Sydney Martinez, Campus Carrier opinions editor
With winter coming up and no end to warm weather in sight, people have come to question whether this is just a fleeting anomaly or a sign of a deeper climate crisis. To answer that, we are starting to witness the effects of climate change firsthand at a rapid rate. Global warming is merely one effect of this complex issue, with others like changing precipitation patterns, rising sea levels and much more.
What exactly is climate change, though? According to the United Nation’s definition, it is the “long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns.” Though some of climate change is naturally occurring due to the sun’s heat and volcanic eruptions, most of it is a result of greenhouse gas emissions in the earth’s atmosphere which trap the sun’s heat. One thing is without a doubt, humans are the number one cause of global warming. Our relentless burning of fossil fuels and deforestation have made us the creators of our own foreseeable end.
This is not just an environmental issue but, it is a crisis that affects everything, from people to animals. People should care about climate change because there are health risks attached to climate change. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, “the health effects of climate change include respiratory and heart diseases, pest-related diseases … water – and food-related illnesses…” and the list goes on. For animals, we are changing their environment. Weather events become more severe, such as droughts lasting longer and hurricanes becoming more intense. From deforestation, we are increasing how much carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere and getting rid of animals’ habitats.
While we need to think globally, we can act locally. As individuals take small steps to contribute to the fight against climate change, the cumulative effect can be substantial. Taking public transportation, buying sustainable products and consuming less meat products are all effective actions we can choose to adopt. Additionally, joining local environment groups can provide a platform for collective action. Some organizations host tree-planting events, community clean-ups or educational workshops on sustainability practices. However, the individual and group efforts of people are not enough on their own. We must act decisively. Recognizing the problem is just the first step – we must actively demand change.
We need to demand that big corporations take responsibility for their contributions to climate change. Many corporations prioritize profit over environmental stewardship, often ignoring the impact of their pollution on our planet. Take Vistra Energy for example, a Texas based energy company that is the number one greenhouse emitter in the United States, according to Political Economy Research Institute. Though Vistra Energy has started using “solar facilities” to produce energy, they still use natural gas and coal, which cause much of its pollution. It is time for consumers to hold big companies accountable, insisting they adopt sustainable practices.
Furthermore, with major political figures either denying the existence of climate change or remaining oblivious to its urgency, we must advocate for a transition to clean energy. We cannot afford to watch our leaders neglect the most pressing issue of our time.
It is unacceptable to hear legislators like local congress representative Marjorie Taylor Greene spread conspiracy theories claiming, “They control the weather,” as if a single entity can manipulate weather patterns. In reality, it is our collective actions and political figure’s negligence toward clean energy legislation that have contributed to the dramatic changes in our climate.
Every action counts, whether it’s attending community meetings or signing petitions. Contact local representatives, advocating for policies that prioritize clean energy and environmental protection. Support legislation that promotes renewable energy sources and holds corporations accountable for their environmental impact. Consider spreading awareness on social media, amplifying your voice and insisting that climate action be a priority for political leaders. The future of our planet is at stake, and we must not remain silent in the face of this crisis.
As we consider our own choices and their impacts, let’s remember that we are not just fighting for ourselves. We are fighting for families and future generations who will inherit this planet. It’s time to channel that empathy into action, recognizing that our individual and collective responses to climate change can forge a better world for everyone.