"We are the first generation to feel the effects of climate change and the last generation who can do something about it."
-Former US President, Barack Obama
"We are the first generation to feel the effects of climate change and the last generation who can do something about it."
-Former US President, Barack Obama
There is no do over. Climate change is a growing problem and it will continue if we do not initiate change. Our generation needs to be conscious of climate change. Though this issue is publicized, much of society is uneducated about the different ways the climate has been affected and how we can reverse some of the consequences. I want to shed light on how this generation needs to be brave. I hope that people will become more aware of how their habits affect the earth. I chose the quote from Barack Obama because he is highlighting the need for change. He explains that we must do something about the threats of creating an inhabitable Earth. This is imperative, we will be able to make a difference as long as the action starts now. Take the first step for change.
Animals
"Around one million animal and plant species are now threatened with extinction” according to the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES)." There are at least 10,967 species affected and about 18% of all species are facing the risk of extinction. Insects and pollinators are facing higher risks, with 30 %.
3. Unplug outlets
Taken together, the outlets in your home are likely powering about 65 devices—an average load for a home in the United States. Audio and video devices, cordless vacuums and power tools, and other electronics use energy even when they're not charging.
4. Change transportation
Instead of getting in the car, walk or cycle – and enjoy the physical and mental benefits , and the money saved.
Reduce water waste.
Saving water reduces carbon pollution, too. That's because it takes a lot of energy to pump, heat, and treat your water. Take shorter showers, and turn off the tap while brushing your teeth.
2. Buy better bulbs.
LED light bulbs use one-sixth the amount of energy to deliver the same amount of light as conventional incandescent and last at least 10 times longer. The average American home has around 40 to 50 light bulbs, this is a simple swap that will reap huge rewards.
Wind turbines are important. Using wind to produce energy has fewer effects on the environment than many other energy sources. Wind turbines do not release emissions that can pollute the air or water, and they do not require water for cooling. Wind turbines may also reduce electricity generation from fossil fuels, which results in lower total air pollution and carbon dioxide emissions.
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There have been five mass extinctions on the planet earth. Each extinction has been preceded by the death of the coral reef. In the last 15 years, 30% of the world's coral reefs have perished. Scientists are predicting that the Great Barrier Reef will become a geological relic in 27 years. In 1998 there was a massive global coral bleaching event. In 2010 there was another one. Because of global warming, massive global coral bleaching events will happen with increasing frequency and with far-reaching results. We will continue to lose coral reefs; Unless, of course, we do something about it.
There are technologies being developed that can help cool the reefs and prevent further damage. One such technology involves pumping cooler water from deeper in the ocean to the surface, effectively creating a “refrigeration system” for the reefs.
Another approach is to use shading structures that’ll help reduce the amount of sunlight reaching the reefs and help prevent the warming that causes bleaching. These solutions are still in the early stages of development, but they offer hope for preserving coral reefs and the important ecosystems they support.
This involves adding nutrients to the sea to stimulate the growth of phytoplankton — microscopic plants that are vital to the health of the water and the life that inhabits it. This process can also benefit us, as it can absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis.
Drawbacks
One concern is the potential for unintended consequences like altering ocean ecosystems or creating harmful algal blooms. Then there’s the effectiveness and feasibility of this technique on a large scale to consider, not to mention the cost and logistics of implementing it.
Causes of Climate Change
Teens and young adults typically take a modern perspective on what happens in the world. “Being young is a great advantage, since we see the world from a new perspective and we are not afraid to make radical changes,”as stated by Greta Thunburg, a 21 year old activist. Thunberg is wise beyond her years; she understands the importance of change, and one of the greatest changes is the climate. Animals are endangered and air is unsafe to breathe in. For years climate change has been doubted; however environmentalists are investigating the causes, outcomes, and how to combat this. Innovative strides are made every day to change how the climate is affected from wind turbine plants to water energy to COP28.
The temperature of Earth depends on the entry and exit of energy. As sunlight hits Earth's outer layer, it is either absorbed or reflected. When absorbed, it warms the earth, then releases energy. Another cause is the many different greenhouse gasses which include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and f-gasses. Greenhouse gasses absorb energy which prevent the loss of heat from an area. They make the earth warmer because of the heat being trapped in the area. These gasses come from human and natural activities. An article written by the EPA states, "Fossil fuels for heat and energy, clearing forests, fertilizing crops, storing waste in landfills, raising livestock, and producing some kinds of industrial products." Greenhouse gasses absorb energy which prevents the loss of heat from an area. Causing the earth to warm because of the trapped heat. As gasses build in the atmosphere, the climate on Earth has slowly begun to change due to different human activities. This can be dangerous for not only humans but ecosystems as well.
Outcomes
Habitats are beginning to shrink, shift, and melt. "Around one million animal and plant species are now threatened with extinction,” according to the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). There are at least 10,967 species affected and about 18% of all species are facing the risk of extinction. Insects and pollinators are facing higher risks, with 30 % (International). Several animals are threatened with the rising sea levels, droughts, and increasing temperatures. All are the signs of climate change. Sharks, bees, corals, elephants, and turtles are afflicted along with others. If changes are not adapted, Earth’s average temperature will increase and precipitation will be influenced. There will be a reduction of ice and snow cover, a raise in sea level and the acidity of the ocean. Additionally, extreme events such as hurricanes or tornadoes would increase in frequency, duration, and intensity. Human health will be at risk as food supply, water resources, and infrastructure are affected (Future of Climate Change). The different effects of climate change on people could include stress, chronic disease, mental health, injury, loss of functions, and death. These depend on exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity. Exposure will depend on a persons time and outdoor frequncy. Sensitivities such as asthma make it difficult to breathe with the different pollutants in the air. Adaptability, how an individual is able to respond to the changes, can depend on location, income, access to healthcare, and age (Climate Change and Human Health).
How to Combat
Change is necessary. There needs to be changes made otherwise the future will be at risk. Innovations such as wind turbines, and water energy are steps towards change. Wind turbines benefit the climate as they do not pollute air and water, and reduce energy generated from fossil fuels (Wind). Water energy is also reducing the need for fossil fuels. Through this, if emissions stopped increasing, atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations would continue to increase and remain elevated for hundreds of years.” Moreover, if we stabilized concentrations and the composition of today's atmosphere remained steady, surface air temperatures would continue to warm” (Future). To undo the effects of climate change is a difficult task but there has been progress. The COP28 conference in Dubai is a cotillion of different countries trying to make a difference. The changes proposed include reducing methane emissions, creating more sustainable foods, along with protecting the forests. One of the main goals is to create a national climate plan. The meeting was the first step at transitioning away from fossil fuels (Warskow). These steps toward change will work to revive the environment that has been taken advantage of.
Without a change to the environment, there will be negative consequences to the earth, all societies, and people. The earth has been affected. There needs to be a change and those of this generation will be able to slow the process of change. This change is imperative to the survival of the human race along with many species that we take action. While there have been doubts, extensive research has been conducted on climate change, including its causes, outcomes, and strategies for mitigation. This generation has the opportunity and responsibility to slow down environmental degradation and mitigate the effects of climate change. Failure to respond could lead to catastrophic consequences for ecosystems and human societies alike.
Works Cited
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"Climate Change and Human Health." United State Enviromental Protection Agency, 14 Mar. 2024, www.epa.gov/climateimpacts/climate-change-and-human-health. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.
"The Climate Crisis: Working Together for Future Generations." The U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of State, 2024, www.state.gov/policy-issues/climate-crisis/. Accessed 31 Jan. 2024.
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