I didn’t hear my alarm last week, so I was late for two appointments in Fort Collins.
By early afternoon, skipping breakfast and lunch, took its toll.
I pulled into the nearest Burger King and ordered a Whopper with cheese to assuage my hunger.
The combination of burger, lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise dribbled on my jacket, but I didn’t care. I was grateful that food was easily available to me.
It’s the same way with water. I turn on the faucet and water’s at the ready.
But last summer, a flooded basement gave me a glimpse of life without water.
For three days, I used the bathroom in a nearby convenience store, and borrowed water from neighbors.
My mini-adventures with food and water triggered critical questions.
What if I had to share my Whopper with 10 people? Would I do it?
And what about water? Would I share?
These questions come to mind because it’s time to tighten our belts — for the survival of humanity.
What do I mean?
While I was enjoying my Whopper, a dire forecast for our warming planet was released by the U.N. Scientific Panel.
The report warns of crisis as early as 2040 — with increasing storms, droughts and fires — which lead to poverty, hunger and water scarcity.
This report is the result of 6,000 climate studies by scientists from all over the globe.
So, what should can we do?
Switching to renewable energy is a good start.
And here’s another idea.
Northern Colorado hosts a world class professor of atmospheric science right at Colorado State University — Scott Denning, Ph.D.
Dr. Denning offers a down-to-earth programs on climate change to civic and church groups.
I’ve heard Dr. Denning’s presentations twice and found him and found him to be an engaging, knowledgeable, lively speaker.
Dr. Denning has spoken at Loveland’s United First Methodist Church and at Loveland Rotary Club.
Do yourself a favor. Inform yourself about how to protect humanity for generations to come. Protecting future lives is a way of loving our neighbors.
For speaking engagements, you can reach Dr. Denning at atmos.colostate.edu/people/faculty/denning.
Contact Dr. Denning. You’ll be glad you did.
Retired psychologist Valerie McCullough and her husband Bill came to Loveland in 1964 and raised four daughters here. She writes a blog on the Reporter-Herald website. She welcomes readers to share their own experiences or feedback on her column at val@frii.com or by responding to her blog.