Climate change, many people cringe at the thought of this topic.

In recent political debates, it’s brought up. It’s mentioned all over twitter, even by 2016’s republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.

Trump once said, “NBC News just called it ‘The Great Freeze’ — coldest weather in years. Is our country still spending money on the GLOBAL WARMING HOAX?” With recent findings though, Trump appears to be wrong.

Majority of scientists believe the main cause of global warming is human expansion of the “greenhouse effect.” This effect is warming that occurs when the atmosphere traps heat radiating from Earth toward space. Over the years, humans have been changing the natural greenhouse.
The burning of fossil fuels has increased the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide. In fact, we have raised atmospheric carbon dioxide levels from 280 parts per million to 400 parts per million in just the last 150 years.

Many other celebrities have pitched in on the topic as well, including Leonardo DiCaprio. “We simply cannot afford to allow the corporate greed of the coal, oil and gas industries to determine the future of humanity,” said DiCaprio.

Only in the last century, the sea level has risen about 6.7 inches. The rate in the last decade though, is nearly double that of the last century. The rising sea level is caused by two factors. One factor being added water from melting land ice and the other being expansion of sea water as it warms.

People need to be aware that this is a serious topic, and we need to educate the people of the world.

“I think climate change is an omen in a way; it will likely prove to be negative, but I’m sure we will learn a lot from our past mistakes,” said senior Vinny Gaboury who attends the Early College Program at SPC. “People don’t realize that cars aren’t the only source of pollution, for example, animal agriculture causes over half of the greenhouse emissions in the world.”

Whether it be on the road, at the office, in school, or at your home; you play a role in the environment. There is always something that can be done. For example, invest in an eco friendly car or even simply toss that water bottle into the recycling bin. Anything helps.

Senior Christina Velasco also had some input. “Climate change is a serious issue facing humanity today. We all need to come to our senses and recognize that not only is this a problem, but that we are the solution,” Velasco said.

The biggest thing we have to do at this moment is to inform society. Spread the word that climate change is real and we need to take a stand, because if we don’t, we might not have a planet anymore.