Over the past couple of years, public awareness of, and concern for, the threat that global warming poses to human life on earth has risen steadily. This past year saw the costliest slew of weather disasters in history hurricanes, tornados, floods,.
Guest columnist Sylvia Staub: Will Massachusetts lead once again? >Published: 7/29/2021 7:55:51 PM Over the past couple of years, public awareness of, and concern for, the threat that global warming poses to human life on earth has risen steadily. This past year saw the costliest slew of weather disasters in history hurricanes, tornados, floods, forest fires, and drought and record global summer temperatures which took thousands of lives across the globe. In addition, rising sea levels threaten coastal cities around the world. The vast majority of climate scientists agree that the primary cause of global warming is the release of what are called greenhouse gases (GHG), the major one being carbon dioxide, with methane a close second. Both of these gases are produced by the burning of fossil fuels, namely, coal, oil and natural gas.
THE link between our enjoyment of the natural world and good health is not a novel concept. The founder of America’s national parks, Scotsman John Muir, famously said: “Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.” Today, however, as we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic, the marvel that regular contact with nature is vital for our physical, mental and social health is appreciated more than ever. In fact, research by NatureScot during the first half of 2020 found 70% of people feel spending time outdoors in nature helped them de-stress, relax and unwind, with 56% agreeing it also improved their physical health.
Speaking following the meeting, Health Minister Robin Swann said, “We continue to closely monitor the impact of the pandemic on suicide and mental health and wellbeing.
“While suicide rates have not shown any increase during the pandemic period, I want to reassure people that services continue to be available for anyone in distress or despair.
“Today also provided an opportunity for members to hear about the development of the new Substance Use Strategy.
“Ministers have previously discussed the close linkages between this Strategy and emotional health and wellbeing and mental health.
He added, “Preventing harm from substance use and empowering recovery will also benefit our work on mental health and suicide prevention.”
Arguing that Massachusetts will not be able to meet the goals of a major emissions reduction bill without additional funding, Rep. Bill Driscoll and environmental activists unveiled a new bill aimed at raising and investing $10 billion in green infrastructure and other mitigation strategies by 2030.
Driscoll s legislation (HD 1972) would extend carbon pricing on emissions to industries that do not face those mechanisms currently, such as heating, which the Climate XChange Education and Research group said could raise $500 million to $750 million per year. The bill calls for market-based pricing mechanisms on electricity, transportation, heating and the industrial sector.
State Rep. Bill Driscoll