Climate Change: What We Can Do About It?

Sam Boulos, Science and Technology Writer

     The world is in danger. The planet’s surface temperature has risen 1.62 degrees Fahrenheit since the 19th century, the ocean is heating up, sea levels are rising and more. Humanity has not treated our planet kindly in the past, however it is not too late. There has been a lot of damage done, but we all have the power to help avert this crisis before it is too late. There are many reports written about the grave danger that we are in and the negative impacts of humanity on the environment, but this article will examine the positive things that people are doing around the world to fix this problem and the things we all can do.

     Many businesses and people are starting to do their part in creating change and becoming more environmentally friendly. An example of this is finding better and more healthy farming techniques. In the past, farmers tilled the soil using tractors to prepare the soil for planting season. However, this is bad because it erodes the soil and uses fossil fuels. Businesses like Exapta are taking initiative in finding greener ways to complete this process, creating instruments that puncture the ground and plant seeds without eroding the soil and using fossil fuels.

     Another thing that people have started around the world is the online trend of #MeatlessMondays, promoting veganism. Veganism is an important part of maintaining the future of our planet as experts have determined that a vegan diet could cut global greenhouse gas emissions by up to seventy percent.

     When asked about this problem John Roskovensky, upper school math teacher said, “It is important to energize our national will. This is a global problem and it is in the hands of the next generation.” While the problem has been identified globally, not enough people are taking action. Roskovensky believes that students at WFS can take action themselves in small ways and contribute to the solution of the problem saying, “Individually we should try to do better. This means changing your lifestyle only slightly, I don’t expect people to live in treehouses without electricity but we can make minor changes to how we live. For example, can we walk more? Can we choose better electricity sources, specifically solar or wind?” Roskovensky pointed out that you can choose better energy sources  “through Delmarva. They give the choice to increase the number of renewables that bring energy to your house.” While these options are probably a bit more expensive, it is clear that it is worth it in the long run. Roskovensky also suggests,“Next car purchase consider a hybrid or electric vehicle. This choice would certainly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.” On the political side of things, Roskovensky pointed out that young people at Friends should try to get involved by talking to politicians, paying attention, listening, basing your vote on these factors. Many seniors will be voting for the first time in the 2020 election. “The next generation has a new wave of political power,” Roskovensky points out. With this power comes a newfound responsibility.

     Many students at WFS are taking up this responsibility. When asked what he does to stay green, junior Theodore “Teddy” Devoll ’21said, “My family and I recycle and compost. I use a metal straw and my family and I use reusable bags rather than plastic grocery bags. I have a reusable water bottle instead of plastic bottles.” It is not difficult to help the environment in a small way. The world is in our hands. Now the question is, what will we do with it?