On the Media #3

Pestilence In A Warming World

Global epidemics have always thwarted planet earth with their ugly faces and disastrous intentions. They sweep across the land bringing panic, sheer horror and ultimately death. The last epidemic that swept across the borders into the United States was that of Ebola. It murdered approximately eleven-thousand people through its short tenure. Now, in 2016, we meet a new face that has disastrous intentions to bring more pain and suffering to humanity. That new face is called the Zika Virus. This virus, like the West Nile Virus, is being transported about by mosquitoes. Yet, the hosts of the two viruses happens to be different types of mosquitoes. 

In the audio clip I chose from On the Media, Bob Garfield introduces the idea that climate change is the root problem for this epidemic breaking loose. He states near the start that due to the earth's climate temperature rising, it is proving to be the perfect breeding ground for the mosquitoes (Aedes Aegypti) who carry the virus. 

Garfield then introduces David Hasemeyer, staff writer for Inside Climate News, who recently spoke about the connection between climate change and the uproar of the Zika Virus. Hasemeyer spoke of the finding of this mosquito back in the year 2013 in Central Valley. He said scientists were puzzled because these mosquitoes were normally found in hot and humid climates. They later identified Central Valley to be an ideal location for these mosquitoes to breed because the temperature there was on the rise and the area was in drought. Bob Garfield, like many others, associate the birth place of mosquitoes to be in pockets of standing water. Hasemeyer agrees with this idea that Garfield has but identifies that these particular mosquitoes were able to populate because humans were storing their water in open containers or barrels and the mosquitoes had access to that water. 

Hasemeyer also made mention of two other diseases that have been thriving due to the rise of our climate's temperature. Those diseases are Lime Disease and West Nile Virus. 

People have become very skeptical in believing the information that has been put forth to the public about climate change. They feel that it is all a hoax and are not sure where to turn for correct information. Garfield asks Hasemeyer to give a credible description from the scientific perspective for the public to believe. Hasemeyer explained that climate change is a key element in the outbreak of the Zika Virus. He goes on to further explain that the Zika Virus needs to be treated as an opportunity to teach the public about the reality of climate change.    

Both issues discussed in the audio clip are real problems that our nation and world are facing. There is a global epidemic with this Zika Virus spreading rapidly throughout the human population. People's lives are at stake and not enough people care to know about what is going on. Issues like this never phase people till it strikes close to home and it may be too late to search for solutions. Climate change is a key element to this spreading epidemic and yet people don't seem to care about it either. This issue has been proven to be real. It’s no longer some made up story told by our government to scare us, but an actual issue that is affecting our way of life. If issues like these don't shake humanity to its core, what will? Apparently disasters like Hurricane Katrina didn't have the effect it should have.

As I wrap up my post, I want to give a few last thoughts pertaining to my feelings in regard to the Zika Virus outbreak. I have come to notice that humanity loves to claim that ignorance is bliss. People love to hind behind the curtain of innocence because they feel safe and can use it as a crutch to avoid knowing what it happening out in the world. The problems we face, like this epidemic, scare people. They would rather live their life not knowing what is going on around them so they can live their lives with no problems and worries. Yet, the world needs people to be aware of what is happening. People need to understand that climate change is presenting new possibilities for diseases to spread, etc. We contribute to the very problem we are scared of. Sooner or later people will come to realize that ignorance is not bliss because all of humanity, sooner or later, will face the problems the world is presented with.   

http://populationgrowth.org/climate-change-here-and-now/