What is more important, trying to convince people of global warming or actually cleaning up pollution?

Question

I spend a lot of time out doors and in the past years i have noticed that the self proclaimed protectors of the environment IE: the supposed "environmentalist's" that i have had the misfortune to meet seem to have been the bigger polluters and litterers.

Example: A couple of years ago I was camping in the Wilderness area in central Arizona. A group of environmentalist were camping near by. When they vaicated their campsite after a few days they left garbage and litter everywhere. They also destroyed the spring that I many small animals were getting water from, by thowing garbage, rocks and I think fecies into it.

I wish I could say that these people were not the norm of what I have met but I can't. I have gone to a few get togethers because they seemed like causes i supported. A few cleanup partys and that sort of thing. These things usually turned out to be rallys to convince people of global warming.(and i won't mention the mess these people left behind)

Answer 1

Most people who claim to be environmentalist do so as long as other people can see them "caring".

This is why most people don't think anything is being done about the environment.

Answer 2

I am sorry you have had such experiences but I urge you not to let these experiences cloud your judgement.

Global warming is occurring and it is extremely threatening to wildlife and to mankind. Unless recognised and dealt with some species will be made extinct (because they can not migrate or adapt fast enough) and mankind will suffer social and economic upheavals that will cost many lives and probably trigger more wars.

We all need to work together to reduce demand for fossil fuels and to reduce demand for stuff generally. At the same time we must reduce our impact upon the environment caused by needless litter and pollution, so that wildlife can have the best chance of coping with the stresses caused by Global Warming. Fortunately the simple lifestyle needed to tackle Global Warming and pollution is more fun than trying to keep up with the neighbours' wasteful shopping habits.

If those who have respect for the environment unite we can leave a better, cleaner and more fun world for our children and grandchildren.

Answer 3

We are past the "cleaning up pollution" . Thats part of the reason we are in this predicament. How about not polluting any more. I know that's idealistic. The earth is the only thing that can really clean itself. If we continue our pace of pollution, the earth will rid herself of us, and still go on. Earth's ability too absorb our pollution(s) is not finite.

Answer 4

These people you speak are not environmentalists. Not at all. No more than Bush is a moral man. I know those who consider themselves environmentalists and they would never do what you mentioned. Their mantra is to "leave only footprints"