Shelby Bariana: BELIEVE IT OR NOT, CLIMATE CHANGE AFFECTS US ALL

What is climate change? Why do some people take it so seriously? Will it affect me? Will it affect my family and children? These are questions I think about over and over again. When I look outside and it is beautiful and sunny and 90 degrees out. Then the next three days it’s raining and below 60 degrees. What does this mean? Why is this happening?

Several times I speak to family, friends, peers and I ask those questions about the climate. Do they believe this is real or that it does not exist at all? After The People’s Climate March in New York City on September 21st I think it’s safe to say that our voices matter. It is time for us to speak up and become educated on the issue rather than wait any longer to make a change.

Countries need to work together on the issue and not create more chaos and worry. This can be achieved by monitoring more carefully and enforcing laws more strictly. Climate data recently showed that Central and South America are going to face decreased food quality and production, and declining water in availability over the next decade. That is not the only part of our Earth that is in trouble either, we all are.

Our generation should be more concerned about what they can do to help and why they should gain knowledge on climate change. Scientists believe that the Antarctic Sea will lose a total of 1/3 of its volume by 2100. Because of this, more ice will melt and many species of animals will be in danger. The sea ice supports whales and serves as mating habitats for all of the Antarctic Wildlife (mostly seals and penguins). I know most college students are not thinking about this on a daily basis, but learning about climate change is important. Not just for us humans, but the animals on this Earth as well. 

http://interdependence.wikispaces.com/file/view/penguin_island.jpg/72905441/480x320/penguin_island.jpg

One of our main goals is to use social media because almost everybody owns a cell phone or a smart device. Keep people updated on maintaining a low-carbon economy and using renewable energy, recycling, using solar technology, and reducing deforestation. Climate change IS affecting the Earth, the loss of stratospheric ozone and the increase in greenhouse gases. It is time for our generation to take on the challenge of realizing that we are all affecting and being affected by climate change.

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