LYRICS
Doing this
Getting that
Careful wish
Falling flat
Unintended consequences
Burning bridges
Building fences
Almost fooled
By “cleaner” fueled
Pollution solution
De-evolution
Unintended consequences
Do rain dances
Reduce chances?
Deforestation
To save the trees
In opposition
Oh, please!
Unintended consequences
As a matter of fact
Unexpected drawback
Cleaner alternative
Leaking gas
The derivative
Worse, alas
Unintended consequences
Counting offenses
Mounting expenses
Go figure
Triggers triggers
Feedback loops
A collective “oops”
Unintended consequences
Offended
Not comprehended
- Unintended-Consequences-Part-I.mp3 (unplugged to save energy)
- Unintended-Consequences-Part-II.mp3
- Unintended-Consequences-Part-II-Instrumental.mp3
- Unintended-Consequences-LH-Casio-WK-3500.MID (Left Hand / also controlled Korg PS60)
- Unintended-Consequences-RH-Yamaha-PSR-740.MID (Right Hand / also controlled microKorg and miniNOVA vocorder)
Chords: A D E A / A C G D / D E A Part II @ 136 Beats Per Minute
Instrumentation: Vocals (TC-Helicon VOICELIVE and MiniNova Vocorder), Ibanez Acoustic Guitar (AW54CE), Keyboards (Korg PS60, Casio WK-3500, Yamaha PSR-740, MiniNova, MicroKorg)
ABOUT THE SONG
This song reflects on the unintended consequences of human actions that contribute to climate change. It highlights how seemingly beneficial decisions or solutions can lead to unforeseen negative outcomes. The lyrics capture the frustration and irony of these unintended consequences, emphasizing the need for greater awareness and consideration of the broader impacts of our choices.
The repetition of phrases like “unintended consequences” and “cleaner” fueled” underscores the central theme of the song, drawing attention to the paradoxical nature of many environmental initiatives. The mention of deforestation as a means to “save the trees” encapsulates the contradictions inherent in some approaches to conservation.
The song also touches on the issue of methane leakage from natural gas production and the complex interplay of feedback loops in exacerbating climate change. Overall, it serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of thinking critically and holistically when addressing environmental challenges.
ABOUT THE SCIENCE
Climate change is primarily driven by the escalation of thermal energy affecting biogeophysical and socio-economic systems. While biogeophysical factors can be studied using math, physics, and historical records, socio-economic systems pose greater challenges due to the unpredictable consequences of human behavior and inexplicable consumer choices.
Some unintended consequences contributing to climate change include:
- Increased Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Emissions: Switching to cleaner fuels with lower sulfur content can inadvertently lead to higher CO2 emissions. For example, marine vessels burning cleaner fuels may emit more CO2, a potent greenhouse gas, contributing to global warming and climate change.
- Deforestation for Biofuel Production: The use of biofuels as an alternative to fossil fuels can lead to deforestation as forests are cleared to make way for biofuel crops. Deforestation releases stored carbon into the atmosphere, exacerbating climate change.
- Land Use Change: Converting land for agricultural or urban development alters natural ecosystems, releasing stored carbon into the atmosphere. This change in land use can contribute to climate change by reducing the planet’s capacity to absorb carbon dioxide.
- Methane Leakage from Natural Gas Production: Natural gas is often touted as a cleaner alternative to coal; however, methane, a potent greenhouse gas, can leak during natural gas extraction, processing, and transportation. Methane emissions contribute to global warming and climate change.
- Albedo Effect from Land Use Change: Changes in land cover, such as deforestation or urbanization, can alter the Earth’s albedo, or its ability to reflect sunlight. Darker surfaces absorb more heat, leading to increased warming. For example, replacing forests with urban areas can decrease albedo, contributing to local and regional warming.
- Feedback Loops: Climate change can trigger feedback loops that further exacerbate warming. For example, melting ice caps reduce the Earth’s albedo, leading to more heat absorption and further melting. Similarly, thawing permafrost releases stored methane and carbon dioxide, amplifying greenhouse gas emissions.
These unintended consequences highlight the interconnectedness of human activities and their impacts on the Earth’s climate system. Addressing these unintended consequences requires comprehensive strategies that consider the broader environmental and societal implications of policy decisions and technological advancements.
Human-induced climate change is a dynamic component of an intricate and unordered system, as per chaos theory. This implies that global warming is accelerating exponentially in a complex manner. Over the period from 1992 to 2023, we have presented compelling evidence, proposed remedies to mitigate climate change, and amassed valuable information through the engagement of millions with this climate model. Your participation has been invaluable. The incontrovertible data underscores that human-induced climate change is rapidly deteriorating our habitat.
Our climate model / experiment employs chaos theory to comprehensively consider human impacts and projects a potential global average temperature increase of 9℃ above pre-industrial levels. Global warming is a consequence of elevated thermal energy in the climate system, which comprises various subsystems. Chaos theory underscores the intricate and nonlinear nature of dynamic systems. Human well-being is compromised above a 1.5-degree temperature rise, rendering much of the Earth uninhabitable. A 9-degree Celsius increase would bring the Earth close to a wet-bulb temperature incapable of sustaining human life.
What Can I Do? There are numerous actions you can take to contribute to saving the planet. Each person bears the responsibility to minimize pollution, discontinue the use of fossil fuels, reduce consumption, and foster a culture of love and care. The Butterfly Effect illustrates that a small change in one area can lead to significant alterations in conditions anywhere on the globe. Hence, the frequently heard statement that a fluttering butterfly in China can cause a hurricane in the Atlantic. Be a butterfly and affect the world.
Here is a list of additional actions you can take.