I chose this issue as it is something that is very important to me, and should be to everyone. Climate change affects everyone, everywhere, whether it be fires, floods, drought or famine, it is something worth fighting against. As the next generation, I believe that we have to take charge in what will help sustain our Earth and OUR homes.

Climate change is driven, for the most part, by human activity releasing greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere, trapping the sun’s heat around the earth. The world is heating up faster than any point ever recorded. of the leading causes include:

Burning fossil fuels
Agriculture and the use of synthetic fertilizers
Deforestation
Oil and Gas operations
Climate change is extremely dangerous as it destabilizes natural systems that we rely on, fuels intense extreme weather, threatens global food and water security, spreads diseases, and collapses ecosystems.

Every being on Earth is affected by Climate Change, particularly the next generations who have to live here next. The cause of climate change has started since around 1800, when fossil fuels started to burn in the world, but has only been more recognised, worried about, and worsened since the mid 2010s. Although everyone is affected by climate change, the most affected countries are ones that suffer the most natural disasters, but also those who don’t have the capacity to deal with climate change, such as Chad, Syria, Somalia, Afghanistan and plenty more.

There are many short and long term effects which can cause a lot of destruction. Some of which include:

Short: 

Extreme weather changes
Agricultural shocks (heavy rainfall, droughts, flash floods)
Wildfires: the increasing dry and hot weather makes for more chances of large scale bushfires.
Public health risks (flooding and natural disasters spread different illnesses and diseases, as well as heat-related illnesses).

Long:

Higher average temperatures, which melts icebergs. The increasing water levels, which causes an increased amount of natural disaster and floods many countries.
Many coastal cities and small islands experience land loss.
Long lasting droughts (the American West is in a severe ‘megadrought’).
Stronger storms. Warm air holds more moisture, making tropical cyclones wetter, stronger and also increases chances of them rapidly intensifying, causing large amounts of destruction.
It can cause famine in the long run due to either drought, or intense, rapid rainfall and storms. 
More intense wildfire.  

A key way to help prevent the issue of climate change is to reduce the amount of burning of fossil fuels. As a nation, we can protest for the government to stop burning fuels and switch to more eco-friendly and sustainable options. For example, using solar panels or windmills as a source of power, as it is a more sustainable option that doesn’t need the use of greenhouse gasses. Transport: reduce the use of cars burning fuel. Switching to electric, walk or ride as often as possible. We can also help by managing our waste use, how it gets discarded, and the amount of water we use, along with shopping consciously and choosing eco-friendly choices. A key part of helping climate change is stopping the amount of trees being cut down and planting new ones. Trees help with our air, and the less there are, the more toxic and more fire prone it is. Finally, we can vote and advocate to make a difference. Climate change affects everyone, everywhere, and there are so many little things we can do to stand up. 

Everyone has their own story, and many voices have spoken up: 

Tuvalu's Minister for Justice, Communication and Foreign affairs, Simon Kofe, filmed a video for society, addressing the problems of climate change while standing knee deep in water. The country of Tuvalu is currently less than 2 metres above sea-level, and is at high risk for the effects of climate change. This moment showcased what could happen to multiple parts of the world if climate change isn’t taken action on, and was a very powerful moment. 

Greta Thunberg, a climate change advocate who stood up and protested at 15 years old. If the young can fight, why can’t the adults help protect the Earth?

“Climate change is real. It is happening right now, it is the most urgent threat facing our entire species and we need to work collectively together and stop procrastinating.”

Leonardo Di Caprio, Actor & Environmentalist

“By polluting the oceans, not mitigating CO2 emissions and destroying our biodiversity, we are killing our planet. Let us face it, there is no planet B.”

Emmanuel Macron, President of France

“The time for seeking global solutions is running out. We can find suitable solutions only if we act together and in agreement.”

Pope Francis, 266th Catholic Pope

“Adults keep saying we owe it to the young people to give them hope, but I don’t want your hope. I don’t want you to be hopeful. I want you to panic. I want you to feel the fear I feel every day. I want you to act. I want you to act as you would in a crisis. I want you to act as if the house is on fire, because it is.”

Greta Thunberg, 17 year-old Swedish Activist

Find more quotes here: 　curious.earth/blog/climate-change-quotes/.