THE REAL THREAT IS NOT WAR!
Wars and rumors of wars have distracted the world and the media from an even greater and, more widespread disaster that we shall all confront. I have used the title of this article as a reference to the Biblical warning concerning the end of times. While I do not ascribe to common interpretation of the Biblical reference, I do feel that the danger that confronts humanity is Biblical in scope.
You may be disappointed to see that I am talking about something very common-the weather. We all talk and complain about it but have resigned ourselves into the belief that it is beyond our control. Newspapers have reported about the record setting heat waves that have engulfed most of the United States. And, if one does a little research, you will see that we are not alone with regards to the problems of scorching summer temperatures. The problem is global. Wheat crops have shriveled and are being fed to starving livestock. Starving livestock are being sent to market since grasslands are turning to dust, reminiscent of the 1930’s disaster. Over 60% of the U.S. is in drought or near drought status.
Let’s shift a little and talk about the Quelccaya Glacier in Peru. It is melting and the half million residents of Cuzco are rationing water. Is this an isolated case? Ask the people of China, Nepal, India and Bolivia. Glaciers store 70% of the world’s fresh water. As climate scientist Tim Barnett says, “When the glaciers are gone, they are gone.” Is this a process that is going to take hundreds of years? No! These glaciers are melting at a rate which could see their disappearance in ten to fifteen years. Less snow, less glacier and we get even warmer temperatures.
It is easy to get distracted by bombs falling in Lebanon or suicide attacks in Iraq. But, the loss of life that is occurring in these areas will pale in comparison to the loss when the water wells go dry. What do you think will happen when the 300,000,000 Chinese who depend on glacial water will do when the streams run dry?
This issue is not something we will have to deal with in some distant future. It is a problem that will soon hit our pocketbook at the food stores and, it will be THE issue to confront by those who have recently graduated from school. There is a mentality that if we do not talk about a problem, it will resolve itself. There is a further government mentality that likes to keep ignorant so as not to get them upset. This issue will NOT resolve itself and I think that very soon, the people will be greatly upset.
Soon, in your lifetime, water will be a trading commodity on the future’s market and the prospectus in not looking good. Invest in water supplies now and you may make your millions; although, there may not be much to spend it in a thirsty world.
Philip Harris
