New York City is known to be lively and is home to millions. No matter the city’s notorious reputation, it suffers from several social justice issues such as gun violence, homelessness, sexual orientation discrimination, and even climate control. They all have taken a toll on the city. One of the biggest issues New York is currently grappling with is climate change. Fluctuating weather conditions have contributed to various climate issues like increased sea levels.
Pollution, fossil fuels, greenhouse gasses, and motor vehicles are some of the contributing factors to this environmental pandemic.
Climate change should be of relevance because of its health risks. Increasing hot temperatures can result in a heat stroke or occurrence of other illnesses. Warmer weather conditions increase allergens and exposure to insects that carry diseases. It will affect the contemporary generation and generations to follow.
Scientists, meteorologists, and environmental organizations are currently and will continue to monitor the temperatures and nature of the city while trying to tackle what could one day be a full crisis.
Now, there are many ways in which we can help slow down climate change. It all boils down to human beings being apart of the solution or contribute to the problem.
Start by recycling because it will reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Another option is to utilize LED light bulbs. Most people use incandescent or fluorescent light bulbs. These bulbs are harmful as they waste electricity and release carbon dioxide. They also generate a decent amount of heat. Fluorescent light bulbs contain highly toxic mercury. LED light bulbs are linked to pollution. However, they’re most efficient and are less harmful in comparison to non-energy saving bulbs.
Another contributor to climate change is water wasting. It takes a lot of heat and energy to acquire the desired water temperature. Keep in mind that conserving water and energy is paramount in saving the climate.
Lastly, contribute to stopping climate change by educating people about how they could make a difference.
I spoke with a participant of a March 2019 Climate Change March in NYC. Over 60000 people, including teenagers flooded the streets to protest people who weren’t taking Climate Change seriously.
Question: What did you see the day of that march?
Answer: I saw thousands of people. Generally most around my age. They had signs and posters and were all standing strong.. united.
Question: Why were you and all those people there?
Answer: We were there to protest climate change. We were standing up for our planet.
Question: How long were you out there?
Answer: A few hours at least. There were so many people I didn’t want to leave. It felt good being with so many people fighting for the same cause.
Question: Do you think that day had an impact on climate change?
Answer: I can’t say that for sure. But I know for a fact that we had brought national attention to the subject. You should have seen all the cameras and news stations out there.
Question: Do you believe these ‘elders’ who were spoken about at the march will take your concerns seriously?
Answer: Yes, they have to. With so many people adamant about this subject they can’t just ignore us. The older generation must do something about this crisis on our hands.
Question: What do you think the cause of global warming is?
Answer: Well that’s easy. The answer is us. Humans we are the cause of this. We’re the ones making all of this pollution.
Last Question: How do you feel about Greta Thunberg?
Answer: She’s really awesome. Not many care about this as much as she does. I praise her work shes doing around the world to bring light on climate change!
Named sources: https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/new-york-e2-80-99s-sweltering-heat-is-the-new-normal-for-climate-change/ar-BB176NBP / https://www.dec.ny.gov/energy/94702.html
