COLUMN: The Planet’s Ablaze, Why Aren’t We?

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Whether we would like to acknowledge it or not, the world as we know it is changing drastically. As the global temperature rises, people are becoming more and more aware of how important it is to take precautionary measures to ensure our planet and the things within it are preserved.

One of the biggest questions that we may face is whether or not it is too late, and what can we do to help.

The New York Times just released breaking news regarding a case study which found that there are 2.9 billion fewer birds in the U.S and Canada now than 50 years ago.

If you’ve been on social media lately it’s very likely that you’ve seen the ominous red haze floating about Indonesia; this is not a filter or a camera trick, it is the result of a widespread forest fire.

It is hard to ignore the fact that there are so many red flags emerging in terms of climate change, however, it seems as if political figures and the powerful individuals who control reform are acting as if none of it exists.

NASA states that “The planet’s average surface temperature has risen about 1.62 degrees Fahrenheit (0.9 degrees Celsius) since the late 19th century…” However, the number of laws made or reforms put in place when it comes to climate change have not reflected the necessary urgency needed in order to save the planet from its detrimental state.

After the election of President Trump, climate change laws have taken a turn for the worse. ClimateChangeNews.net claims that “His ‘Energy Independence’ executive order, signed in March 2017 at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) headquarters, saw the dismantling of the Clean Power Plan of 2015.” This, among other changes made during his presidency, ignore the fact that change needs to happen, and fast.

While this fact may be unsavory, the driving force behind everything that exists is the desire for economic gain. As it goes with many large corporations that manufacture large amounts of goods that leave carbon their footprints on the environment, the decision to make changes for the better is usually based on whether or not they will be economically lucrative or not. This means that people must use their funds in a way that directs the motives of large corporations.

It is important to do research on things and businesses that you are giving your money to. In order to make the earth a suitable place to live for the generations to come, we must accept the current state the earth is in, let go of passive attitudes regarding the things happening around us, and actively participate in and support sustainable practices.

Wherever the money goes, attention of the masses will follow.