Just Some Links

To go along with my recent Facebook rant, there have been some really excellent pieces of information in terms of hyperlinks that I would like to share.

Here is a NASA gif that shows rising temperatures, month by month
Here is a timeline turned on its side
Here is blog called Nature Bats Last by Guy McPherson
Finally, Phil Plait's fantastic Bad Astronomy blog/Slate articles are always on point

Get Involved (from Marathon & Beyond, Mar/April 2009)

I recently posted the original attempt at an article about climate change and running. I mentioned how much I like that original, To read it yourself, see Cool Run on a Hot Planet.

Here is the article that was finally published in Marathon & Beyond, in the Mar/April 2009 Issue.

Chicago, October 7, 2007

I’m out here with 35,000 of my closest friends. 10,000 others had the incredible good sense to stay home and chuck the whole thing. Not me. I paid my entry fee and by God I’m going to get my money’s worth. I’m sweating profusely, and the race hasn’t even started. It occurs to me that this day may turn out to be a bad one for many or perhaps even all of us.

The gun goes off and our journey begins. Up until mile 11 or 12, I’d been running mostly in the morning shadows of Chicago’s tall buildings, and it hadn’t felt all that bad. Of course, I’d been taking plenty of water and electrolyte tablets. It never occurs to me that I may be using too much water and that some of those behind me will arrive to the tables only to find no remaining water. At the point where we begin spending most of our time in the sun rather than the shadows, we really begin to suffer. I instinctively slow my pace a bit, but I see others slowing more, and some are already walking. At some point I see the first real victim: a runner lying down on the side of the road and being helped by some spectators.

In the last few miles of the race I slow down some more, but so does everyone else around me. I witness more and more carnage, right up to the finish line. What a relief to put that bag of ice on my head! I meet up with my family, and we hear that the race has been canceled because of the weather. Can they do that?

I had been one of the lucky ones. I’d managed to finish just before the race had been called. The temperature had hit a very un-Chicago-in-October-like 88 degrees Fahrenheit, a record. I don’t run well in the heat, and this is probably the hottest it’s been for any of my 80 or so marathons. I sincerely hope that I do another 80 or more before I hit another one that’s this hot.

There has been much controversy about the decision to cancel, as well as the way it was handled. Much has been written about the entire debacle. My own opinion is that the decision to cancel was the correct one. Contingency plans for these mega-races, however, probably require further scrutiny. I am hopeful that all race directors can benefit from the experience in Chicago.

On this same day I had friends and acquaintances running and suffering under similar conditions at the Twin Cities and Towpath Marathons. In recent years there has been record or near record heat for other large and small marathons, including London and Boston. The question must be asked: are these weather events normal, random variations, or are they the result of global warming?

If we were to say yes, they are a manifestation of global warming, then how should we respond when someone states that an unusually cold day disproves the whole thing?  I believe the correct scientific answer is that it is not possible to tell. But just for fun, let’s examine the question a bit more.

The Debate, as I see it

This editorial was going to state unequivocally that the planet is getting hotter, that human activity is the cause, and that it is in our interest, as runners and as human beings, to work to correct it. This was before the idea was proposed to Marathon & Beyond Editor Rich Benyo. Rich surprised me by being skeptical about the whole thing. In a series of back and forth emails, he questioned whether the earth is truly getting hotter (it depends on which measurements you choose to accept, and over which period of time), and also whether human activity is the cause (the exact “relationship” between carbon dioxide and other gasses to global temperatures is far from established). Rich produced information from other skeptics, including Michael Crichton and Bill Wenmark, to support his arguments. As one who also prides himself on being questioning, skeptical and open-minded about things, it occurred to me that I was indeed accepting without much contest the scientific majority view, sometimes stated as a “consensus” on the subject. Crichton stated that whenever we hear that there is scientific consensus, we should probably all be incredulous to some extent.

Everyone would like to see this in simple terms. The earth is either getting warmer, or it isn’t. If it is, humans are either causing it, or they aren’t. In my research I learned, unfortunately, that the answers are not so clear. Yes, most agree, the planet is getting warmer. Remember Global Cooling, as postulated by some scientists in the 1970’s? Actually, over some time periods, it is doing that too. It all depends on what time frame and scale you’re using. It also depends on measurement methods, coverage area, and a whole lot of other stuff. The term, “climate change” has been substituted for “global warming” of late, and this is even more vague. Of course the climate is changing; it always is. Could a record high temperature on a certain day (like October 7, 2007) in a specific location (like Chicago) be a direct result of global warming / climate change? Record highs and lows occur all the time. Some climatologists do tell us that extreme weather, especially on the warm side, is becoming more common. But there is dispute here as well.

Is human activity causing the earth to warm? Al Gore and others show what appears to be a clear relationship between carbon dioxide and global temperatures. Yet some point out that the link between greenhouse gasses and climate has yet to be established. And, they continue, even if carbon does cause the earth’s temperatures to rise, climates are pretty darn complicated; this would likely be only one of many factors in the mix. Other possible causes may include variations in solar radiation or geothermal activity.

Crighton and others point out that if the United States were to adopt the International treaties and roll back our production of greenhouse gasses, the financial costs would be tremendous. There would be a major impact to our economy and to our entire way of life. The point, as I understand it, is that all this cost would be for something that isn’t even “proven”.

So, after all the emails, reading and general debate, what am I left with? To be sure, my eyes have been opened, and a bit of doubt has crept in. To an extent, I no longer see it as a “closed” issue. There is still plenty of room for debate and further study. I also understand that the answer may never be completely cut and dried. There will always be other factors.

But then I think about our shrinking polar ice caps and glaciers, our rising sea levels, the changes in vegetation and the data produced by scientists about rising global temperatures. And I also think about some of the extreme heat I’ve had to deal with during my runs, including that day in Chicago. I’ve seen too much over my lengthy lifetime to believe that the climate changes haven’t turned radical in the most recent years. I think about how our output of carbon dioxide and methane (not just from runners!) are going through the roof. Correlation doesn’t prove causation, but it certainly raises the question of it. Debates continue among politicians, the media, individuals and scientists. But I believe, and most scientists believe that the evidence overwhelmingly supports the case that human activity is causing the global climate change. Even if the real answer lies somewhere between the two sides of the debate, this still supports the case.

In the scientific world, those who make extraordinary claims are required to produce extraordinary evidence. The debate has been about whether the evidence provided to support human-induced global warming is indeed sufficient. But let’s put that aside for a moment and examine what I think is the bottom line here: what if they’re right, and what if they’re wrong?

If the environmentalists, and the majority of scientists are correct, and humans are indeed causing the climate to change drastically, then we are truly in deep trouble. We would, I think, need to act immediately to begin to correct the situation. In this case, we may or may not be at a “tipping” point, where adding to the problem will cause events to spiral out of control. The costs, which may have been overstated anyway, would be nothing compared to the costs of a global disaster. 

If the environmentalists are wrong, we may be changing our way of life almost unnecessarily. I say almost, because even without human induced climate change, there is still good reason to change some things. The burning of fossil fuels causes a myriad of other problems, among which are dependence on foreign governments for fuel, various leaks and spills, air and water pollution, and the exhaustion of non-renewable resources. Cleaning up our act is the right thing to do, no matter what. Yes, it’s expensive and painful to do things correctly. Isn’t that always the case? As fuel costs increase, as resources are exhausted, as pollution increases, we’re going to have to do something anyway. Why not do the right thing?

Where does this leave us? A little mixed-up, perhaps. Ultimately, however, some of us may feel like we ought to do something useful.

What You Can Do

Have I convinced you? Chances are you had already formed some opinions on the issue. This article may have either reinforced what you already believed, or made you angry or angrier. Either way, you may not have changed your beliefs. I hope I’ve at least given you food for thought. One thing I may be able to do, however, is convince you to get involved.

Far be it for me to suggest that you join the Sierra Club, install a windmill in your backyard or march on Washington. (I’ve done only the former.) Not that I don’t believe these actions will help. I could make the case that by becoming an environmental activist, you would be acting in your own best interest as a living, breathing entity on this planet, not to mention a person who spends time running outdoors and racing occasional marathons. But these things are simply beyond the scope of this, or possibly any, running related article. Actually, far be it for me to tell you that you ought to do anything specific, running-related or not, to help fight global warming. What I will do, however, is suggest a few things for you, as a runner, to think about.

First and foremost, getting involved means getting informed. Read books and articles on the subject of global climate change. Search the web, an excellent source of information, whilst bearing in mind, of course, that anyone can say anything there. For starters, here are just a few web sources that I believe are good:

http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/

http://www.crichton-official.com/speech-ourenvironmentalfuture.html

http://www.climatecrisis.net/

And here are a couple books:

An Inconvenient Truth, by Al Gore

The Weather Makers, by Tim Flannery

The Deniers: The World Renowned Scientists Who Stood Up Against Global Warming Hysteria, Political Persecution, and Fraud**And those who are too fearful to do so, by Lawrence Solomon

Fight Global Warming Now: The Handbook for Taking Action  in Your Community by Bill McKibben

There are plenty more. Check them out for yourself.

Secondly, consider the planet when you plan your running-related travel. Yes, it’s fun and exciting to travel to a race in a different city, state or country. But perhaps you should also consider those races that are closer to home; they may be just as much fun. Or, when you do plan to run a faraway race, you can do something that many of us do anyway: try to combine the running event with travel that you would have been doing anyway, such as a vacation or a business trip. This way at least you’re not making an additional trip for the running alone.

Likewise, think about whether it’s really necessary to drive somewhere for your regular training runs. Some of us drive to the track for speed-work, to some venue for group runs, or to simply run at a different locale. Is it possible, instead to simply run from home? I’m making a few changes here: I now usually run to and from the track, even though this makes for a longer warm-up and cool-down than I’d like.  I also forego many of my solitary runs at locations away from my home. I still do some driving and running in order to meet friends for our group runs.

Finally, get involved with green racing. I understand that most Marathon & Beyond readers are probably more interested in running in, rather than running (as in organizing), races. But even you non-organizing types can still help by volunteering. By all means, volunteer at any race you can, but as you do so, also try keep the environment in mind. By this I mean be aware of opportunities to make your race greener. There are many prospects for this, large and small, at virtually every event. This may mean making suggestions, such as those outlined in the Green Racing sidebar, to the race director. Or it may mean doing smaller things that may not be in your job description, like recycling plastic bottles or just picking up litter.

For those who do organize races, the rest of us are in your debt. Please consider making your event an environmentally friendly one. Refer to the Green Racing sidebar to find some ideas.

For those planning to run a marathon, here is one other thought: vote with your feet. When you choose a marathon to run, you weigh many factors: large or small, close or far, flat or hilly, roads or trails. To this list add another deciding factor: green or not so green. Lean towards green. Check out http://runnersworld-greenteam.com/ for a list of green races.

Oh, and just one other thing: pick up that darned empty GU package you just dropped on the trail!

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SIDEBAR: Green Racing

Marathon & Beyond Publisher Jan Seeley made a presentation called Greening Your Event at a Race Directors’ Conference during the AT&T Austin Marathon weekend activities. Jan and Rich Benyo may agree or disagree on some of the finer points of the climate change debate, but I believe they, along with most folks would concur that everyone can benefit from more environmentally-friendly race events. Below I have summarized some of the information that Jan presented. I have also included ideas from Road Race Management’s publication, Guide to Greener Running Events, Edited by Keith Peters.

A marathon has an environmental impact. Consider:

Prior to the race:

·         The race committee may travel to other race expos to promote their event, and they also mail and otherwise distribute brochures and other information.

·         The runners will wear out as many as three pairs of shoes whilst training.

·         During the day or days prior to the race, runners arrive from all corners of the country and the globe.

·         Vendors and runners travel to the expo, where the runners receive goody bags, t-shirts and other paraphernalia.

·         Runners may attend a buffet-style pasta feed with disposable plates, cups, and plastic-ware.

On race day:

·         Runners, volunteers, spectators and race officials travel to the race venue.

·         Runners visit porta-potties and discard extra clothing and water bottles.

·         There are usually official and press vehicles to accompany runners.

·         Refreshments in disposable containers are provided at aid stations. 

As the race concludes:

·         Runners receive medals, space blankets and refreshments.

·         There is often a post-race party with more refreshments.

·         A postcard/results book is mailed to all entrants.

It doesn’t have to be this way. Let’s think green and see what happens.

Prior to the race:

·         Brochures and other information can be printed on recycled paper, or perhaps not printed at all in favor of on-line registration and email information distribution.

·         Eco-friendly shirts, recycled/recyclable race numbers, bio-degradable or cloth goody bags can all be provided. Goody bags can also be reused as drop-bags.

·         For other race-related purchasing, local vendors should be considered.

·         An all organic pasta dinner can be provided. Biodegradable or reusable plates, etc. should be used.

·         Race officials can provide a link on the web site to help participants hook up with others to carpool to the race, such as http://www.rideshare.us.

·         Information can also be provided to enable runners the opportunity to offset the carbon emissions of their race related travel.

·         At the expo, old running shoes and clothing can be collected and distributed to charities.

·         Green vendors and speakers should be encouraged.

·         Buses can be provided for transportation between hotels and the expo, dinner and the starting area.

·         Race numbers can be reused from prior years.

On race day:

·         Alternative fuel options for spectator, race officials, and runner transportation should be considered. The number of vehicles on the road can be reduced by employing lead cyclists and paramedics on bicycles.

·         Preferred parking/VIP access for carpoolers can be provided.

·         The runners themselves should be encouraged to be eco-friendly during the race.

·         Install greener porta-potties that use environmentally friendly chemicals rather than formaldehyde.

·         Reusable or biodegradable water containers should be used.

·         Recycling and composting bins should be provided.  

As the race concludes:

·         Try to serve organic food at the finish line. Austin features a farmers market at theirs.

·         Leftover food can be donated to charity.

·         Consider locally-made rewards.

Jan provides a few additional Green Ideas: Accept green donations from your participants to go to green organizations. Contribute race proceeds to environmentally-friendly local entities. Partner with additional environmentally conscious organizations in your community. Finally, invite an environmental expert to evaluate your race and give you a “report card.”

Where to start? The Council for Responsible Sport (CRS) and the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) have published guidelines for sustainability and ecology requirements. These are summarized in the Guide to Greener Running Events. In addition,

·         Implement the ideas presented here, beginning with those that are most practical.

·         Order The Road Race Management Guide to Greener Running Events, edited by Keith Peters. It is available at http://roadracemanagement.com/.

·         Read The ‘Greening’ of a Marathon by Mike Lungren. Marathon & Beyond, Issue 3.5, 1999, pp. 38-44.

·         Join the Greenteam, “a community for race events, runners and active individuals who care about the environment and a longer and healthier course for the planet.” For more information, go to http://runnersworld-greenteam.com/.

Cool Run on a Hot Planet

I wrote this in 2008. I'd hoped to have it published in Runners World or Marathon & Beyond. M & B did eventually publish an article that I wrote about the environment, but the final product was very different from this original. I still like this one a whole heck of a lot. Incidentally, I can't run like this anymore. But some day, I'll be back.



It’s 4:10 AM Sunday morning, and I roll out of bed and begin to get ready for my long run. I know that I should probably take it easy after yesterday’s hot 10K, but I’m weird like that. I have another race next weekend; if I don’t get my long run in now, when would I? And the early morning thing? I’m weird like that too. I like to have the run done early so I can lead a nearly normal life for the rest of the day. I like to beat the traffic; I’ll have the roads mostly to myself for most of the run. Mostly, I like to beat the heat by running early; I don’t do well when it’s hot. Today was predicted to be another scorcher. Also on this day, I want to do some running while it’s still dark in order to catch a glimpse of some shooting stars; the annual Perseid Meteor shower is nearly peaking.

By 5:00 AM, I’m out running. I exit my subdivision and head towards the darker semi-country roads, looking up as much as possible. Compared to the daytime temperatures we’ve had, this morning feels fairly cool. I see the Pleiades star cluster in the sky, and then I look towards the east-southeast and see the Constellation Orion rising. It’s been another long, hot summer in this part of the world. I occasionally have a totally irrational fear that summer will never end. I’m (really) weird like that. The tropics are just fine, thank you, but I want them to stay where they are. Seeing Orion rising signals that autumn, with its cooler temperatures, is not too far off. This somehow reassures me a bit, as it does every August when I see it rise for the first time. It also gets me thinking.

Climatologists inform us that short-term weather patterns in any particular part of the world cannot be attributed directly to the climate-changing event also known as global warming. To say that the heat here in Ohio today, this week, or even this year, is due to global warming, is a non sequitur. Yet, when the scientists say that recent years rank as the hottest the earth has seen since records have been kept, it still manages to scare me into thinking that the warm spell here on my corner of the world is part of the overall mess. I’m weird like that. Like the frog that stays in the water that is gradually heated up versus the one that hops right back out when placed in already hot water, we often don’t notice the changes. I feel like I do, however. Maybe I’ve just been rambling around this planet for too many decades. Its summer, some say: it’s supposed to be hot. Yes, I reply, but not this hot, for this long, and without a break since early spring.

At 5:40 AM it’s beginning to get lighter. I haven’t seen a single meteor. It seems like I see them at times when they’re not expected, and not when they are. Soon I head through a heavily wooded area where I’m usually bombarded by deerflies. Today they’re not so bad, perhaps because it’s still fairly dark, or perhaps they’re laying low because of the summer heat.

Around 6:40 AM I arrive back home for a pit stop: energy-gel, water and a bathroom break. Those first 11 miles were very slow. My ‘ole legs were having a tough time getting back into it after yesterday’s race. I decide to head circuitously over to the track where I can more closely monitor my pace in order to pick it up a bit. It’s light out, and it’s getting warmer, as I begin running again.

At 7:00 AM the sun is rising, and it’s warmer still. For some reason, I begin considering my own impact on the planet. The predominant scientific view is that human activity is the cause of climate change, and I accept this. I understand that just by running, I’m producing more carbon dioxide than I would be if I had just slept in like a normal person. More importantly, by living my typical American lifestyle, I produce far more global warming gasses than the individual people of any other country. My family and I have made some small changes to reduce our impact, but there is certainly much more that we can and should do. Eliminating the running activity isn’t one of them.

By 7:30 AM I’ve made another pit stop and am ready to hit the track. A hawk screeches in the distance. It feels hot, but I know it could be much worse. Almost as if by magic, I pick the pace up. I’m weird like that. Even so, I’m not running quite as fast as I’d like. I’d wanted to be running at planned marathon pace at this point, and that’s just not happening. I manage 3 miles here before I head back home again.

I’m grateful that the track is east of my house as I run with the hot sun at my back instead of in my face. I think of how it can’t be just individual choices to change the world; we need political will and leadership here as well. We need to work individually, yes, but also as a nation and as a member (even a leader) of the global community to solve this problem. I think about the many ways we are adding to the problem rather than working to correct it, and how this issue isn’t even a political or controversial one in other (more) civilized countries; they are simply progressively making the necessary changes. Here’s what troubles me most of all: when the subject occasionally arises, I cannot even manage to convince my close running friends or others that this issue needs immediate attention, such that we should take action with our votes. We all see the world from different viewpoints, and perhaps mine is weird like that more than most. But if I can’t change even these few minds, how in the world is the rest of the country ever going to come around?

Now it’s 8:20 AM and I’ve arrived back home. It’s been a pretty decent long run – 22 miles in all. The sun is higher in the sky. The “scorcher” prediction is coming true; it’s really hot now.

Flat Earth

Are you aware that there is such a thing as the Flat Earth Society? I was, but I was surprised to learn that, at least for a few people, it's still pretty serious stuff. According to the Wikipedia Flat Earth entry, no one has provided proof that the world is not flat. Here I had been thinking that it was a tongue in cheek thing.

Since it is, evidently, taken seriously by some, does this mean that we ought to hold regular debates? Should the news, whenever noting anything at all about the earth being spherical, be compelled to also mention the "other side of the issue"? Or should the weight of scientific evidence to the contrary preclude the need for further debate?

If people want to believe something, either seriously or perhaps jokingly, they certainly can. Extremely strange beliefs that people hold would be an excellent topic for a future post in this or perhaps some other blog. But just because someone believes something doesn't in and of itself necessitate that they be given equal time with someone else who has scientific consensus on their side.

By now you can see where this is going. There is a contingent out there who will not believe in scientific evidence, except where it suits them. Again, this is their right. I only have a problem when they try tp convince others, especially children, that they're right.  In some cases, it's all due to their religious beliefs, as is the case for evolution. In other cases, like for climate change, it's due to the money.

If you're a polluter, it certainly does not suit you to believe the science, You will spend your nearly unlimited resources trying to muck up the truth in order to convince people that, "the science isn't in yet." Worst of all, you will buy more and more politicians, until you get your way.

So when there's a "debate" about climate change, think of it in the same terms as a debate about the spherical vs flat earth.

Election Issue (FB Rant Re-post)

Herewith, I am re-posting a long-winded rant that I recently made on Facebook. I generally don't get political there. I fully appreciate that chances of convincing even one person to change their mind in today's political climate are next to nil.

But I ranted anyway. I feel that the environment, as an issue, needs a voice. I would bet that it doesn't even come up at tonight's presidential debate. Yet as I state below, in my opinion, there is no other political issue that even comes close in importance.

Whether climate change and other environmental concerns really should be political issues at all is an important question; one that I'll address in a future blog. But it is and they are, albeit ones that don't come up nearly as much as it should during the campaign itself. They'll surface later, for better or worse... and that's depending on who gets elected. Here's my rant:
......


Which issue do you think is the most important one facing our country? The collective answer will surely help to decide the presidential election. Many would probably say the economy and jobs, or terrorism and safety. Race relations, gun control, health care and abortion would certainly be on the list as well. Although these and other problems are certainly important to all of us, in my mind, the single most important issue facing our nation, as well as the entire world, is the environment.
If we don’t take steps to care for the planet we live on, how can we possibly take care of one another? On the other hand, if we do look after Planet Earth; if we do clean up our act, we will surely then look after the people on it as well. By putting Planet Earth first, our lives, and those of our children and grandchildren, will undoubtedly reap great rewards. It’s that simple, and it explains why I see all other issues as pale in comparison.

Environmental matters include concerns over the oceans, overall water and air pollution, but especially climate change. The related science is backed up by systematic study after study, with conclusions that are indisputable.

News of the environment is nearly always bad. Most notably, climate change has resulted in unprecedented global temperatures for every single month since last autumn. The warming of the Pacific Ocean has been a partial cause, but this El Nino year is far worse than any other in human history.

Most importantly, there is something we can do about it. We can reduce, re-use and recycle. We can turn our thermostats down in the winter and up in the summer. We can drive less and walk more. Mostly, use common sense in order to have a smaller footprint. Helpful though they are though, these are small things. There is a much more effective way to influence the environment in a truly positive way, and it doesn’t hurt a bit: Vote for the right people, especially in the Presidential race.

One candidate is on the record as saying, "Well, I think the climate change is just a very, very expensive form of tax. A lot of people are making a lot of money. I know much about climate change. I'd be — received environmental awards. And I often joke that this is done for the benefit of China. Obviously, I joke. But this is done for the benefit of China, because China does not do anything to help climate change. They burn everything you could burn; they couldn't care less. They have very — you know, their standards are nothing. But they — in the meantime, they can undercut us on price. So it's very hard on our business." Another time, this person used the term, “hoax” in relation to global warming three times in one sentence: "Obama's talking about all of this with the global warming and … a lot of it's a hoax. It's a hoax. I mean, it's a money-making industry, okay? It's a hoax, a lot of it."
Although this person’s personality, mannerisms and speech are abhorrent to some, other people feel that he, and the party that he represents, is right to deny climate change and science in general. If climate change is a hoax, then surely all of science should also be in question, and we may as well exploit, squander and pollute Earth’s resources to our collective hearts’ content.

The other political party does not have an unblemished record in regards to environmental matters. They’ve made blunders, bowed to political pressure in some cases, and most importantly, dragged their feet on much needed environmental legislation. But at least they acknowledge that the science is legitimate.

And they do try. Our president angered many when he issued executive orders to bypass Congress in order to meet agreements he made with the Paris climate accord and with China’s President. I feel that if there was ever a justifiable need to bypass non-existent congressional approval, this was it. It was right to give us a fighting chance, a baby step, in fighting climate change. This party’s 2016 candidate also acknowledges science. I am confident that she will continue the course of caring for the earth.

I understand that there is nothing I can say here to change anyone’s mind that’s already made up. But for those who haven’t decided, for those who may not bother to vote, please consider: the choice is stark. One candidate believes in science and will most likely at least try to care for the environment, and therefore our heritage. The other will deny science and exploit earth’s resources for extremely short term gain for a few, and long term disaster for all.

Don't..... About this Blog

I would like to poop in your swimming pool. I am aware that doing so might possibly make things bad for the rest of the swimmers, but I truly don't want to spend the time, trouble and money to get out of the pool to use the facilities. Besides, will it really be so awful? Yes, I know there are studies, and that there is scientific "consensus" that "proves" that pooping is bad for other swimmers. But what do scientists know?  And I and my friends simply don't like the obtrusive and expensive regulation to require use of facilities instead of going directly and immediately in the pool.

I am trying to convince the pool oversight committee that they should let us poop wherever we want. Regulation hurts business. Since I have a great deal of money - some might say, unlimited resources - and already have some committee members in my pocket, I think I will get my way. I will spend my money as needed to get my message across. In addition, I can pay some scientists to muck the issue up, such that the news will consider the whole "debate" as one having two sides.

By being allowed to poop in the pool, I will have more money to hire people - it'll be great for business! If I can't do what I want, the reduced employment will hurt the entire economy. I am, after all, a job-creator.

....

That, I believe, sums up the arguments in favor of pollution. Included in my definition, and according to the US Supreme Court, that of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is greenhouse gas emission. If I have mis-characterized the "debate", or if I have missed anything at all, I would sincerely appreciate being enlightened.

It needs to be emphasized that I am not a climate scientist, or for that matter, a scientist of any kind. Nevertheless, as a concerned father and grandfather who wants to help his kids and grandkids have a fighting chance for a clean environment, I care about the future of the planet, and I do indeed have something to say. The fight to save our Earth needs all the help it can get.