What We Know About Climate Change
Are you worried about climate change? What do you know about climate change?
I interviewed Mr.Simcoe about climate change and what we need to know about it right now, as well as some dangerous myths. Most importantly, he told me what we can do to change our negative impact.
He started off by saying that climate change is not a debate: it is happening and it’s very important for us to know what we are doing and how we can help. Humans are increasing the effects of climate change drastically. We know this because scientist are seeing the effects much sooner than they expected. We can see this going on through intense wildfires, heat waves, increased flooding and hurricanes, melting ice caps, and the rising of sea levels all due to climate change. Another example is the changes in the rainfall pattern and increase in rainfall. Springtime is getting earlier and allergies are getting worse due to the longer season.
Some myths are:
Climate change is a “future” problem.
False: Climate change is happening today and most experts are surprised how early the effect have arrived, even though we thought it would happen decades later. So it is here and it is a “now” problem.
Renewable energy in a money making scheme.
False: Mr. Simcoe explains that every company’s goal is to make money. Just because there is money being made doesn't mean it is not a good idea. As we have recently seen oil prices rising, it makes using renewable energy more appealing. Oil prices are a great example of why we should rely on renewable energy. We will always have day and night, so sunlight is a reliable, renewable source of energy.
A warmer climate sounds good!
False: Due to warmer climates, parts of the world in the summer will be unlivable and unfarmable.You may be picturing beach weather, but cities will be underwater and tropical diseases will spread because it will be warmer in places that are normally not warm.
What can we do?
First and foremost, we can educate ourselves on the issue, Seek out researched articles from real scientists, like from NASA or IPCC. Without the right knowledge, there’s no way to effectively solve the problem.
Understand the causes of climate change and research solutions so that we can change the outcome.
Conserve energy, and consider trying a low meat or more plant-based diet!
Be politically engaged and vote in support of green policies.
Be less wasteful in what you buy and try to support corporations that are more sustainable. Your dollar has power!
Reality has a way of smacking you in the face and young people need to know about climate change now so we can fix this problem by the time we are adults. Don't take the earth for granted. Humans are pushing us out of the livable climate, but we are not indispensable and together we can make a change!