Global warming may have most citizens snoring but not if you live in beautiful Kailua, Hawaii, a suburb of Honolulu where the Obamas spent their last two family vacations – or anywhere in the Hawaiian Islands for that matter.
The beaches on these Pacific Ocean islands are becoming smaller and smaller by the day. If this were a natural occurrence, it’d be one thing, however if indeed it is a result of man-made global warming, as geologists (of all scientists) attest to, then we owe Mother Earth an apology.
70% of Kauai’s beaches are eroding and Oahu, where surfers once said “wahoo!” has lost a quarter of its shoreline! As global warming gets worse and worse, the sea levels rise higher and higher, causing the beautiful white sand beaches to wash away.
Other human causes could be the construction of seawalls, jetties, and the dredging of stream mouths, which disrupt the natural flow of sand. In 100 years, sea levels are likely to be 1 meter or 3.3 feet higher than they now are.
The problem is obviously more widespread than just Hawaii. In fact 60-80% of the nation’s shoreline is chronically eroding. However the problem is particularly observed and felt in Hawaii by Hawaiians, where the economy is so contingent on its beautiful beaches. $11.4 billion is spent each year by tourists on the Hawaiian Islands.
Other disasters caused by the disappearing beaches are the loss of crucial habitat for many animals and plants. The Hawaiian monk seal and the green sea turtle are two endangered species, threatened by the phenomenon.
Eroding beaches are indeed a result of global warming as well as other man made causes previously cited. Let’s not lose our sandy play lands due to our own ignorance. While we make sure to treat our precious beaches with the utmost care and respect by trying not to build seawalls, jetties and dams, here’s a list of things that may be done to prevent global warming:
Drive less. Take bikes, walk or carpool whenever possible.
Invest in hybrid or electric vehicles.
Replace all the light bulbs in and around your home with energy-efficient fluorescents that use fewer watts for the same amount of light.
Clean or replace your filters monthly.
Choose energy-efficient.
Decrease your air travel.
Wash clothes in cold water and line-dry whenever possible.
Use a low-flow showerhead, which will lessen the hot water used but not drop your water pressure in the shower.
Cut down on your garbage—buy fewer packaged materials to prevent further global warming.
Unplug electronics when they are not in use, because they still take up energy. At the very least.
Run the dishwasher and clothes washer only when you have a full load, and if available, use the energy-saving setting.
Insulate your home better, and don’t forget to repair or replace worn caulking or weather-stripping. Insulate your water heater.
Buy recycled paper products and recycle.
Bring your own reusable canvas grocery bags when grocery shopping.
Plant a tree.
Have an energy audit done on your home so you can find the trouble areas and fix them.
Use nontoxic cleaning products.
Shop locally for food. A farmer’s market is an excellent place to visit. And choose fresh food over frozen foods, which takes less energy to produce.
Keep your car tuned up, and check tire pressure often to save gas.
Eat less meat and more organic foods in your diet to do your part in preventing global warming.
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