Guess It’s
Just Whose Gas
By Robert Neulieb
Like nearly everyone, I was appalled by the photos and just the
thoughts of the Syrian people including children gassed by their
government. But I am also horrified by
the generally missing photos of the consequences of people being gassed with
carbon dioxide (CO2) and other pollutants. In 2003 and 2006 gas attacks in Europe and extending
into Asia killed a combined total of about 125,000 people due to extreme heat
waves. As most of the victims were
children and the elderly, thousands of photos of dead and dying children could
have been available. These heat waves
were analyzed and found to be principally caused by human-released CO2. The United States released more of this gas
than any other country and therefore, was most culpable.
While expressing disgust at military gas attacks is a must,
it seems hypocritical and disingenuous when ignoring those attacks, deadly to
far more people and possessing far more damaging effects. The United States permits, even encourages,
the release of greenhouse gases and other pollutants. While the most dramatic example was in Europe
in 2003 and 2006, attacks haven’t spared American citizens. It seems that searching for ways to reward
those who help protect the atmosphere would help limit our responsibility.
