Environmental Action

A non-melting problem - By Arwen Elliott

If we are to do nothing, then nothing will be. 

Global Warming is not just real, but also a growing problem. The ice caps are melting at rates faster each day, which not only harms species like polar bears but raises our oceans. If we are to do nothing, our cities will become flooded, animals will be extinct, and the Arctic will be no more. We, humans, caused this by trapping greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere. This wasn’t caused by the sun. It is our problem, and we must do something to fix it.

The ice caps from around the world (Antarctica, Greenland, ect) are disappearing. The rise in climate temperatures has started their decline, which has raised the ocean at disturbing rates along with it. Since 2019, the rise has been the fastest it’s been in years, growing a little more each day. By 2100, the oceans will have at least have 8 inches added to their crystal waters, most likely more. Already flooding cities along the coast, this also threatens the level of freshwater and coastal land use. 

Already have experienced their fourth-wettest day, (which hasn’t occurred in more than four decades) the alarming appearance of snow and rain surprised scientists. “Usually, the climate of Antarctica is too cold to have significant accumulation of snow and most of liquid water from melt or rainfall is absorbed by the snowpack and refreezes," Xavier Fettweis, a climate scientist from the University of Liège who coordinates the development of MAR - The Washington Post. If this is to continue, then more ‘impossible’ temperatures and downfalls will happen. 

And don’t mention the polar bears. What is to be known as the “bear capital” are dying, the numbers being disturbingly high. The ice, which is now melting, is crucial to their survival, for they use it for hunting and as a home. They depend on the Arctic waters. And because of us and our ‘need’ for the burning of fossil fuels such as oil and coal, we have brought misery down upon this population.

Turning this around is the only thing to save our planet. It is our responsibility since it is our home, and our fault this is happening.

Christmas Tree Quandary

By Eli Wright

During the holidays people across the world like to decorate their homes full of lights. People share a warm feeling of happiness when they are with family and friends. Although Christmas is such a beautiful time many don't know the full backstory to their family's festivities. 

Many companies that manufacture Christmas lights slather all sorts of chemicals on the lights with the goal of making them fireproof. These companies do have a good intention but the effects of the lights could be disastrous. The lights let off a chemical element called lead that has the ability to affect things such as a higher chance to be diagnosed with cancer and reproductive abilities.

Outdoor lights can also have the ability to be a fire hazard if used Indoors. Many manufactures don't have the thought of outdoor lights being applied indoors so the companies take off the extra step and take the cheaper way out. Each year over 770 house fires have started from Christmas lights. These fires can be a catastrophe having lights all over your house creating much destruction.

Christmas Lights have many pros and many cons. They affect many people in a poor way but also can be the greatest experience of your childhood. All your memories can be wrapped up in these times which makes Christmas the best time of the year even if lights are healthy or not.