Climate change is no longer a future threat; it is a growing issue that students are becoming increasingly concerned about every day. From record-breaking heatwaves almost every year to stronger winter storms and devastating wildfires, climate change and the effects of a warming planet are growing every single year.
According to organizations such as the United Nations and NASA, global temperatures have risen significantly compared to temperatures in the early 20th century. This is largely human-caused due to activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, which release carbon dioxide and other gases into the Earth’s atmosphere. These gases trap heat, leading to rising global temperatures and a process known as the greenhouse effect.
The Wolf sat down with juniors Kye Leenders and Aldin Mustedanagic.
Leenders stated, “The most concerning part of it for me is that it affects polar bears, and climate change also makes water levels go up.”
To reduce his environmental impact, Mustedanagic said, “I throw my trash away and always recycle. I think that people can make a difference if they put their mind to it.”
In the United States, communities across the country have experienced increasingly unpredictable and varying weather patterns. Coastal cities are fighting rising tides and increased flooding risks. States in other regions have experienced an increase in stronger tornadoes and hurricanes. Beyond just the environmental damage, climate change also affects the public’s health, the economy and agriculture.
For many people across the country, the issue is frustrating because of how personal it feels. Students across the country are organizing climate clubs, participating in clean-up efforts and fighting for policy changes. Youth-led movements have also brought global attention to the urgency of climate change problems.
Opinions still differ on what solutions should be implemented. Some students believe the answer is lifestyle changes, such as reducing overuse, conserving energy or choosing sustainable transportation. Others argue that the government and large corporations should step in, in order to create a real change on a larger scale.
As time goes on, more questions are being raised about what the solution to climate change should be. Students across the globe aren’t just bystanders; they can make a difference and become part of the solution. Whether through protesting, advocacy or making more environmentally-conscious choices, young voices help shape the future of the planet.
