I must admit, I did not know anything about the climate change crisis. During this case studies course, we had to learn about this crisis and if it is a problem. Going into these studies, I was sure that this subject had nothing to do with me, and boy, was I wrong! My professor, who constantly noted that she was not a scientist, showed the great concern about this topic.
I have learned that some of our everyday routines are causing the release of more and more greenhouse gases. So what does it mean? Well, these gases are adding to the natural supply and create this thick coat around the earth. This coat is not like a beautiful winter coat you can wear and take off anytime; this coat can last for centuries while heating up the earth.
During our daily lives, we do not notice how this crisis is affecting us because it is not direct. This issue creates huge problems, and in order to notice the issue, you have to see the whole picture. One major issue is the rise in sea level, resulting from the melting of glaciers caused by higher than normal temperatures. Another issue is the weather. We have all seen the increase of hurricanes in the last few years. There is a high risk of more severe weather such as heat waves, droughts and floods. One of the greatest impacts is on the poorer countries such as Africa, Asia and the Pacific that cannot afford to protect themselves from rising sea levels and the spread of disease and droughts.
I truly did not think I would have wanted to learn more about the climate change crisis. This subject, now that I know more about it, has become more interesting. I want to learn more.
The temperature of the earth is increasing, and we are the ones to blame. If we do not take urgent and immediate action to stop global warming, the damage could become irreversible.
Cora, you are not alone. I honestly believe that majority of our classmates did not understand the climate crisis before we got in class. There is so much out there that it is difficult to put it all together. The biggest point of information is that blacks are disproportionately affected by the climate crisis. It reminds me of the "tragedy of the commons" presented in the Psychology of Climate Change. Because we do not exert a lot of political or economic force in America, we are discounted and exploited. Now, that is how the global crisis relates to me. My people are getting cancers and asthma at alarming rates just because of what side of the tracks they live on. Now we know that is not right. We see the climate crisis as being some far off phenomenon that does not touch us. But it does. If we do not feel it now, there is only a matter of time, if we continue in negligence, that we will be feeling it sooner than later.
ReplyDeleteCora,
ReplyDeleteWhen I started the semester I didn't know anything about the climate change crisis. Dr. D has taught me that I am directly affected by the climate change and I need to do my part to save the earth. I have been telling everyone I know about the climate crisis, and asking them to change simple things that will make a big difference. If everyone works together we can save mother earth.