Why Climate Change Demands Your Attention Now: A Look at Its Impact on Our Present and Future

Global warming isn’t a new issue; scientists have traced it back over a million years. Yet, since the industrial revolution, greenhouse gas emissions have skyrocketed due to fossil fuel use.

This climate change crisis deeply impacts our planet, but many still dismiss it. If it doesn’t affect them directly, they think it’s not a big deal. This view is both shortsighted and dangerous.

As someone who’s learned a lot about the environment, I often wonder why corporations and governments prioritize profits over our planet’s health. It doesn’t make sense.

Powerful entities often push the Earth to its limits. They over-produce, over-transport goods, and destroy forests, all to maintain wealth. The result? Increased greenhouse gases like methane and carbon dioxide fill our atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is particularly concerning, as it can linger for thousands of years, trapping heat and warming the planet.

If we want to continue living on this beautiful planet, we need to change our habits.

Animals are already suffering from our actions. Glaciers melt, forests burn, and droughts worsen each year. Our diverse ecosystems are being disrupted, pushing wildlife to adapt or perish.

Many species are losing their homes to deforestation. This creates environmental migrants—animals and humans forced to move to less suitable areas.

Rising sea levels and climate change are altering farming practices as well. Everyone contributes to carbon emissions. If you’ve driven a car, used appliances, or enjoyed meat and dairy, you’re part of the problem.

While it feels impossible to completely avoid contributing to climate change, we can take meaningful steps. Small actions can lead to significant impact. Let’s reduce plastic use, cut down on energy consumption, conserve water, carpool, use renewable resources, and explore plant-based diets, which are less resource-intensive.

Climate change is an urgent issue. The effects we’re witnessing today are a direct consequence of both past and present actions. If we don’t act now, tomorrow’s challenges will only grow.

Recent studies show that climate change could affect food production drastically by 2050, with crops like wheat and rice suffering lower yields. This would escalate food insecurity globally. By making conscious choices today, we can work toward a healthier planet.

Lara Martinez Galindo is a student at Grossmont High School.

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