JoJo Nichting - 12
11/6/2018
A recent discovery by UN scientists determined that by 2030 we will have run out of time to stop, or slow down, the global warming our earth is experiencing due to greenhouse gases (e.g. carbon dioxide and methane). “Climate change is a global phenomenon that encompasses changes in climate both heating and cooling across the plant,” says KHS science teacher Karen Keck.
Before the 20th century climate change was known as global warming. We now know that global warming is just a small part of all climate change effects. Some other effects include drastic cooling, others drastic heating (global warming), sea levels rising, precipitation changes, and the obvious melting of the ice caps.
The future may be much worse than people realize. “For us here in Missouri it may mean that there is extreme pressure to put food on many more tables if our rain patterns hold out,” Karen Keck explains how lack of crops due to climate change will affect Missouri. She followed to explain how coastal regions will be hit by much larger storms which could result in a large migration towards the middle of the United States. One key component to preparing for the future is finding ways to survive these drastic changes.
The question many have now is what can be done?
When asked what one person can do to help stop climate change, Keck has a list of great ideas, “Stop accumulating material goods. Be conscious of trying to eat and consume products that are made locally so there’s not as much transportation cost. Recycle as much as you can recycle. Reuse as much as you can reuse to minimize material waste.”
You must also spread awareness to others. Keck continues, “Vote for people who understand the science. Vote for people who aren’t afraid to take this on because nothing can be done without legislation and people on the top making a stand.”
There are many more lifestyle changes everyone can make. One would be switching from a car that requires gas to an electric car. A less expensive solution could be riding a bike or carpooling more often. Many people have already made the small switch to metal straws in place of the typical plastic. Every year, Americans alone use over 500 million plastic straws. Another easy switch is from a plastic toothbrush to a bamboo toothbrush. Every year, over 4.7 billion plastic toothbrushes are produced all over the world. Both of these switches can contribute to cutting down on the litter in our oceans.
Every day when you leave your house, remember to always shut off all lights. If you’re feeling extra accomplished, unplug electronics and appliances not being used to save even more energy and money than one would think. A survey conducted by the Natural Resources Defense Council determined that an average household has 65 electronics using energy 24/7. Pick a day once a month to pick up trash anywhere in your area. Pick a spot in your yard to start a compost pile. Another recommended change would be to either buy food from the local farmers market, or even start your own garden. Buying less is a wonderful place to start.
By making just one of these small changes in your life, you can make an impact on climate change. Society must work together now and act on climate change before 2030. It may not seem to have much of an effect now, but the future does not look promising. Get out and start some change.