Climate Change - The World's Greatest Problem

How can we prevent despair?  Here is what we can declare:
We can all do something, and together we will do much more.
Find your own creative worth
Give help to others and the earth.
Look to our heroes, where they are at,
Greta Thunberg and Boyan Slat
she mobilizes millions of youth to save the planet;
he is a Dutch inventor who is cleaning the Pacific Garbage Patch,
and preventing rivers from adding more plastic to the ocean.
It is time to save our children and grandchildren.
It is time to act in every way we can.
Eat mostly plants. Support family planning.
Support the worldwide education of girls.
Remember Malala, who was shot in the face in
 Pakistan for going to school.  She survived and has
become a powerful voice for women's education.
She is the youngest Nobel Prize laureate.
Find your own creative worth
Give help to others and the earth.
Sadja Greenwood, MD, MPH

What YOU Can Do About Climate Change

Ideas in this blog are based on DRAWDOWN - a comprehensive plan to reverse global warming - edited by Paul Hawken.  Buy a copy, or request a copy from your local library - it is a very important book.

Go to last week's post on sadjascolumns.blogspot.com to review the ideas on food and food waste:
*eat less meat
*plant your own garden
*reduce food waste
*consult the Monterey Bay Aquarium for wise fish choices if you want fish.

This week's topic is family planning.  Millions of women in low income countries say they want to be able to plan their pregnancies, but lack access to contraception.  Even in the U.S. 45% of pregnancies are unintended.  Finding a clinic for contraception and abortion has become harder under the Trump administration. Lack of supplies of affordable contraception, education about sex and reproduction, social and religious opposition to birth control, partner opposition all play a role.  However, there are success stories.  Iran and Bangladesh brought birthrates down to replacement - with female health workers providing basic care.  Family planning requires social reinforcement.  The United Nations has a goal of there being 9.7 billion people on earth by 2050.  (Currently there are 7.53 billion.)  If we do not achieve the goal of 9.7 billion there will be 1 billion more than that at current growth rates.  This will mean a world with more energy use, building space, food and water needs, waste and transportation problems.  This will be very bad for climate change.

It is important to support Planned Parenthood and other clinics that provide access to contraception and abortion.  Even if you are opposed to abortion, the provision of effective long term methods of contraception is essential to reduce suffering.  Call Northern California Planned Parenthood at 855 - 787-7723.  In other areas, look up your local family planning clinic/Planned Parenthood.
Sadja Greenwood, MD, MPH

What YOU can do about Climate Change with Food

Let's start by quoting Michael Pollan - "Eat food, not too much, mostly plants."  Raising livestock accounts for nearly 15% of global greenhouse gases emitted each year. Some say it's closer to 50%. Cows are the most prolific offenders, generating the potent gas methane as they digest their food. Agricultural land used to grow livestock food is a problem.  In the U.S. and Canada the average per capita consumption of protein is 65 to 90 grams per day, while most adults require 50 grams per day.  This excess protein consumed can be associated with certain cancers, strokes and heart disease. Eating less meat will help you and the planet.  A study from the University of Oxford discussed the economic benefits of a worldwide transition to a plant based diet. Emissions could be reduced 70% through adoption of a vegan diet and 63% through adoption of a vegetarian diet (including cheese, milk and eggs).  Popular author Mark Bittman has written a book called "How to Cook Everything Vegetarian"  Start your own garden if you have the space.  This will ensure that you eat more plants.  Reduce food waste.  A third of food raised or prepared is wasted.  Do not reject food in the market that has minor imperfections. Don't lose track of food in your refrigerator.  Labels saying 'best by' or 'best before' are largely unregulated.  Freeze food that you will not use immediately. If you want fish, buy shell fish such as mussels,  clams or scallops that are designated as green. Consult the Monterey Bay Aquarium for seafood ideas.  Last but not least - support family planning. Fewer unplanned or unwanted pregnancies around the world will make a big difference in global warming.   More on that next week.  Sadja Greenwood, MD, MPH