Classmates, together we face a crisis, the most threatening human-inflicted change to Earth in history. A mere century ago, we discovered the powerful implementations of fossil fuels; however we never considered how it might damage the world’s balance, structure, and numerous ecosystems. Now, one hundred years later, we experience increasing levels of carbon dioxide and monumental temperatures - those that the earth has seen since before modern humans roamed the planet.
Nasa environmental data shows that over the past three decades, global temperatures have risen 1.5 degrees and the sea level has risen 6 inches. These may not seem like outstanding effects; however, the rates are increasing rapidly. In the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) article “Future Climate Change”, climate models predicts that global temperature will rise twice as fast in the next 100 years than it did in the previous 100 years. We must resolve this issue while it is still possible.
In National Geographic’s article “Sea Level Rise”, data suggests that the oceans will rise up to 20 feet by the year 2100. That is enough water to flood the streets of many of the world’s major cities. Much of Miami, New Orleans, New York, and London would be a thing of the past. In fact, 20 to 30 million people living on coasts around the globe would be displaced from their homes in the next century.
Sea Level rise also endangers many of the animals and fish living in coastal habitats. National Geographic’s article shows that erosion, flooding of wetlands, contamination of aquifers, and lost habitat for fish, birds, and plants are among many dangers to these ecosystems. This destruction of habitat will lead to countless extinctions if not resolved soon. Sea level rise is only one of the many major symptoms of climate change. Warming oceans, shrinking ice sheets, and extreme weather are amongst these symptoms.
The good news: these effects can all be prevented or minimized; the bad news: we cannot do so without the complete collaboration of our country. We must set aside social and political differences to achieve a common goal: clean and renewable energy and a habitable planet for our children and for the other inhabitants we share it with.
The only way to reverse the effects of climate change is to convert from fossil fuels to renewable energy. It will not be easy to make this transition, but we must leave fossil fuels in the ground and learn to rely on clean forms of energy.
In the president’s 2016 State of the Union Address, Barack Obama stated, “even if our planet wasn’t at stake...why would we want to pass up the chance for American businesses to produce and sell the energy of the future?” Why would we pass up an opportunity for job and economical growth in our nation. In addition to creating jobs and forming a clean atmosphere, renewable energy would provide the world with resilient and reliable energy. These systems also have the benefit of only needing one purchase ever. Once they are bought and installed, they provide unlimited power with only the occasional need for restoration.
The issue of climate change cannot be resolved unless it receives the support and recognition it needs. I invite you to spread the concern for climate change; to join the movement to restore Earth. It is our crucial obligation to leave our children with a cleaner and more habitable planet. It is our economical obligation to provide American families with limitless, reliable power and the job opportunities they need. Most of all, It is our moral obligation to prevent climate change; to preserve life and habitat amongst our fellow inhabitants; to renew the balance that Earth is being deprived of.
United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). "Future Climate Change." Future Climate Change. N.p., 4 Nov. 2015. Web. 18 Jan. 2016.
UCAR - University Corporation for Atmospheric Research. "How Much Has the Global Temperature Risen in the Last 100 Years? | UCAR - University Corporation for Atmospheric Research." How Much Has the Global Temperature Risen in the Last 100 Years? N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Jan. 2016.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). "Climate Change Evidence: How Do We Know?" Climate Change: Vital Signs of the Planet. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Jan. 2016.
Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). "Benefits of Renewable Energy Use." Union of Concerned Scientists. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Jan. 2016.
Favreau, Jon. "Remarks of President Barack Obama – State of the Union Address As Delivered." The White House. The White House, 13 Jan. 2016. Web. 18 Jan. 2016.
"See How Much Of Miami, New Orleans, And New York Will Be Underwater Because Of Climate Change." Co.Exist. N.p., 15 Oct. 2015. Web. 18 Jan. 2016.
National Geographic. "Sea Level Rise -- National Geographic." National Geographic. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Jan. 2016.
Freedman, Andrew. "The Last Time CO2 Was This High, Humans Didn’t Exist." The Last Time CO2 Was This High, Humans Didn't Exist. Climate Central, n.d. Web. 18 Jan. 2016.