So there.

I was astounded at the ignorance of a man I met last Sunday night. In response, this is what I should like to quote, if I ever happen to see him again:

"The World Health Organization estimates that climate change is already helping to kill 150,000 people a year, mainly in Africa and Asia. That number is bound to rise as global warming intensifies in the years ahead."

Mark Hertsgaard, "While Washington Slept; The Queen of England is Afraid." Vanity Fair (May 2006).

How can I be happy knowing that the things that bring me petty luxuries - air conditioning, an affordable car, plastic spoons in restaurants - are contributing to the sufferings of others who have never enjoyed such things? How can I sit back and let someone else take the blame, myself choosing to ignore the evidence and finding solace in saying, "It's over for them anyways..."? How can anyone be so cold, so cruel, and so selfish as to turn their back on people in need of help, especially when the need has been intensified by my own actions and inaction?

This is why I now study, in the hope that one day my studies will culminate in progressive action instead of retorts.