We’ve all heard of climate change. We all know about the planet is warming up, the ice is melting and the polar bears are in trouble, but the awareness often stops there. We need to stop addressing global warming as a that problem in that far away country where some scientists are finding a fix, and start spreading local awareness and find solutions ourselves.
As with other social justice issues, climate change starts with education and awareness. Promoting an eco-friendly lifestyle and reducing personal carbon footprints are admirable steps that fully impact the bigger picture. Not everyone knows that the Maldives are in danger of being submerged, which would create hundreds of thousands of climate refugees. Or that the food security and stability is threatened worldwide, especially in developing countries. Being socially informed about the nature of climate change is essential for the good of humankind.
Some, however, dismiss global warming and outright refuse to acknowledge the drastically changing climate. They use a simple snowball as evidence that global warming is a total hoax.
Despite its controversy, climate change is not something one can believe in. It is not an abstract idea where people are allowed to have opinions about its mere existence.
This controversy should not even exist since the future generations are at risk of exposure, relocation, and health problems. It is a solidly backed scientific fact that the global temperature has risen 1°C. It is a fact that our carbon emission levels have far breached safe levels and ocean waters are warming up, which leads to projected temperature increase to 4° C . The next time someone asks you if you believe in climate change, say no, since things like the color of the sky are not debated and are unanimously agreed upon. Climate change is undoubtedly and physically real, and we are only feeling the beginning impacts.
So I urge YOU to recycle and compost everyday to reduce trash and promote sustainability. I urge YOU to carpool and start anti-idling campaigns to reduce constantly rising carbon emissions. Looking at the current state of affairs regarding the environment, it is easy to lose hope in humanity and throw away our cares, but I still believe this generation will fight climate change and encourage climate justice now more aggressively than ever.
Climate change has evolved into a problem that encompasses humanity through the rigid lines of race, class, ethnicity, sexuality and more. As a threat to not only the safety of humankind, but also infinite species of animals and plants, global warming presents itself as a international issue that needs to be addressed further. Ocean acidification, intense heatwaves and disappearing islands are only a few of the numerous effects of climate change. Altogether as citizens of the planet, we face a formidable challenge of saving our home. Mother Earth is calling for help, so pick up the phone.
