When facing a global issue, it is easy to feel small and unable to make a difference, but in reality, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Take climate change, for example. It feels like an unstoppable force that spans the globe, but action can be taken to combat it right here in Washington, Pennsylvania.
Climate change is an immense change to weather patterns and temperatures as a result of human pollution and the burning of fossil fuels.
The most commonly discussed result of climate change is the increased global temperature, which leads to the melting of snow and ice in arctic regions. While this is a devastating fact of climate change, it is far from the only way the issue affects the environment. Some other ways that climate change impacts the environment are by causing more extreme droughts, raising sea levels and bringing about more severe tropical storms.
Trinity High School Senior and environmental club member Addison McCoy addresses her concerns about the impact of climate change, saying, “Wildfires, ocean acidification, droughts and more have been occurring more frequently. These are major threats to our livelihood and the environment’s well-being.”
With so much devastation being left in the wake of climate change, it is difficult to imagine a solution, let alone a solution the average person can take part in. However, it only takes one person to start a chain reaction that can change the world.
“In order to reverse the effects of climate change, we need to act as soon as possible. Group efforts are the best way to see a change and save the future of the Earth,” says McCoy.
Everyday methods of fighting climate change include, but are not limited to, advocating for local organizations to prioritize going green (living an eco-friendly lifestyle), purchasing only what will be used to avoid needless waste, shopping secondhand, choosing reusable alternatives to certain products and walking to destinations instead of driving. Trinity High School astronomy and meteorology teacher Mr. Powell has even convinced his family to go bagless when shopping to reduce plastic waste.
“The next generation, my children’s generation, is going to really feel the effects. I think there’s going to be food shortages and a lot of unusable land,” Powell says.
Climate change may be a formidable challenge, but if enough people unite to stop it, real change is possible. The Trinity High School Environmental Club is united by this belief and is working to improve the environment around them by advocating for more green alternatives and inspiring others to join the cause.
Anyone interested in putting an end to this dire situation should identify the best green solutions for their lifestyle, then go out and make a difference in their community!
