Awareness of environmental issues is important for future generations
Global warming has shrouded public news my entire life. Features on CNN, stories in the paper or pictures on the internet have shown me the types of problems people are causing around the world. But these pieces of evidence became so prevalent, at some point, I decided it was better for me to simply tune them out.
“This won’t affect me in South Dakota.”
“Okay, I’ll recycle and control the energy in my house. Whatever.”
“Seriously, the earth just goes in warming and cooling cycles. No big deal.”
I took a firm stance against global warming talk. Discussion was not a concern for me, and I was tired of stories about the poles or pictures of endangered animals. I figured the problem encompassing our planet was someone else’s business. Let me move on with my life, and the planet will keep life spinning.
Well, that mentality went out the window Wednesday night. As a part of Earth Science Week, Chasing Ice — the story of earth and wildlife photographer James Balog raised awareness for global warming through time-lapse pictures of icebergs — struck a different chord with me. In just over an hour, the documentary tore down every piece of insensitivity I had towards the pandemic that is still crippling our Earth and made me realize I need to be doing more myself for the good of future life.
Global warming is not just an idea floating around in magazines so elementary-level kids plant trees outside their schools. It’s a problem alive and well, thriving off the fact that some “experts” are still proclaiming the Earth will fix itself. Yes, maybe the Earth will naturally filter and restore bits of itself, but our constant abuse isn’t helping anyone.
One environmentalist who spoke in the documentary compared human impact to steroids in sports. For a batter coming to plate, the human body naturally produces HGH hormones to perform. However, giving the body supplements can push performance past the breaking point. Same thing with our release of carbon dioxide and destructive toxins. The world could be warming, but we are providing the extra push.
Most of us, myself included, cannot continue to turn a blind eye away from coverage of global destruction. We are the ones juicing the problem, and it has become our responsibility to address change.
Recycling projects are flourishing; energy conservation movements are becoming more efficient; and new environmental missions are springing up everywhere. With one step a day, sometimes one step a week, anyone can make a difference.
The job is for something greater than ourselves. Change may not be something we see in our lifetimes, but it could help someone we love someday. We have options; it’s time to act.
Reach columnist Nathan Ellenbecker at [email protected]
