256 Words

Living in a Yurt is a sure way to get in tune with the weather.  Because my walls and roof flap, not a gust of wind or drop of rain escapes my attention.  In a house it's easy to close the door and forget there's a storm outside.  But in a Yurt, it's impossible.  So, while it likely could be paranoia, or just a new sense of heightened awareness, I am scared shitless of the weather nowadays.  And when I'm cowering in my shaking home I generally think of all the world ending possibilities.  So, naturally, in a moment of despair I tried to write a high handed primer for saving Kaua'i in less than 250 words.  I didn't succeed.  But here it is: 

We, as inhabitants of Kaua’i, are in a unique position.  Our small population, geographic isolation, and global integration allow us each to shape the future we want to see.  The next century will be the most problematic and transformative in human history.  Recognition of the problems that we face can lead us to a framework for how to live our lives and control our future:

• Climate change is occurring and humans are causing it.  Extreme and unpredictable weather patterns will increase over time.  
• Any widespread attempt at capping carbon emissions will prove ruinous to the global economy.  Not capping emissions will prove ruinous to human civilization.
• Demand for oil will outpace supply.  Prices on everything will skyrocket.  Especially on Kaua'i.
• There is no renewable energy source that comes close to the work output of stored carbon (coal, oil, natural gas). 
• Infinite consumption is incompatible with finite resources.

Every decision that we make in our lives must be made with acknowledgement of those fundamental problems.  While the path will be hard, the decisions don’t need to be.

·      Support politicians who understand the problems and are willing to fight for solutions.  

·      Support alternative and mass transportation options.

·      Support local businesses, local agriculture, and local manufacturing

·      Consume less of everything. 

·      Drive less and make fuel efficiency a priority.

·      Start growing food.

·      Strive for zero population growth. 

Humanity’s problems are not insurmountable.  But we can't wait for others to solve them for us.