Grim news

For several years now, we've been told, quite correctly in my view, that the amount of Co2 we can safely allow in our atmosphere before we start to see a rise in global temperatures, is 350 parts per million. At the various events that were held over that time to draw attention to the importance of recognising the danger of exceeding that figure, the level could be seen to be rising. Three years ago, Southlanders gathered at Oreti beach to build sand castles below the high tide mark to illustrate the danger to low lying communities on the islands, deltas and basins of the world. At that point we were told that we were in the 390's for global Co2 levels. The following year, when Rivertonians gathered on the viewing platform to create an umbrella forest to highlight the unstable weather we are to expect with rising atmospheric temperatures, and got blown practically inside out by the squalls that thrashed us on the day, the level was even higher. Today I learned that global gas levels have passed to 400ppm mark. This is not cause for celebration at all. I've always felt there would come a time when we would all need to batten down the hatches and this latest news supports my fears. Worse still, international efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions have failed entirely, so far as I can see. Targets are not being reached or even stiven-for. The new approach to climate change, climate instability, global warming seems to be; prepare yourselves for difficult times ahead. If you live near the coast, think of relocating. Tough luck if you are a low lying island community. Tough luck if you live in an arid region. Or if you are an ice-dweller. All will presently change. Gloomy news I know, but that's how I'm seeing it. What to do? Seems it's every man for himself. Woman and children too, plus every other manifestation of humanity that you can think of. It doesn't seem cheerful news to me. But there it is, we've topped the 400 mark. Congratulations, humanity. You're almost there!