The "new" global warming

I recently signed a petition that went to the White House regarding the signing of the Kyoto Protocol. The automated response that came back did not refer to "global warming" at all - using the term "climate change" instead. And then I read a report on CNN.com entitled "Crunch Year for the Planet" where the term "climate change" was used over and over again. So this got me thinking.... is "global warming" getting an image makeover?

And more important - is a name change going to make any significant change? Will it be easier to educate the public that may be sitting at home - say in Colorado suffering through the third major snowstorm in three weeks - that global warming is responsible? For the past few weeks here in New York City, where high temperatures have been breaking centuries old records, many people can be heard mumbling about "global warming." But are flood victims as convinced that global warming is a danger? Will a new term help the environmental movement gain supporters and, more importantly, impact policy-making?

Perhaps a term such a global warming combined with reports that the earth's core is heating up by fractions of a degree makes people discount the severity of the situation or the urgency by which we must act. Is the name itself to blame for turning people away from environmental responsibility? Is "climate change" a better description ~ more "user-friendly" if you will? And will using a different term encourage more people to start adopting a greener lifestyle?

Well of course that is my hope. The hope that people will learn what they can, do what they can and teach as many as they can how to do the same. Whether to reduce "global warming" or to minimize a "climate change" or simply to help your family feel better by using healthier products and practices, it is my hope that you will enjoy being Intentionally Green.

What do you think about the usage of the term "climate change" rather than "global warming"? Please send your comments to: JCatzin@IntentionallyGreen.com

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