The term “climate change” refers to the rising of earth’s overall temperature.  Most scientists believe this increase of temperature is due to the impact human manufacturing has on the environment.  There are some however, who challenge this notion.  One of the better known climate change critics is President-elect Donald Trump. During his campaign, a tweet surfaced causing controversy and heated debate.

Trump writes, “The concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese in order to make U.S. manufacturing non-competitive.”  The statement completely disregards the visible changes to our environment and paints a target on the Chinese government.

This is not the only time the president-elect has shown disregard for climate change.  Throughout his campaign, Trump challenged the restrictions President Barack Obama’s administration placed on coal production and promised to reform environmental restrictions placed on large corporations.  His seemingly anti-environmental ideals outraged scientists and civilians alike.

As a student, who is no environmental expert, I am still baffled by the idea that anyone could dismiss the unfolding disaster that is climate change.  To begin, climate change is not something that was made up by any government or group, the environmental impacts of climate change can be backed up scientifically.  These changes can be observed worldwide and experienced everyday. Warming oceans, shrinking ice sheets, rising of sea levels and decreased snow fall are just a few pieces of evidence listed by NASA. One of the more obvious items listed with the evidence is the issue of Global Surface Temperatures.

According to NASA global surface temperatures have been increasing rather significantly since the late 1970s.  The images below show the increase in surface temperatures.  Blue indicates temperatures at or below average and red indicates temperatures above average.

The difference between the temperatures in 1978 and 2015 is startling and perhaps even frighting.  For some, while they agree the temperatures are rising, the question of what is the causing these changes is an area of debate.

Think of the many differences between 1978 and 2015, all of the fuel production and increase of people who own cars .  The burning of fossil fuels releases Carbon Dioxide which according to NASA is a heat trapping gas.  According to The Union of Concerned Scientists the ever increasing amounts of carbon dioxide are among the main causes of climate change.  Essentially, climate change is caused by a build up of gasses that trap heat within our atmosphere.  Many refer to this trapping of heat as the greenhouse effect. 

Knowing that our actions as humans is creating this change, it is our responsibility to change it.  As consumers we must step back and consider the practices of our daily lives.  The EPA provides a list of ways to reduce your carbon foot print.  One of the suggestions they provide is to, “Replace your five most frequently used light fixtures or the light bulbs in them with ENERGY STAR–qualified products and you will help the environment while saving $70 a year on energy bills. ENERGY STAR lighting provides bright, warm light; generates 75% less heat; uses about 75% less energy than standard lighting; and lasts from 10 to 50 times longer.”  The list goes on and the website is home to other lists that provide ideas of how to make an impact.

We need to be conscious of the amount of fuels and energy we use.  Corporations and companies should implement environmentally friendly practices.  Most importantly we need to lobby and show support for laws and restrictions that protect the planet we call home.  It is easy to acknowledge the notion that climate change is problematic.  It is not easy however, to act on this notion and to work towards progressive changes.  In order to make the planet a place future generations can enjoy, it is imperative we step up and take on the harder task.  I think what I am trying to say is best summarized by one of my favorite childhood books.

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot,Nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” – Dr. Seuss, The Lorax