We probably have all heard about the UN's recent report on the environment at this point, so let me unpack it all for you. If the environment continues in pattern to warm 1.5 degrees by 2040, millions of people will be dead. Yes, people will die from climate change. Oceans will rise, temperatures will be skyrocketing or plummeting, there will be switches between droughts and floods. Our food supplies will be suffering, and multitudes of people will die from starvation, fire, flooding, etc. Many, many species will die, coral reefs will be dead, our environment will be suffocating. Now, here comes the scary part. This is the BEST-case scenario. The International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) did not put out their study to say, "Hey here is where we are headed, and we need to change it." They put out their study to say, "The Earth can only take another 1.5 degrees of warming. Anything above 2 degrees warmer is genocide to both the Earth and everyone on it." They're telling us that they want the Earth to warm a maximum of 1.5 degrees, because we can't handle anything else. They're advocating that we only let the Earth warm 1.5 degrees so that it doesn't get to 2. So yes, it's worse than it seems. It's horrifying, and overwhelming. I've personally not been able to think about it much this past week because I physically can't. What has been even more horrifying is the reactions this study has gotten. I've seen so many people point the blame towards the 100 companies that are responsible for 71% of carbon emissions, as a way of saying it's not their problem to worry about. I've heard people say "Is it really gonna fix anything?" or "There's nothing we can do." People will die of climate change. The Earth will be sick, and a lot worse than ever before. But we need to make sure that it doesn't die. I personally don't want to die in my 50s because in my teenage years I didn't fight for the Earth and everyone on it. I hope that other people feel this way, and want to change for their lives and the Earth's. That's why I'm typing this out right now. We need to change, and change quickly. Or else. Inspired by this article by the NY Magazine.
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December 2018
Ally
Just looking out for the Earth and everyone who lives on it. |