Global Warming: Is it Your Problem?

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For some, the reality of global climate change seems obvious –  we owe it to ourselves and future generations to preserve the precious land we live upon. Others dismiss climate change and deem it an illegitimate crisis. Either the science does not add up to them or they seek personal or business gain in rejecting global climate change.

 

Currently, Lake Erie’s water level is below average and predicted to fall another 4-5 feet by the end of the century, sending aquatic and shoreline organisms into shock as they are forced to adjust to the water level changes. The increase in temperature will also attract invasive species and algal blooms which prefer warmer climates.

 

Unfortunately, the harms of climate change extend to human beings. For example, toxic algal blooms are organisms that can destroy ecosystems, specifically the fish that consume them. Ultimately, the health of humans is affected when they themselves consume the fish which have consumed toxic algal blooms.

 

Over the years, plans have been developed to combat the effects of global climate change from destroying the Great Lakes. Fortunately, these federally funded programs have put the Great Lakes on track for cleaner water. In Lake Michigan, for instance, an underwater electric barrier was constructed to prohibit destructive Asian carp from invading the lake.

Global climate change and the condition of the Great Lakes, specifically Lake Erie, is a controversial topic. In the Upper Commons, I asked students for their thoughts. Colin Savage stated that, “If we don’t focus on the state of the lake, it could get more serious quickly. It starts with the presidency making executive decisions in the government, which trickle down to everyday life.” Savage stated that he disagreed with President Trump’s plan, announced in July, to eliminate funding for cleaning up the Great Lakes. He also did not agree with Trump seeking to leave the Paris Agreement. Peter Dawson had a contrasting opinion: “It has been scientifically proven that the climate naturally warms every 1,000 years, and then it cools down. Right now, we are in the process of warming up.” Dawson stated that he disagreed with all evidence stating that global climate change is real. Sukhm Kang had, perhaps, the most relatable perspective. “I care about the situation, but I don’t care about it enough to get up and do something. Something should be done, but it starts with the government.”

 

Of all the others I spoke to, Sukhm’s seemed to be the most common viewpoint. While it may be true that us high school students don’t have the resources to kickstart a planet-changing initiative, that doesn’t mean that each of us can’t make a concerted effort to do the right thing. Regardless of what you believe in, recycling, using less paper, and other ‘small-scale’ traditional methods of global climate change prevention are always going to be beneficial actions for the entire community. For all we know, maybe one day, the little things will add up.