Response to Butterfly Lessons

The claim made in "Butterfly Lessons" is that there are ways of evaluating global warming by observing the various adjustments made by species in response to a warmer climate. One of the ways that Kolber proves this point is by profiling the Bradshaw-Holzapfel Mosquito laboratory. They were able to prove that  changes in a mosquitos environment can have a direct effect on the genetic composition of subsequent generations. Proving this was monumental in that "they became the first researchers to demonstrate that global warming had begun to drive evolution." 

Subtle Queues from Natures Tiny Creatures

Butterfly Lessons informs that the evolutionary effects of global warming can already be seen in some species.
At first I was skeptical as to whether the migrational patters of butterflies or the breeding time for mosquitoes is really something that is relevant and important. It then occurred to me that these seemingly simple species have been adapting to subtle climate changes throughout their history. Their awareness of the environment and the way that they adapt to changes is could be an excellent alternative way of measuring global warming progress from a biological perspective. I believe that observing the variations that species are making to adapt to a warmer climate is a great gauge for measuring global warming.
Observing and publishing various indicators of global warming such as CO2 concentrations may be the most accurate form of analysis. Yet although this scientific data affects everyone, the general public may feel removed from global warming discussions purely because a lack of knowledge on what numbers like CO2 in parts per million indicate. If scientist can show how this scientific data affects everyday organism, like was done in "Butterfly Lessons", the public may too be able to recognize the problems facing our planet and act on it. 

A truly sophisticated culture

The culture of industrial society in 2011 measures the advancement of societies based on their technological achievements. Countries such as many in Africa and South America are labeled as "third world" or "developing" countries. These countries lack the wealth and technology that we as Americans consider to be the indicator of success within our society. Environmental thinker and philosopher Derrick Jensen contends in his book Endgame, "Within this culture wealth is measured by one's ability to consume and destroy." (Jensen). Yet perhaps the cultures that American people consider to be "lacking the sophistication level of industrialized worlds standards", are really in a better position to live a more sustainable and fulfilling life. Aboriginal people of Australia survived and thrived for 125,000 thousand years before modernized culture came into existence. Societies that have survived longer, with simpler technology and more localized technology, are actually more sophisticated and advanced than today's industrialized societies.

Jensen, Derrick. Endgame. Seven Stories Pr, 2007. Print.
http://books.google.com/books/feeds/volumes?q=158322730x 

Ignorant people are stupid

Some ask may inquire what it means to be in denial. Well let me tell you.

Being in denial means that you have been presented with overwhelming evidence that your view point is wrong, yet you still retain your incorrect stance. Many people continue to retain their incorrect stance because they are too embarrassed/prideful/arrogant/selfish/self-centered to accept otherwise. They believe that if they never cease to alter their viewpoint, regardless of the evidence presented against them, they can never be accused of being wrong because things are still inconclusive due to different active view points. This helps to uphold their arrogance/pride/selfishness/self-centeredness and prevents them from ever being accused of being wrong.

People like this are insecure. They probably are/have been outcasts within their society/school/social group/peers, and because of this they feel the need to make a statement by being extreme. Becoming drastic helps to make a name for oneself, thus making the person more noticeable than before. This can yield undesired affects though. Repeated offenses of refusing to back down in the face of overwhelming evidence will cause them to create a reputation for themselves. They may become know as "that guy (or girl)". Yet regardless of the amount of attention they receive, good or bad, they feel accomplished because they have become noticed.

I have seen this type of behavior manifested in many trouble kids who lack certain social skills that other peers around them may have. They begin to cling to topics that they are comfortable around, such as baseball knowledge or politics. When any of these "hot topics" arise in conversation, they may become dictating and overly confident, accusing everyone else as wrong.