It seemed like half of Powell River, or more, came down to Hulk Beach on Sunday, January 13, to admire the several hundred sea lions gathered on the breakwater and in the log dump [Sea Lions captivate Powell River residents,” January 18]. Basking in the sun, cavorting in the water, battling for position on the rocks and broadcasting their iconic “bark” for the world to hear, it was amazing, a local treasure for sure.
But it struck me that as much as we humans appear to care about such spectacular natural phenomena, and the many beautiful life forms that have evolved on this planet, and given what we now know about continuing levels of carbon emissions and the effect of climate change on species extinction, that the caring and appreciation does not translate easily into day-to-day behaviours.
On observation, I would guess that at least half of the vehicles parked there and in transit were gas guzzlers: trucks, suvs, vans and the like (As I write at my house, a Hummer just drove by).
According to our climate scientists, we have about a decade to cut our carbon emissions in half. Frankly, there has been little change in the past decade and the prognosis for the next is not much different.
When will folks get it, that each day they make choices and decisions about transportation, home energy, food and consumption in general that are going to have an effect on climate change and species extinction for the better or for the worse. It is time for significant personal changes to take place. Now. Everyone.
Bill Lytle-McGhee
Maple Avenue
