"It is scary, sure, with the risk that fires, heat waves, droughts will affect humans in the form of weather and food insecurity, energy insecurity, water quality and health - mainly in poor regions."- Jose Marengo
In a society fueled by big business and international trade, carbon emissions are on the rise. Since 1988, just 100 companies are responsible for over 70% of the world's carbon emissions. With the prominence of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere, the world is experiencing global warming at an alarming rate. Once in a 50-year heatwaves are now happening every decade, while torrential rainfalls are occurring more frequently as well. In a report conducted by U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the world is already experiencing the effects of climate change. The planet has surpassed more than 1 degree celsius in average warming. Because of this, the planet will be (and has been) experiencing wildfires, flooding, and droughts more frequently with heavy rainfall being 1.3 times more likely to happen per the report. The effects of climate change are also altering the livelihood of those in communities across the country. In the United States, environments such as those in Colorado and Arizona have been experiencing higher-than-average temperatures than years prior. This is leading to higher mortality rates in those 65 years and older who cannot adapt to the rising temperatures. In fact, an analysis by NOAA shows that average global temperatures in 2020 were 1.76 degrees F (0.98 degrees C) warmer than the 20th century average — making it the second-hottest year on record. (Conservation.org). I found this to be quite alarming and quite frankly, annoying. As a society we know and understand that the leading cause of greenhouse gasses are these 100 big businesses. I find it to be quite annoying that these corporations throw the responsibility of reversing climate change on nations of people who serve very little influence. While using paper straws and recycling serve great importance to our ethical stance, it only does so much to reverse the damage that is being done. I found it alarming that the prominence of these natural disasters are much more common than years prior, and will only continue to get worse as heat rises. I found myself getting angry as I read these articles, mainly because the cause for this is known. It is alarming how little these corporations care about the people, but if there’s no people left because of them then what was the point anyway. Although it is a song that has been sung multiple times, I would love to protest for climate change. I would love to write articles and letters to those officials who have the power to reverse the ever-changing climate of our world-not only to make the world a better place, but to save the lives and longevity of our planet.
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