Global Warming - Call to Action!

By Alex Lavine

June 2, 2015

I am concerned about climate change because the Earth’s future is in jeopardy. If we don’t address climate change, my concern is the Earth will be uninhabitable for my children.

Climate change is one of the biggest challenges mankind has ever faced. I believe that climate change is real, however, some deny that it exists. For many reasons, attempts to reverse the impact of climate change has to be a priority for all the world.

Evidence of climate change

Although many people have denied climate change, there are many warning signs seen all over the world. Some of these changes include: rising sea level, rise in global temperature, warming oceans, shrinking ice sheets, declining Artic sea ice, loss of glacier mass, more extreme natural disasters such as hurricanes and tornadoes, and less snowfall and scientists have found that the ocean is becoming more acidic.

Causes

Meat production alone accounts for some 50% of the global greenhouse gas emissions. Animal agriculture has created unprecedented levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases being emitted into the earth’s atmosphere. Another source is our gasoline guzzling cars which accounts for 30% of the Co2 emissions.

How has global warming affected us here in California?

Right now you can see the effects of global warming here in California. We are experiencing a severe drought since we have had such a small amount of rainfall over the past few years. If this trend continues, it could last for our lifetime. How would you like it if we had water restrictions for drinking and bathing? We have to do something before this drastic measure is imposed! Also, California’s climate is expected to become much warmer. These rising temperatures have many consequences: loss of snowpack in the Sierra’s, risk of wildfires and less agricultural produce.

What role should government by playing?

If we leave it up to the government to deal with the drought, we might not like the new restrictions that are placed on us. I think a better a way for the government to get involved is to encourage people to make greener choices with more ‘’incentives.” Like the solar rebate, the government tax credit should be given to those who drive hybrids or use any forms of transportation. Also, if the government were to ‘’tax” meat like they do cigarettes and soda, we could discourage people from buying meat products because there are better and less environmentally expensive options for obtaining protein. The government could also subsidize the production of alternative energy sources such as wind, solar, or hydro power.

What can we do?

On an individual level, people could make greener choices. Why not bike to work or use public transportation? Even driving a more fuel efficient car such as a hybrid would be a step in the right direction. An investigation I conducted earlier this year showed very little commitment from Bay area residents in using alternative commuting methods. If each of us reduced our meat consumption, we would reduce our carbon footprints as well.

To reverse the tide of climate change, we can all take individual actions, as well as work together in groups. Group actions have a greater impact through working together as a team.

Hopefully this article will make people more aware and awake to this problem. Take global warming seriously. It is up to each one of us to make an impact both individually and working with others. Each person’s efforts will all add up to help save the planet!