Editorial: We all have a role to play in combating Climate Change

Given that we are living in a time of climbing global temperatures, rising oceans, and  increased species extinction, climate change should be something that we are all seriously concerned about. 

The last eight years have been the warmest on record. And at this point, the data is clear: humans are largely responsible for it. We are putting an estimated 9.5 billion metric tons of carbon into the atmosphere each year by burning fossil fuels. As a result, we're witnessing global phenomenon, such as Antarctica losing its mass from melting at an average rate of about 150 billion tons per year, and, similarly, Greenland  losing about 270 billion tons of ice per year, both adding to rising sea levels. 

The majority of actively publishing climate scientists (about 97 percent) agree that humans are causing global warming and climate change. Most of the leading science organizations around the world have issued public statements supporting this conclusion. However, the major contributors are large corporations and not individuals. A report published from The Carbon Majors identified that just 100 energy companies have been responsible for 71% of all industrial emissions since human-driven climate change was officially recognized. 

This year, ConocoPhillips' Willow Project was approved by the Biden administration despite a campaign vow to end all new oil and gas drilling on public lands and waters. When initiated, the federal government will oil-drill into 13 million acres of Alaska’s North Slope in the National Petroleum Reserve. This project will likely have long lasting impacts on the environment--especially the already vulnerable Arctic region. It is estimated that the project would generate enough oil to release 9.2 million metric tons of planet-warming carbon pollution a year. The project could also destroy habitat for native species and alter the migration patterns of animals, including caribou. 

Supporters of the project argue that the benefits of Willow outweigh the negative environmental impacts. The project is expected to generate $1.25 billion in taxes for the North Slope Borough and would give the U.S. more oil independence. However, these benefits could be attained in other ways. The effects of Willow are irreversible. We are not able to simply buy a second earth. It is imperative this destructive project is halted for the sake of our environment.

Climate change is not only affecting the environment, but also threatening human survival. According to the CDC, crop yields globally are predicted to decline because of the combined effects of changes in rainfall, severe weather events, and increasing competition from weeds and pests on crop plants. As crop yields decrease, prices will continue to increase, making food less available and affordable. It is projected that as many as 25 million children will go hungry by 2050 due to the food crisis caused by climate change. 

Because of increases in temperature and rainfall, new viruses and diseases are being discovered as well. Insects and animals like Aedes mosquitoes thrive in warmer climates. As the planet warms, the insects can survive in climates that were previously too cold. With the increasing population of these mosquitos, more people are at risk for contracting Zika, dengue, chikungunya, and other viruses. 

Additionally, the rise in pollution from climate change has resulted in poorer air quality, and frequent exposure to polluted air increases the risk of asthma, shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest pain. According to the World Health Organization, long term exposure to pollution can result in lung cancer, heart attacks, and even premature death. With more extreme climate changes, the concern for human health continues to grow. It is unfair for big corporations to continue releasing these gases, putting millions of people at risk.

The drastic effects of climate change are becoming more and more evident, and the reality is it's only going to worsen if we choose to ignore them. It's time to accept that humans are its major cause and act responsibly in turn. We all can play a role in combating this crisis. 

First and foremost, culprit corporations need to be held accountable. Use your voice to call them out. Small efforts continue to be better than none at all. Simple tasks like reducing the amount of electricity we use in our homes can still help the environment. This includes using LED light bulbs, washing your laundry with cold water, or even hanging things to dry instead of using the dryer. Small efforts do add up and are necessary in reducing our carbon footprint.