As global temperatures rise and extreme weather phenomena occurs, our ecosystems struggle to adapt, and climate change isn’t just something we talk about, it’s our reality. What is it? Can we help?
It’s essential to understand the role humans play in accelerating global warming. The burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial agriculture have all contributed to the increase in greenhouse gasses. We trap all of this heat in our atmosphere causing the temperatures to rise and natural disasters like droughts, heat waves, severe thunderstorms happen. Even though this situation is so serious there are small actions we can do to help reduce our carbon footprint.
One of the easiest steps is to reduce, reuse and recycle. Ruth Metaferia, junior, said, “Recycling is a small habit, but it can make a big impact. I make sure to always recycle and to always throw away trash. Trash doesn’t belong in our environment.”
Instead of single use plastic, try to use reusable items over single use items, such as water bottles, bags, and straws. Instead of packing lunch in plastic bags, use containers you can continue to use for lunch.
Transportation is an active source of greenhouse gases, although most areas in the United States don’t have great public transportation, we can always reduce the gas emissions. Utilize what we are given, walking, biking, or carpooling with a friend are all great alternatives for getting around
Looking at Global Warming Through a Political Perspective
Living through global warming, we need to be able to trust our leaders. Our president for the next four years, is Donald Trump. He is a notable figure who is very open and honest on his beliefs of global warming, he believes it is a “hoax”.
With this unfortunate perspective, global warming could be at an all time high during his presidency and the years following. Trump plans to repeal the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, the climate law that puts $390 billion into electric vehicles, batteries and other clean energy technology.
Donald Trump also stated, “When people talk about global warming, I say the ocean is going to go down 100th of an inch within the next 400 years. That’s not our problem.” Implying that in 400 years it’s not our problem because we won’t be alive. This is a horrible thing to say because we will have great-grandchildren living in this generation. They will be trying to survive and undo the damage we have created.
Livia Weekley, senior, said, “Donald Trump’s presidency will most likely hurt global warming, because of his policies and apparently he is planning to end climate protection and not implement any more policies to improve the effects of global warming.” She and so many others are worried for our planet and for the sake of our world.
To limit the emissions of greenhouse gasses we as a community need to work together. Highschoolers should do as much as possible to make our world a better place, not just for us but for the next generation, and for our environment.
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