Oscar Optimist stepped into the corner pub at the end of a hard day.  Spying his old pal, Conrad Contrarian, Oscar pulled up a stool.  Conrad was a glum sort, but Oscar had a lot of respect for Conrad’s critical cynicism.

     “So what’s this I hear about 21 cops meeting in Paris?” Conrad asked as Oscar ordered a drink. “You mean COP21?”  “Yeah I guess so.”  Oscar went on to explain that COP21 refers to the 21st Conference of the Parties, an international climate conference.

     “Sounds like a bunch of hot air to me,” Conrad retorted.  “I’m not so sure about all this global warming stuff anyway.  Haven’t there always been cycles in the weather?” 

     “I’m no climate scientist,“ Oscar responded. “But every major national and international scientific organization agrees that human activity is the main cause of the warming that’s happening worldwide.  Did you know that 2015 was the hottest year on record?” 

     “Yeah, well maybe,” mumbled Conrad.  “So what did they talk about?”

     “It was more than just talk; 196 counties agreed that each of them would do their part to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. They settled on a goal of limiting warming to an average of no more than 2 degrees C. (3.6 degrees F.) as compared to pre-industrial levels.  Scientists tell us that if we go over that 2-degree C mark we’ll risk drastically changing the world’s climate and food production capacity.  For example, even with just an additional 2 degrees C Wisconsin’s summer temperature average would be more like West Virginia’s is now,” explained Oscar.

     “Well how do they expect to do that, by some magical hocus pocus?” Conrad sneered sarcastically.

     “Actually, each country submitted an Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) telling how it will curb emissions, increase renewable energy, and/or reduce deforestation.  So each country can work toward that 2-degree goal in the way that suits it best.  Then in 2018 they’ll meet again to reevaluate progress with the aim of setting even higher goals in 2020,” elaborated Oscar.

     “So it IS about cops after all,” chuckled Conrad.  “Each country will be policing itself and encouraging the other countries to do the same.”

     “That’s right,” replied Oscar, “just like each one of us. We’re all responsible to help maintain a livable planet because we’re all here forever…Earthbound.” (More on COP21 next time.)

     We haven’t had many sunny days this winter, but on a recent early afternoon stroll my long shadow surprised me as it stretched out down the driveway in front of me.  Given the right conditions, such as clear skies during the winter solstice, even a diminutive fellow like me casts a long shadow on this Earth.  Could it be that as 2016 unfolds there are broader conditions that are also just right for casting long shadows of influence?   Maybe our shadows are longer than we might have expected.

     For example, Americans make up less than 5% of the world’s population; that seems like a relatively insignificant portion.  But we’re not so insignificant when considering America’s slice of the world’s wealth pie - fully 25%.  That alone confers considerable sway to each of us.  And here in Wisconsin?  At 20th in the nation population-wise we run about average. Surely we hold no special significance; our shadow of influence isn’t so great.  Or is it?

     Actually, we Badgers have some interesting additional opportunities to help shape a positive future.  Wisconsin ranks 8th in the nation in agricultural sector value.  So we hold considerable influence, especially concerning the critical issue of topsoil degradation and loss.  Our leadership in soil improvement practices, such as the use of cover crops, could be a game changer for the world’s environmental health.  Cover crops increase water retention, reduce the need for herbicides, and sequester carbon, which in turn enhances soil nutrition reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.  Our agri-business’ influence on soil and climate health is potentially monumental.

     Wisconsin is also ideally suited to position itself on the leading edge of the clean power renaissance that’s unfolding worldwide.  Having no fossil fuel resources of our own, we shell out $12 billion annually to import fuel.  Why not spend that money right here on clean energy sources creating jobs in the process?  The opportunity and the savings are ours for the taking.

     In 2016 we short (and tall) folks here in Iowa County throw longer shadows on the health of the world than we might have guessed.  Each of us has the opportunity and the responsibility to propagate some of that homegrown Wisconsin environmental ethic throughout the planet.  After all, this is the only home we’ll ever know.  We’re here forever…Earthbound.