The Impact of Climate Change on Young People

For Earth Day week, we bring you a look at ways young people can help save the planet! We’ll be talking with Cliff Lewis, author of We the Future!

This week on The Cosmic Companion, we look at ways young people can help make Earth a better place to live. Later in the show, we’re going to be talking with Cliff Lewis, author of We the Future! 

[This episode is aimed toward young people, but there are plenty of lessons in here for everyone, so keep watching, regardless of your age.] {Thank you!}

Since the start of the Industrial Revolution the Earth’s climate has been rapidly changing due to human activity, primarily the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas. In fact, it has been 46 years since our planet last experienced a year with cooler-than-normal temperatures.

Now, I know you’ve heard the term “global warming” before, and you might think it just means that the Earth is getting a little warmer, no big deal. But here’s the thing: global warming is already resulting in some pretty serious problems.

Listen to the podcast here, or watch the video version of this episode!

The production of greenhouse gases is causing the Earth’s temperature to increase, leading to rising sea levels, more frequent and intense natural disasters, and setting off a cascade of plant and animal extinctions.

Rising temperatures are causing glaciers and ice caps to melt, which could mean more flooding, more intense storms, and the pollution of water supplies for large cities.

[It’s too bloody hot!]

Climate change is also resulting in more extreme weather, like heatwaves and droughts, which can harm crops and lead to food shortages. Ocean temperatures are also rising, driving deaths of coral reefs and a loss of biodiversity.

But there is hope. We can take action to protect our planet and prevent the worst effects of climate change. We can reduce our carbon footprint by driving less, using renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, and eating a plant-based diet. 

[Did you know humans share about 98% of our DNA with pigs, compared to just 90% with cats and 82% with dogs? We even play video games! So… May I recommend a yummy fruit smoothie for breakfast?”] {Mmmm… Fruit smoothies!}

Young people have the power to make a difference, advocating for policies prioritizing the health of the planet and supporting sustainable practices. You can speak out about the urgency of climate change and encourage others to take action by your own example, striving toward a more Earth-friendly lifestyle.

Next up, we talk with Cliff Lewis about his new book, We the Future!

So, here’s the good news: we can do something to reduce our carbon footprint.

When you need to travel, consider having fun and getting some exercise by walking or biking whenever possible. Or take public transportation instead of driving a car. Young people can also talk to your parents about the benefits of driving an electric or hybrid vehicle.

In addition, household solar panels and rainwater harvesting reduces demand on utilities, decreasing our use of fossil fuels significantly. This can save a significant amount of money on your home’s electricity bill!

Another important thing nearly all of us can do is to recycle! Some other ideas are to reduce waste by using reusable water bottles, lunch containers, and bags.

Some people will downplay the effects of personal choices in protecting the environment. And, although it is true that large industries create vast amounts of the environmental pollution, consumers have the power to make them change.

Large unscrupulous corporations [EVIL LAUGH] do the damage they do for one reason — to make money. As consumers, we have the power to support alternatives to environmentally damaging products and practices. We can choose to buy products that are made sustainably and reduce harm to the environment. We can support companies that prioritize reducing their carbon footprint and investing in renewable energy.

If enough of us make these choices, we can have a real positive impact on the environment. We can show companies that there is a demand for environmentally-friendly products and practices, pushing them to make changes to their products and policies.

Finally, get involved in your communities! Join a local environmental group, attend climate rallies and marches, and make sure you’re educating yourself and others about these issues.

As life springs to, well, life, around us this season, let’s celebrate the plants and animals and fungi and other beings around us by doing what we can to help save our planet for future generations.

[[We can all plant the seeds for future generations. Don’t leave it for others to do. We all need to be pollen in the same direction. Let us get to the root of the…]]

Next week on The Cosmic Companion, we have a special guest for Earth Day! We welcome Sandra Postel, director of the Global Water Policy Project to the show. 

[[Greetings, mortals. I’m Poseidon, Greek god of the sea. I’m also god of Earthquakes. And, for some strange reason, horses. I’m basically a walking Jim Morrison poem. Ahem. I assure you that water is one of the most precious resources on the planet. On Earth Day, The Cosmic Companion asks the question, “Water is More Important!?” Answer? Not much. Dive on in with us starting on Earth Day, 22 April.]]

If you enjoyed this episode of The Cosmic Companion, feel free to comment, share, and tell your friends about the show. It might just help the planet! 

Clear skies!

James

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