Climate Change

Climate change is an issue discussed often, but not much has been done to keep it from getting worse. While global climate change has naturally occurred since the beginning of time, human activity has been contributing to it through the emission of fossil fuels, single-use plastics, and unsustainable practices. In history, global warming has contributed to two of the five mass extinctions, yet carbon dioxide has never been above 300ppm. As of 2020, this level has reached 412ppm. Global temperature has also increased by 1.9°F since 1880, ice sheets have decreased by 413 gigatons a year, and sea levels rise an average of 3.3mm a year. With the increase in technology, not only are we harming the environment more, but we are truly able to see the impact we are making. Satellites allow us to see the bigger picture and view the environment as it changes because of our influences whether it be with fires, such as those in Australia, hurricanes, which are deadlier than ever before, or desertification from the warming of the planet. Global warming occurs when greenhouse gases such as methane, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide are released into the atmosphere and trap infrared energy, warming the planet to temperatures the human race has never seen before, and most of the warming has occurred within the last 35 years with 2016 being the hottest year on record. This qualifies as a social justice issue as companies and private owners contribute to the number of fossil fuels emissions emitted into the air, which harms more than just them. Climate change does not affect only one group of people or one species. This is an issue that faces all, and steps need to be taken to ensure the world does not perish from the actions of only a fraction of the population.

Climate change tends to affect the poor rather than the wealthy as they are unable to move away from factories that produce CO2 emissions if they already reside there. They also have less opportunity to commute to work, and hence need to live near their jobs. The poor are unable to adjust to any issues climate change may bring, including the ability to prepare for flooding or fires. Not only does it harm other humans, but it also harms animals and plants, which are unable to speak for themselves. Certain groups of people may be harmed more than others such as those living on the coast, but all are affected in one way or another as this is a global issue. This does not only harm the environment but us as well, bringing the issue to become one of social justice.

Now, what will happen if nothing is done? There are different levels of effects. To begin, many species will die due to either loss of habitat or loss of a food source. Glaciers will retreat, the rain will intensify, forest fires will become more dangerous, oceans will warm and acidify, sea levels will rise, etc. We are already experiencing weather whiplash as we watch temperatures fluctuate rapidly. However, with the direction the human race is going, it seems as if one major event is inevitable. Climate change has been a contributor to 2 of the last 5 mass extinctions, and the human race may just cause another one, bringing that number to half. With the extent we are changing the world, it may soon reach a tipping point, killing not only all humans, but most other species as well.

Many people are reacting to this, knowing how serious the issue is. Climate Activist Great Thunberg does not let her age keep her from speaking out on this incredibly important issue. She has attended conferences with many important, influential world powers, and she has not backed down, even as people attack her for her beliefs. Many people have also used their platforms to speak of climate change including Leonardo DiCaprio and Prince EA. Politicians including Ed Markey and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have proposed legislation to help climate change in the government. Their New Green Deal is meant to help improve sustainability in the United States. Through email, Markey has commented on the issue of climate change stating, “drastic action is needed across all sectors of the economy to avoid climate disaster,” and that he will “continue to fight for legislation that will create jobs in the clean energy economy, reduce our global warming pollution, and protect the health of our citizens and environment.” This seemingly cannot come quick enough, and after the New Green Deal was rejected in the Senate, many youths took matters into their own hands. In September 2019, hundreds to thousands of students protested across the United States because of this bill. Later the same year, in December, another protest occurred which resulted in many students entering the Massachusetts State House to have their voices be heard. Many arrests were involved, but either way, the message was clear. We are not going to back down. One attendee of this strike, Joanna Setow, Founder and Chair of NQHS Democrats stated, “This is a very powerful movement because there were so many young people there that took time out of their days and sacrificed school time to fight for something they believe in, and it's important because our generation is the last generation with time to save the planet.” These strikes are not a new occurrence as there was a School Strike for Climate which occurred in 2018. This shows that every time those in power try to keep us down, we will push back and fight even harder. We will not stop speaking until the issue is resolved, and we will continue to make our voices heard.

There is still time to fix what human activity has destroyed, and every person can help contribute to the change, even by starting somewhere small such as using reusable containers or metal cutlery instead of single-use plastics. One can vote with their wallet and refuse to buy products from companies that release fossil fuel emissions. One could purchase an electric car rather than one that runs on gas or use solar power over gas or oil. One can participate in strikes or write a letter to Congress. The major thing, however, is to speak up. Make our voices heard, and do not be suppressed. This issue is greater than all of us, and only when we band together can we truly begin to undo the impact we have made to better the world for future generations.