This article was written by Elijah Emory-Muhammad of Bethesda Chevy-Chase Highschool
From devastating fires and perilous droughts to consistent flooding and dreadful heat waves, climate change can undoubtedly be seen as the cause of such occurrences that may seem natural. However, these occurrences are anything but natural. When there are heat waves in Greenland, one of the coldest countries in the world year-round, then there is obviously a problem.
According to Oxford Languages, climate change can be defined as the change in global and regional climate patterns due to increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide produced by fossil fuels usage. This, in part, is due to the greenhouse effect, the entrapment of heat by “greenhouse gases” close to the Earth’s surface.
Contrary to popular belief, climate change and global warming are technically not the same thing. Global warming actually refers to the long-term warming of the planet. Although climate change’s operational definition includes global warming, it also refers to factors such as flooding, droughts, erosion, etc.
Perhaps the most important fact to remember about climate change and global warming is that both are scientifically proven. Be it the fact that high temperatures cause the volume of water to increase due to the rapid movement of molecules, or even simply the fact that dry trees are more likely to catch fire. Now imagine this on a much grander scale, the scale, of course, being the entire Earth.
Climate change is more prevalent in certain areas than others but eventually it’s effects will be a lot more visible in all parts of the Earth, that is, if humans continue harming the environment at this rate.
Rising sea levels in Venice, Italy is one of the more alarming examples of climate change. Venice has been slowly drowning for centuries in small increments. But that's the thing with climate change; it doesn't happen all at once, so it is very easy to overlook. In terms of the longevity of the planet Earth, this has been the biggest mistake made by human kind.
The million dollar question is: Is it too late for us? From a realistic yet very pessimistic point of view, yes, it is too late. Just kidding. According to the U. N. Climate Science Body, if carbon dioxide emissions are cut to nearly half of what they are now by 2030, then well, the job is halfway done. The other half of the job is cutting emissions to net zero by 2050. The good news is that this report was published in 2018 and since then, carbon dioxide emissions have decreased a bit. It’s a long shot, but frankly, it very well may be our only shot.
Now here comes the part I'm sure you have been eagerly waiting for... What can YOU do to help? Well, for starters, reduce your own carbon dioxide emissions. Every individual has their own carbon footprint that is not very significant when compared to the overall emission of carbon dioxide. However, try multiplying your own carbon footprint by 7.594 billion other people, and notice the impact of one singular footprint combined with others. This is not completely accurate but it gives you a good idea.
Did you know that, according to The Nature Conservancy, the average carbon footprint of someone living in the U. S. is 16 tons? It seems like a lot because… it is. In contrast, the average carbon footprint globally is closer to 4. Therefore, try doing the Earth a favor and encourage others to do the same because the Earth has done so many favors for us.
Also be sure to participate in peaceful climate change demonstrations. They really do help because they help people understand the importance and enactment of climate change policies. Demonstrations are especially effective in the U. S, where constituencies have a lot of power over elected officials, when united.
Some other forms of protecting our Earth are signing petitions, filling out surveys, voting, donating to organizations like The Environmental Defense Fund and many more. There are so many effective ways to act against climate change that it is no surprise you should have difficulty choosing which ways you want to help. Remember, the important thing is to make your voice be heard!
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