HS: The Worldwide Warm
As an ongoing worldwide discussion, global warming can be easily looked over, for we cannot see the immediate results of human impact on the world. Therefore, it makes sense why this topic goes right over the head of many. So is it just a hoax? Is it society’s way of telling us that we are careless creatures? Is it just an excuse to make a person stray away from their car in order to get some exercise? Well, no. Then, how serious is this subject?
Global warming is the gradual increase of the earth’s temperature. The elevation of temperature is caused by the build-up of greenhouse gasses like carbon dioxide and other pollutants. How does this happen? People, of course. Specifically, it is the emission of pollutants by burning fossil fuels (power plants, cars, etc). Since the late 19th century, the earth's average temperature has increased by about 1 degree Celsius (1.8 degrees Fahrenheit). Although this small change might seem arbitrary and harmless, its impact is drastic. From rising water levels to increased amounts of extreme weather, this slight alteration has the potential to do great damage.
Personally, I feel like climate change is not getting enough attention. Though dubbed a myth or conspiracy theory at times, the evidence, supported by immense research, is unequivocal. Even with the evidence we have obtained, we generally think that we will tend to the problem later. However, this problem should be addressed directly, and solutions should be discussed as soon as possible. Yes, the world will not end in a couple of months if we do not tend to this subject; however, we cannot continue to keep putting this problem on the back burner. The longer we wait to act, the more difficult it will be for us to recover in the future. It will not be soon, but there will be a point where the constant rise in temperature becomes a worldwide burden, harming countless individuals. Higher temperatures means reduction of habitable land, threats to human health, higher wildlife extinction rates, more natural disasters, dirtier air and higher sea levels. The reality of climate change and the potential harm it can bring should be thought-provoking to all of us.
Climate change does entail a frightening future, and there is no way around that. However, it is a problem that can be fixed. Remember that the Earth can heal itself. We can essentially turn back the clock with reform. Change starts with the individual.
