MAY 28, 2008

       We know about global warming and the effects we have on the environment. With tsunamis, earthquakes and tornadoes becoming more frequent and more furious, is Mother Nature saying enough is enough and doling out punishment?

       North America is seeing record numbers of natural disasters, as is Asia. Why all of a sudden is Mama Nature putting everybody through this?

       For years we were warned that we need to conserve energy and water and natural resources, but we didn’t listen. In fact, that was permission for some people to consume more.

       Gas-guzzling vehicles that pollute worse than a diesel bus (which, by the way, can transport dozens of people instead of just a handful of your friends) was a fad that slowly lost its lustre. Perhaps rising fuel costs contributed to that quickly going out of style.

       Which leads to the increase in gas prices. We have more cars these days and have busier lifestyles than we did 20 or even five years ago. Because of that, we drive more and that sees the demand going up for gas. Demand goes up, price goes up.

       Maybe when prices go up like this, it’s a sign we need to cut back on our intake of some resources. Obviously that’s not feasible for some people when it comes to commuting great distances, but deep down we shouldn’t look at these increases as an inconvenience, but rather an eye-opener that makes us think about what we actually need to use and what we can do without.

       And I need to use the new comfy lounger in the backyard and enjoy the natural warmth of summer… so that damn frost better stop soon! Oops, I forgot you’re not supposed to talk back to Mother.