Time is running out. The government must act on climate change now.
In a couple decades, 100 percent of the coral reef population will succumb to extinction. Islands will disappear entirely. Millions of people will die from food shortages, diseases and natural disasters.
Graphic by Phoebe Um
Despite these ominous predictions made in October by the International Panel on Climate Change in addition to hundreds of warnings made by scientists since the 20th century, humans still remain alarmingly apathetic to the looming consequences of climate change. Even worse, some have continued to consciously sweep the issue under the rug to keep their profit margins high.
Appallingly, the United States government has long avoided enforcing stricter policies to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, the United States, with a mere four percent of the global population, is currently responsible for almost a third of the world’s cumulative carbon dioxide emissions. In contrast, China—with its population four times that of the United States—has contributed less than a sixth. Rather than addressing the nation’s shameful role in climate change, Trump abruptly yanked the country out of the 2015 Paris Agreement, in which the international community pledged to collectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, the Trump administration announced Oct. 24 its decision to auction off parts of federal waters near the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for oil drilling. Clearly, political influence and economic growth are selfishly prioritized over the environment.
Moreover, the government has attempted to squelch any effort to bring national awareness to the issue of climate change. In 2015, teens—now between 11 and 22 years old—have filed a lawsuit against the federal government for perpetuating actions that contribute to climate change. Since then, both the Obama and Trump administrations have tried to dismiss it. However, the plaintiffs weathered through, and their case is now set for 50-day trial starting Oct. 29.
Addressing Climate Change: The young plaintiffs of Juliana v. United States seek a plan to address global warming.
Such attitude of determination and endurance is what humanity should exhibit in its efforts to lessen the projected damages of climate change. Currently, 75 percent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions is produced by energy and industry sectors. At this rate, individual lifestyle changes like eating less meat and using mass transportation will barely mitigate the problem.
Fortunately, people are starting to realize the pressing need for more influential changes. In the 2018 midterm elections, 55 percent of Californian voters rejected Proposition Six, which called for a repeal of the gas tax. While this turnout is commendable, the effectiveness of such changes depend on unified action.
In order to preserve the remaining beauty and life on earth for future posterity, the current generation must cooperate to implement environment-friendly regulations now—for ourselves, our communities and our world.