GLOBALIZATION-There are two aspects to this term. One refers to the growing hegemony of corporate power and influence in world affairs. As multinational
corporations grow and merge, societies around the world are influenced to adopt
policies and views that support and expand the existing economic structure. Even though these policies may run contrary to popular wishes and sustainable development, the monied class buys into the paradigm that giving up a measure of
autonomy will benefit all. Of course, the monied class is always free to do what it
likes. It's the working class that is unwittingly shoved around to conform to the
needs of capital.
The other aspect of the term "globalization" describes the natural evolution of human society as a whole. The availability of world travel and the ubiquity of visual and verbal telecommunication around the planet has made people around the world much more
aware of each other and their particular customs, beliefs, and issues. While this
has certainly resulted in new forms of conflict and separatism, it has also had the
vitally important effect of connecting and unifying those around the globe who see the way out of our current spiral towards destruction.
GLOBAL WARMING-The vast amounts of greenhouse gasses that humanity has been discharging into our atmosphere have created a layer that behaves much like the
transparent walls of a greenhouse. This layer allows the warmth of the sun to pass
through to heat the surface of the planet, and it also prevents that accumulated
warmth from dissipating into outer space. The result is a steady rise in the
temperature of our biosphere, which has effects on virtually every aspect of our
existence.
Global warming is by far the most dire problem facing our planet. It is amplifying
all of the challenges that we are facing, including ocean acidification, species extinction, immigration, loss of farmlands, and natural disasters.
GREENHOUSE GASSES-Carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, water vapor, and synthetic fluorinated gases all work to trap heat on the surface of the planet.
GROWTH-The growth of a human being is a multi-dimensional process. Obviously, most
of us grow in physical stature as we get older. That is something that is mostly out
of our hands. We can influence it somewhat by how we treat our bodies, but it's going to happen one way or another.
We have more control over the other types of growth; that is, our emotional,
intellectual, and spiritual developments. Ideally, through self-awareness, positive
role models, and practice, we move towards being more rational, empathic, and
conscious of our place in and effect on the web of life around us.
GENDER-Throughout written human history, there have been accounts of people who don't
fit into the imaginary male or female binary. Their perceived gender doesn't match
up with the body they've ended up with at birth. It is well documented that if these
people are left to freely express themselves, without prejudice or harassment, they
lead much fuller lives than those who face depression and even suicide because they
feel forced to be someone they're not. Gender expression is simply another facet
of the wondrous diversity of the human family.