"There Is No Planet B" | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

"There Is No Planet B"

The truth about climate change.

656
"There Is No Planet B"

With all of the issues that are going in today's world, climate change has taken a place on the backburner. Our planet is suffering because of the fossil fuels that we fill our atmosphere with and the trees and forests that we wipe out. We need to begin working together to focus on how much our planet needs us, and how much we need each other.

First, take a look at what is happening.

It is evident that something is amiss here. In the last 400,000 years, the carbon dioxide levels have never been as high as they are today. As one of the four main greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide is a leading attribute to the warming of our globe and as the levels of the gas rise, the more heat that gets trapped within the atmosphere and absorbed into the Earth's surface. The more heat that remains on Earth, the higher the surface temperature gets, which can result in one of our biggest problems, the melting of polar ice.

The biggest threat that climate change poses is the polar ice melt. According to climate.nasa.gov, global sea level tracking became reliable in 1880, and since then, it has raised over 8 inches. 8 inches may not seem like a lot, but when you consider how many of the world's largest cities reside at sea level, that number can be detrimental. With increasing surface temperature, the number is expected to rise. By the year 2100, it is expected that the oceans will rise by at least 3-6 feet and if nothing is done, our world will be forever changed.

Second, take a look as to why this is happening.

Deforestation. Humans take in oxygen and produce carbon dioxide and plants take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen. It's a cycle, and one that we cannot live without. As the population continues to grow, more space is required and much of that space comes from our planet's forests. With fewer trees, the carbon dioxide is building up because nothing is being absorbed and not only is this a fundamental global warming issue, but it also causes the loss of habitat for animals, which can lead to their extinction.

The burning of fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are natural fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas that have formed from organisms over the past thousands of years. The use of these through vehicles, factories, electricity and many other things all contribute to the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, such as methane and water vapor, that are being pumped into the atmosphere. The fuels that we use put over 21.3 billions tons of carbon dioxide into the air every single year and the amount of plants that are left can only absorb half that amount. It's a cycle, and not a good one.

There are many attributes that are causing global warming; deforestation and the burning of the fossil fuels are the most relevant and, ironically, some of the most preventable.

Third, what can you do?

The problems that we face due to our overheating planet can seem too severe to do anything about, but that is wrong. There are little things that we can do every day and even just one individual can change the world and reverse the clock of climate change. You can advocate for a better world. As social animals, humans follow examples, and just one person working toward a better future can inspire millions. You can walk more; by walking, you are reducing the amount of fossil fuels that are put into the atmosphere. You can use less electricity, you can use less gas, you can buy fewer paper products. By paying attention to the cries of our planet Earth, you, and you alone, can be the change you wish to see in the world.

Our generation is the one who can combat the climate change that is such an imminent threat. Working together for a better future can seem like a daunting task, but it can all start with you. We live in a world where we are not allowed to dream because we are told that dreams don't come true. But I dream of a world where Greenland is not melting as we speak and glaciers are more than just a myth. A world where you can live anywhere and not have air advisories because of the pollution. Climate change and global warming need to be at the forefront of our conversations, and we need to start working harder to save our planet.

Lastly, take a look at these empowering ads.

"There is no Planet B."

Check out the documentary that inspired my article:

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
girl
Pexels

In case you're unaware, "resting bitch face" is the term used to describe when a person's natural, expressionless face makes it look like they are mad at the world. Whether they are walking down the street or simply spacing out thinking about what to eat for dinner, it's very easy for others to assume that this person is either upset or mad at them. Because of this, those of us with Resting Bitch Face (RBF), and especially us women, have all experienced many of the same situations and conversations, including:

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

The Stages Of A Crush As Told By The Cast of "Bob's Burgers"

We all go through certain stages when we have a crush, Tina just explains it better.

398
my heart just pooped its pants
Google

We've all had a crush before. Whether it leads to something or nothing, the process has all been the same. The awkward feelings, the stalking, and the stress of trying to keep this huge secret. The feeling of becoming a total spazz is something that cannot be avoided, and the most spazzy family that can relate to this feeling is the Belcher's.

Keep Reading...Show less
you didnt come this far to only come this far lighted text
Photo by Drew Beamer on Unsplash

At the tender age of 18, we are bestowed with the title of “adult.” For 17 years, we live under the rules and guidelines of our parents, school, and government, and to stray from any of those rules or guidelines marks us as a rebel. At 18, though, we must choose which college we want to go to or what career we want. We are allowed and encouraged to vote. We can buy lottery tickets and cigarettes. We can drop out of school, leave our household, and do other "adult" things. At 18, we start down a path of thinking for ourselves, when for the entirety of our lives other institutions have been mandated to think and do for us.

Keep Reading...Show less
university
University of Nebraska at Omaha

Creating your schedule for the upcoming semester can be an exciting process. You have the control to decide if you want to have class two-days a week or five-days a week. You get to check things off of your requirement checklist. It's an opportunity for a fresh start with new classes (which you tell yourself you'll never skip.) This process, which always starts out so optimistic, can get frustrating really quickly. Here are 25 thoughts you have when registering for classes.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

10 Thoughts Of A 5th Year Senior

What about those of us who don't do it all in four years?

1555
college shirt
pointsincase.com

"College will be the best four years of your life" is a phrase that we have all heard growing up. College is painted as a magical place to us while we are in high school. A place you go to learn, meet your best friends and probably have the time of your life while all of this is going down. Four whirlwind years, where everything that you've known changes and you start to learn what it means to live on your own, have a job, etc. But what about those of us who don't do this all in four years? Major changes, hard courses, switching schools, career paths changing, these are just a handful of factors that could extend your four years to five, six or seven. There is nothing wrong with taking extra time to graduate, but returning as a fifth-year is a little different. Most of your best friends have most likely graduated and moved and while you may be one of the oldest undergraduates on campus, you might feel as awkward as a freshmen. A world that became home and comfortable to you is still there but it's slightly different than you've known it to be and you have to find a groove to fall into. These are thoughts you'll have as you look ahead to returning to your college campus, with a victory lap planned.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments