This post was written by Tina Beattie:
I am unabashedly proud to be an American, and the 4th of July is my favorite holiday. I try and rally the family to the same fever pitch I feel about the spirit and the wonder of this can do country! I deck my kids out in red, white and blue outfits and force them to watch and read patriotic fare. No one has bought into my fanatics yet, but there is still time…
Berry Picking In A Warming World
Since we have begun spending our summers in western NY, my love for my country has only gotten better! The lovely rolling hills doted with farms, and the small hamlets and villages smack of the sentiment, “As American as apple pie.” This lends a Rockwellian element to my holiday fervor.
One of the many activities this lovely corner of the world provides is fresh fruit picking. Strawberries, blueberries, and cherries! Each year we attend a lovely cherry picking festival not far from our house. It’s truly one of the most fun days the family has. This year, when I saw the announcement in the local paper, it struck me the date seemed earlier. But my mommy brain isn’t what it used to be, so I didn’t think much of it and loaded the kids, sunblock and baskets into the multi-passenger luxury vehicle (my husband’s affectionate name for our mini-van).
When we arrived, a hyper woman greeted us, explaining that if we wanted to pick cherries, we would have to walk further, and climb higher than last year. The erratic warm weather had the trees blooming a month before they should have. The bees did their duty and then the subsequent cold streaks wiped out over 60% of their crop. Just another weird weather anomaly? I think not.
Climate Change And Extreme Weather
I often find myself explaining to folks that climate change will not net warmer temps across the board, but rather more erratic, extreme weather. For those wondering why that matters, it is because it will cost “us” BILLIONS. For this small farmer, the impact was immediate and devastating. For people like me in the restaurant business, crop failures will mean jumps in commodities pricing and ultimately limited options or higher prices for consumers.
Where’s That American Can Do Attitude?
Which brings me back to being a proud American. Where is the can do spirit when it comes to tackling an issue that will have so much impact on future generations? Where is the historic spunk of our country to find problems, solve them and lead on to the next one?
I have long lost the desire to argue about the what, how and who of climate change. I have moved on to arguing for solutions. The American in me wants to fix things, beat everyone else to the punch and win. I know that moving towards domestically produced, cleaner energy is imperative for our children’s health. It is good for our security to find and use abundant and renewable energy, and it is the key to our future financial stability.
Let me paint my Norman Rockwell picture for you: Uncle Sam with that can do sparkle in his eyes pointing to clean air skies with future generations cheering him on. Now that would be worth celebrating!