Climate Change Awareness

I’m sure we’ve all noticed how it’s 70–80 degrees Fahrenheit in California in November. It’s true that we never get snow, but it’s clear to see that the effects of climate change are constantly worsening, and it’s happening in front of our eyes. Talk about climate change hasn’t been very prevalent recently, so let’s catch up on what’s happening in our environment right now! (Warning: it’s not great.)

Overall, natural disasters have been more than average this year. Due to the increased water temperatures, natural disasters such as cyclones have become more prevalent. As of October, there have been four major hurricanes, seven tropical storms, and not to mention the insane wildfires that occurred this January. These wildfires are a big reason why the Paris Agreement (“legally binding international treaty on climate change” – United Nations Climate Change) goal to limit the increased temperature of global warming to under 1.5 degrees Celsius might not be obtainable.

Here’s a quick science lesson: water stores heat and CO₂. Now, with the unhealthy amount of heat and CO₂ created by global warming, it means bad news, especially for ocean life. Ice sheets are melting, leaving animals such as polar bears to struggle as their land deteriorates. Animals in the sea are supposed to survive at a certain temperature, so as the water gets warmer, more animals will struggle to survive. Not to mention that the increasing carbon dioxide levels due to humans are making the water more acidic and dropping its pH levels. Therefore, some of our favorite animals, such as whales and sharks, as well as coral reefs—which help support entire ecosystems—are endangered by climate change.

What isn’t talked about much is the poverty displacement as a result of climate change. Natural disasters have destroyed millions of homes, and the increasing temperatures make it harder and harder for people to perform well in jobs that require hard labor in the sun. It has been reported that, “In 2024, 45.8 million people were displaced due to weather-related disasters” (United Nations: Climate Action).

Costs directed toward limiting and reducing climate change are predicted to reach 5.5 trillion dollars by 2030. This price is largely due to having to fix the effects of natural disasters, but a lot of these finances are being funded toward new zero-carbon emission inventions. Regarding the Paris Agreement, efforts (from countries excluding the U.S.) to limit emissions are still ongoing, with zero-carbon emission inventions being developed. The United Nations has reported that 25% of emissions are carbon-free, and it is predicted to increase to 70% by 2030. Unfortunately, our current government administration believes climate change to be nothing more than a hoax. Since the U.S.’s new administration, America has been taken out of the Paris Agreement, and efforts to reduce risks from climate change and carbon emissions have been halted. This includes stopping funding for green energy products and solar power products.

How can you be a part of the improvement of our current climate? Well, for one, educate yourself on what does contribute to climate change and either stop supporting the product or try to limit your usage. For example, AI digital assistants such as ChatGPT release tons of carbon into our atmosphere, estimated to be 8.4 tons in a single year, and require lots of natural resources to power. It’s even worse if non-renewable resources are used to power the program. AI programs such as ChatGPT aren’t needed, even if you think they are when you’re too lazy to find that answer in the textbook. We can properly dispose of our types of waste: hazardous, non-hazardous, recyclable, and liquid. Simple decisions as easy as choosing not to litter can make a difference over time, so when you think, “One person using AI doesn’t do anything, I’ll be fine,” remember there are millions of people thinking the same statement, and suddenly it’s not one person using AI, but everyone. Remember to stay informed and continue to do what best helps our planet; we can’t colonize Mars just yet.