When I am alone in the dark of my room, ideas and possibilities cause a panic-like feeling that becomes evident on my sterile computer screen and in the furrow of my brow, affecting my troubled mind.
When I turn on the light and shut down my computer, my troubled mood doesn’t go away; only the presence of the outside world can help me. Typically, it is a human voice that brings me comfort, something more tangible than the essays and articles I read about global warming and the gradual melting of remote ice caps. The fear lingers until someone with a less grounded perception of reality assures me that environmental scientists are taking action and that none of it will impact me in the long run. However, in just the past fifty years, humans, particularly Americans, have essentially reconstructed the Earth and everything in it.
We have altered the landscapes, wind patterns, migration routes, and weather of nature. We have also reduced its greenery and caused the death of its animals. Despite nature appearing uncontrollable, we have successfully exerted control over it. Consequently, we are unintentionally conducting a global experiment by transforming the entire planet. This experiment includes depleting the ozone layer, which is essential for supporting life on Earth’s surface, extensively deforesting the majority of the planet, and disturbing numerous ecosystems.
The biosphere and Earth’s heat balance have been negatively affected as a result. If we continue to consume fossil fuels at our current rate and continue deforestation, the Earth will experience unprecedented heat that surpasses the past million years. This rise in temperature will disrupt entire biological communities and lead to the extinction of numerous species. It is imperative that the environment’s dire situation becomes the top priority for every government and individual worldwide.
Despite the widespread awareness of potential consequences if the majority of people do not make significant changes in their lifestyles, it remains puzzling why 70 million cars still emit harmful pollutants into the atmosphere on a daily basis. Environmental activists globally strive to safeguard rainforests, wetlands, and other vital ecosystems. In major cities, proponents of environmental preservation regularly put forth proposals advocating for alternative transportation methods and energy-efficient appliances, which they propose should be mandatory for all citizens. Implementing these changes gradually could have a profound impact.
Typically, these endeavors prove fruitless as most individuals are unwilling to undergo significant transformations in their lifestyles. While energy-efficient refrigerators and electric cars are accessible, obtaining them requires more than a mere trip to the store or dealership. In our consumer-centric society, wasting resources such as energy, water, and time has become widely accepted.
Despite being exposed to information through a special on PBS and an article in Time, many people fail to fully comprehend the imminent danger of a disaster, thus disregarding the significance of alternative lifestyles. Humans tend to prioritize immediate and tangible concerns over future predictions and statistics. As a result, warnings about our excessive consumption and lack of accountability are being ignored. Environmental scientists, educators, and policy-makers concur that public education is vital in promoting awareness and understanding of these issues.
Humanity is headed towards disaster if it does not fully comprehend the challenges our planet’s fragile environment faces. Simply warning people, imposing economic sanctions, and enforcing strict regulations is insufficient. It is vital for individuals to understand the significance of recycling, how to manage their waste and why they should do so, ways to minimize their own impact on the planet, and the immense importance of these actions. Furthermore, it is essential to customize environmental education to suit each individual’s learning process.
The vanishing of a bug with an unpronounceable name on a verdant hill in New Zealand seems unrelated to the daily work commute. Although it is noteworthy that inhaling New York’s air too deeply will provoke coughing, few consider this. The most impactful aspect in education is not necessarily schools but rather the media. Sufficient reporting on a product’s environmental dangers would dissuade people from purchasing it.
The New York Times should provide sufficient coverage of scientists’ concerns about the potential consequences for the planet in order to capture public attention. Additionally, if all newspapers displayed a prominent image of a whale suffocating in oil due to a negligent spill, it would create a sense of concern among people. Sadly, these crucial issues are not receiving enough attention and there is a lack of accessible information for the average person. Moreover, inadequate research is being conducted on alternative washing detergents, food containers, and automobiles.
Due to capitalism, it is unrealistic to expect the manufacturers of these alternatives to reduce their prices. Nevertheless, an average wasteful individual can potentially sacrifice one of life’s luxuries for the sake of the future. Residing in a urban environment makes it challenging to fully grasp and acknowledge the importance of nature and the ongoing disappearance of our surroundings. Moreover, aside from addressing global warming and air pollution concerns, additional measures should be taken to safeguard our environment for its aesthetic value and for the well-being of heavily affected animal species. It is crucial to understand that extinction is irreversible, with 500 bird species currently facing this risk.
In the future, the distinguished green back of Brazil’s arched bird may no longer grace the skies. “Environmental Studies” were the most captivating and conceptual terms I had ever encountered prior to my time in high school. Intrigued by these words and the proximity to Central Park, I decided to submit my application and ultimately enroll. Due to the predominant focus of my courses, I have had the opportunity to hear from various guest speakers and engage in class debates with individuals who possess similar concerns as me, albeit without my increasingly despairing outlook.
Lately, it has become increasingly important to me that I become part of the solution for environmental issues. I feel fear when I think about the ignored warnings and the complex problems that exist on this planet. It’s hard to comprehend why there is a risk that Alaska’s last pristine ecosystem could be damaged by powerful oil companies. I also don’t understand why world leaders, who have more knowledge than I do about the consequences of abusing our planet, are not taking immediate and drastic action to bring about change.
People haven’t listened because they are not fifteen and scared.
