Western Pennsylvania: How to be Part of the Solution," hosted by the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania.
One presenter, Chuck Remington of the National Audubon Society, said a recent survey showed the percentage of Americans concerned about global warming had dropped from 65 percent to 60 percent since 2007.
"People are being battered over the head recently with the same message," said Mr. Remington, "that the polar bears will die, that your great grandchildren will be wearing scuba suits. Yes, global warming is a real and urgent problem. But it is solvable, and you can help by making small changes."
With multiple ecological and environmental organizations represented, including the National Audubon Society, Sierra Club, PennFuture and Citizens Power, Jim Bonner, executive director of the local Audubon society, was pleased with the "mix of professionals and volunteers: people interested in going back into the community to teach others [about combating climate change]."
Janet Kuehl, of Murrysville, a bird-watcher, volunteer educator and naturalist for the society, often works with school groups. "I hope to be able to answer questions when they're posed to me. I also want to learn what I can do on a daily basis to make a change."
Ms. Kuehl was surprised to learn that car manufacturers use specialized tires to calculate estimated miles per gallon. "You think you're getting something better than you are," she said.
Sierra Club Allegheny volunteer Barb Grover, 68, of Squirrel Hill, said she and fellow volunteer Bett Beeson were "vitally interested in global warming, and we want to take information back to our teams, put it on our Web site and educate the public."
Ms. Beeson, 64, an artist from of Indiana Township, said she wanted to incorporate what she learned into after-school programs she creates for children.
Both women put energy into contacting legislators about "the climate bill" and into educating the public about doing the same. "We find that people care tremendously about climate change. They don't understand a lot, and don't have a lot of time for details, but want to help," said Ms. Beeson.
Federal legislation referred to as "the climate bill" passed in the House of Representatives last month. It calls for reducing greenhouse gases by 17 percent in 10 years and by 83 percent by 2050. The Senate has yet to address the bill.
Kevin Mault, 31, of Sarver, who interns with the Audubon Society as a land steward at Todd Nature Reserve in Sarver, talked about some of what he learned in the morning session. "I was really surprised about how much carbon Pennsylvania kicks out," he said. In the seminar, he learned that Pennsylvania has 0.2 percent of the world's population but emits 1 percent of the world' greenhouse gasses.
Attendees also were told that if global warming continues unchecked, Lake Erie will lose 15 percent of its surface area by century's end, and Pennsylvanians will enjoy their lemonade -- made with lemons they will be able to grow themselves -- in a near-tropical climate that will mirror that of Alabama.
"There are all these dire things happening," said Mr. Bonner, "but the best thing that came of this meeting was that we can tackle the situation. Individuals can make an impact."
During round-table discussions, groups discussed ways to communicate the message to various audiences. "How can you get people to make changes that will benefit them personally?" asked Mr. Bonner.
To persuade boys at summer camp to turn down the cabin thermostat might mean promising them a prize or some other incentive, he explained. Bike riders could be sold on the weight loss advantages of biking to work three times a week.
Bob and Donna Klaput, retired middle school teachers from Ford City and volunteer naturalists at Beechwood, often lead schoolchildren in habitat programs. "I want to be able to explain to others why we're so concerned about the environment, and how to communicate it in a gentle way to raise awareness," said Mrs. Klaput. Mr. Klaput agreed, adding: "You shouldn't scare people. A lot of people feel helpless about climate change." His ideas included creating legislation to aid those who might lose jobs due to climate change policies, such as retraining coal miners to work in alternative energy fields.
"We have to look ahead," said Mrs. Klaput. "Pittsburgh reinvented itself once. We have to have a vision. People need to see the possibilities."
First Published August 13, 2009 5:41 am
