Daniel Zhao, Staff Photographer

By Sabrina Solares

Rising sea levels, extreme weather conditions and wildlife habitat loss are all consequences of  human actions. Humans are as susceptible to global warming as they are contributors to it. The good news is: the same way humans have played a part in this issue, they can also help in the prevention of its advancement. From scientists, to activists, to regular high school students—anyone can help.

Although it may not be the only reason behind global warming, human activity has played a key role in its surge. According to NASA scientists, human-emitted greenhouse gas emissions such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and others have been credited as the main cause for global warming. 

This topic may be overlooked, however, if no action is taken, it is likely humans will be severely affected by the impacts of global warming on the environment.

“Everyone should be aware of global warming because it is an issue that might not only affect us, but it may also affect future generations, and it should be taken care of before it becomes worse and reaches the point where it cannot be fixed,” high school junior Leonardo Robles said.

Its effects are already apparent all around the world. One of the most affected areas by global warming are oceans. The United States Environmental Protection Agency explains that as greenhouse gasses trap energy from the sun, oceans absorb more heat which causes the rise in sea levels. Not only does this amplify the risk of flooding, but warmer waters may also provoke stronger storms, both leading to property damage and loss. In addition, the rise of greenhouse gasses stored in oceans makes them more acidic, which complicates the lives of various organisms and makes it more difficult for them to survive.

“We shouldn’t throw our trash or oil where it doesn’t belong, such as the ocean. The animals living in the ocean could be affected, which also affects us,” high school senior Arnoldo Bolanos said.

As its name states, global warming not only warms oceans but the earth itself. As studied by the Winsconsin Department of Natural Resources, the average global temperature has increased by about 1 degree Celsius (1.7 degrees Fahrenheit) since 1880. 

“I’ve noticed we don’t get as much snow as we used to in the past. I’ve also noticed that extremes are worse: when it’s summer it gets really, really hot,” high school senior Cristina Simpson said.

The amount of consequences of global warming, and human actions, are countless. Though the damage cannot be reserved, there is still time to prevent further harm. The same way there are countless consequences, there are also countless practices that could be applied daily to help save the planet.

”We should reduce the use of plastic, such as replacing plastic straws in restaurants and replacing them with straws made out of other materials,” college sophomore Tessy Adamu said.

The recycling movement began not long before the first Earth Day in 1970. Among its multiple benefits, it prevents more pollution and reduces waste sent to landfills. Such a small act as throwing recyclable materials into the correct bin rather than regular trash cans may seem insignificant, but any contribution makes a difference.

“We can do little things here and there: ride a bike or walk to get to places, buy hybrid cars, reduce materials for our consumption that don’t emit as much greenhouse gas emissions and sustainable practices,” Simpson said.