By Shining Li ‘27, News Staff Writer

Image Credits- Matyfiz/Stock.Adobe.Com

Global warming is a chronic issue that is worsening daily. Unlike other world issues, global warming is one with limited time left to solve. Since 1880, the average global temperature has risen over one degree Celsius, or roughly two degrees Fahrenheit, with almost two-thirds of the warming occurring after 1975. Since 1975, the warming has doubled. Without finding solutions being a priority, global warming will only get worse. The time is ticking if we want even a chance in the climate change reversal battle.  

According to the United Nations Organization, climate change is mainly caused by greenhouse gasses being trapped in the atmosphere. Fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas aggravate the amount of carbon dioxide trapped in the air, which leads to a plethora of issues.

One of those issues involves the endangerment of animal species like polar bears and penguins. According to the World Wildlife Foundation, “the ice that polar bears depend on melts away. Loss of sea ice also threatens the polar bears’ main prey, seals, which need ice to raise their young.” Without ice caps or a cold environment, polar bears lack the resources to prey and survive, threatening the population of polar bears or other arctic animals with extinction. 

Climate has devastating effects on humans as well. Studies have shown that higher temperatures lead to extreme heat, which can be fatal. The United States Environmental Protection Agency states that “more than 1,300 deaths per year” are due to extreme heat. Low income individuals and families that don’t have an air conditioning system suffer greatly from heat waves. Poor air quality is also an effect of climate change. Due to the increased levels of ground ozone pollution, the conditions of air quality worsen as temperatures climb. The excess amounts of carbon dioxide also pose a threat to human health, as there eventually will not be enough oxygen for humans to breathe. Some diseases resulting from climate change include Anaplasmosis, Anthrax, Dengue, and more. In general, climate change has taken a toll on the well-being of everyone. 

Though the threat of climate change is ever-present, there are solutions that can slow down the rate of global warming. Many houses rely on electricity powered by coal, oil, and gas. This traps carbon dioxide in the air, leading to global warming. Methods like installing solar panels, or finding other sources of renewable energy can make a night and day difference. Also, using alternative sources of energy like water or wind power can lessen the amount of fossil fuels that one uses. While these solutions may be more costly, everyone can still contribute in some way. Some more affordable options include biking or walking, carpooling with friends, changing normal light bulbs to LED bulbs, and using public transportation.

Newark Academy students can also make a difference in this battle. Simple day-to-day changes like turning off electricity when it’s not being used, conserving food or keeping food waste to a minimum, and recycling can make a vast difference. Small actions eventually add up and help delay climate change’s damages. Contributing to climate change reversal doesn’t have to be drastic, but any small actions can help. 

While this situation may seem alarming or urgent, there is still time and hope to change. The climate isn’t at a point of irreversibility yet, however, the topic of climate change needs to be prioritized. NA has already made changes like transitioning from paper plates to reusable plates and informing students about recycling. From using an electric vehicle to recycling plastic, there is something that we can all do to play a role in helping the environment before it is too late.