Senators Fight Climate Change

Micaella Balderrama

PrideTime Reporter

Climate Change is one of the biggest issues of the century. As a human race, it’s one of the biggest problems we’ve had to face. Global warming is scary; polar ice shields are melting, destroying numerous ecosystems, causing sea and temperature levels to rise.

The main cause of the current global warming dilemma is something called the “greenhouse effect,” warming that results when the atmosphere traps heat radiating from Earth toward space. This heat comes from human-induced gases through the burning of fossil fuels. Although we may not be able to face this problem head-on, as most of us aren’t CEOs of the companies who are the primary proponents of Climate Change, there are things we Senators can do to help reduce its frightening effects.

Through advertisements on most social media platforms, it’s probable we’ve all heard of some small things we can to do advocate for the reduction of Climate Change and its effects. You’ve probably heard about wasting less plastic and investing in reusables. Sarah Signore (‘20) knows of some small things we, as a school and individuals, can do to preserve the future.

“I’ve heard a lot about replacing plastic with reusable supplies. Like replacing plastic straws with metal straws.”

As a species, we use a lot of plastic. Every year, we produce more than 300 million tons a year! That’s the same weight as 1,000 Empire State Buildings. Now, what does plastic have to do with Climate Change? Isn’t that just an environmental thing? Nope. Many plastics actually give off powerful greenhouse gases as they break down, advocating Global Warming. LDPE (low-density polyethylene) plastic releases gases at the highest rate. Over time, plastics give off more and more gas, leading to a change in climate. The planet gets hotter, and the plastic emits more methane, further encouraging the endless cycle.

Recently, the idea of reducing water usage has earned attention. Turning off your sink while you’re brushing your teeth and taking shorter showers has been a message flashed all over social media. As it turns out, being smart about your water usage does contribute to carbon pollution reduction. It’s a simple concept; the more water you use, the more power required. The more power needed, the more energy needed, leading to an increased burning of carbon dioxide.

Camille Clark (‘20), says she’s been trying to be more water-efficient, “I don’t really know the science behind it, but I heard taking shorter showers and pretty much wasting less water would help with climate change. I try to turn off water when I’m not using it and just, in general, waste less.”

It’s going to take a lot to reverse climate change, but there is something the McMahon student body can do to promote change. Sure, we can’t immediately reverse global warming, but by doing the little things, like being smart about plastic and water use, we can unite against the frightening effects of climate change and preserve the future of the planet.