The Stakes Are High; Trees Need to be Higher
Think of where we sit. Think of the homes we live in. Think of the resources we burn and waste. Think of the food we eat. Think of the footprint we leave on this earth everyday. Think of this with great thought. Think of this with the thought it deserves but lacks.
Since the Industrial Revolution the climate on earth has changed, for the worse. The sea level across the globe has risen by about eight inches in the last century and increased in acidity by 30%. Extreme natural disasters are becoming the new norm. Hurricanes, mudslides, and wildfires plague the lives of more people each year. Packing materials, which make up 35% of landfills globally, and glass bottles, which take over four thousand years to decompose, are a few examples of what is harming our environment. Furthermore, rainforests are cut down at a rate of about one hundred acres per minute and 137 species of animals become extinct each day. It is clear we are ruthlessly destroying our planet for monetary gain.
This year, however, more youth than ever are ready to fight for their future planet. Across America, this midterm election cycle, youth activists have chosen science over ignorance. Young people are uniting behind one issue: the course of their home, mother earth. A specific instance immediately comes to mind. Rose Strauss, a college student, was called “young and naive” after asking whether a candidate’s backing from the fossil fuel industry has anything to do with his weak stance on climate change. Strauss, and others, have chosen to mobilize, speak out, and make sure they are heard this election season. The environment needs to be a priority in the minds of every voter. Of course the student loans crisis, healthcare, and education are all relevant issues that need to be discussed, however, the breathing in of toxic air and the rising sea level are more vicious, dangerous, and truly frightening.
Saira Salyani, President of High School Democrats of Pennsylvania, gives me hope that this election cycle young people will vote with the environment in their hearts and minds, “I have been amazed by the amount of young people who have been mobilized to get involved during this election. Students are realizing that we will be experiencing the effects of climate change for many years to come, and we have to act now.” Find a candidate who puts the environment at the top of their list of priorities. We need to act now. When you breathe in the air at the polls, savor it. It will be more polluted the next day. To the parents across the country, think of your children and the world you want them to live in. I want to leave you with something I find astounding: there is a “plastic island” three times the size of France in the Pacific Ocean. As a community, a nation, and a race we can work to stop this. All we need to do is get empowered and commit to resist anything less than respect for our plant. I urge everyone of you, start with a vote. Start with a vote for a candidate who values the beauty and wonder of their state and country. It is more crucial than ever to stop and think about or globe, our home, this election.
http://www.theworldcounts.com/stories/amazing_environmental_facts
https://abcnews.go.com/International/great-pacific-garbage-patch-massive-