We as students are quite limited in what we can do to help slow, stop or solve climate change, but that does not mean there isn’t anything we can do. Some examples are to spread awareness of climate change, reduce the usage of gas cars by walking or biking to your destinations instead, and be less wasteful of energy. Of course, there are other ways like majoring in a field that would help like the tech field or the science field. Being a student does not stop you from thinking up ideas that could help nor does it really stop you from implementing them.
One of the ways to help slow climate change is to spread awareness. Obviously, it is unrealistic to believe that just letting people know about climate change would stop it completely. Spreading awareness may not do much to impact the speed of climate change either, but the more people that know about climate change, the better. If learning about climate change causes even one person to switch to clean energy or lower their carbon footprint, that is still making progress. It is quite surprising and concerning to see the amount of people out in the world that don’t believe in climate change.
As students or anyone, another way to help slow or stop climate change is to switch to clean and renewable energy such as solar power or wind power. Since these are renewable sources of power, they have an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and mitigating climate change. According to the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, “Solar energy can also improve air quality and reduce water use from energy production.” The U.S. Department of Energy has various scenarios for solar energy deployment that could help the United States achieve a carbon-free electricity grid by 2035. Not only does switching to solar energy help combat climate change, it also helps with saving money on electricity. According to One Block Off the Grid, investing in solar panels can bring in a monthly savings of well over $100. With the proper battery storage system, power outages also would not be a problem due to storms or any kind of weather. These are just some of the many benefits of switching to solar energy.
Another way of potentially solving climate change is to join the tech industry or study the sciences. As a student studying technology, you could potentially invent something that helps solve climate change. The possibilities are endless. Schools provide a ton of knowledge on almost anything. There are many resources that can be accessed by students, and with it, there could be new solutions developed. Maybe you could become the person who found a surefire way to combat climate change or even a way to slow it down.
There are also many small changes to your lifestyle you can make that would make a difference. For example, switching to LED lights, which last longer than incandescent bulbs, and sealing doors and windows to keep warm air in and cold air out. Also, turn off electronics when they aren’t in use and use public transportation, carpool, walk or bike to destinations. Electric vehicles such as e-bikes, e-scooters, and e-skateboards are also good alternatives to driving. If driving is a must, then consider electric cars. These actions seem small, but if enough people start to do these, the difference may be noticeable.
image: https://taraenergy.com/blog/renewable-energy-need-to-know/
References:
- https://barrettsolar.com/20-reasons-to-switch-to-solar-energy/
- https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/solar-energy-wildlife-and-environment#:~:text=As%20a%20renewable%20source%20of,water%20use%20from%20energy%20production.
- https://climate.cityofnewyork.us/take-action/?utm_campaign=greenyc&utm_source=google&utm_medium=sem&utm_content=greenyc-paid-sem-venus&gclid=CjwKCAjw_YShBhAiEiwAMomsEAkNBarusGb3XmjztcWNC8EfebBW_UqCIyZd46K8Q0DCDEzEas9RORoC6RQQAvD_BwE
One Response
Hi Yikai,
Your article is a great reminder that as students, we may feel limited in what we can do to combat climate change, but there are many actions we can take. Spreading awareness of the issue, switching to renewable energy sources, making small changes in our daily lives, and pursuing studies in science and technology fields to develop innovative solutions.
I agree that educating people about the impact of climate change is crucial to creating a collective sense of urgency to take action. Small changes in our daily habits, such as reducing energy consumption and using sustainable modes of transportation, can also have a significant impact when practiced by enough people.
Moreover, it is inspiring to think about the potential for innovation and progress that we as students in science and technology fields can contribute to the fight against climate change. By leveraging our knowledge and skills, we can develop and implement new technologies that can have a significant impact on reducing carbon emissions.
Overall, everyone has a role to play in addressing climate change, and that even small actions can contribute to a larger solution. I think it is important to remember that the problem of climate change is a global one, and it will require collective efforts and action from individuals, organizations, and governments to make a significant impact.