Social media leads in assisting the rising awareness of climate change among the youth, but many may not know the real culprit.
At some point over the past year, a number of people saw a post or two regarding climate change. Whether shown stats, predictions or bringing to light the affects of increasing temperatures, one can see a variety of information spread on their homepage/explore page of Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, etc. But the source of the problem is not what many posts lead you to believe: international corporations.
The Carbon Emissions Report, a report that focuses on fossil fuel producers, asserts that only 100 companies account for 71 percent of global emissions. Another report reveals 90 percent of these same emissions come from fossil fuel producers. Energy production—such as: the burning of fossil fuels, the chemical industry, the petrochemical industry and mining—is the main cause of air pollution.
Pay attention to other forms of pollution too. Land and water pollution are among many others.. Wastewater from manufacturers, like the fertilizer industry along with other industries are responsible for much of the latter. Coca-Cola, Nestlé and PepsiCo are among the world’s biggest plastic polluters in the ocean.
Just recently, the Trump administration announced it shall instruct federal agencies to bypass the consideration of the effect on the climate when planning major infrastructure projects. The rollbacks are as proposed National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)—a benchmark environmental law that promotes the enhancement of the environment.
The law requires federal agencies to analyze the effects each project would have on things, such as: endangered species, water quality and much more.
The proposed shortcuts may lead to devastating effects on the environment, as well as making it even easier for corporations to pollute.
But what about individuals? Are our efforts ultimately powerless?
No, not at all. Use those metal straws and fill those reusable water bottles! One’s efforts never go without some sort of impact.
However, individuals are statistically blameless in comparison to large, powerful international corporations.
There’s one way some may not have considered when taking matters into your own hands: voting. Governments have the power to implement policies and make changes. We must hold them accountable to do so.
So get out there and vote for a candidate who will fight for improvement of the global threat of climate change! Vote for a candidate who will use their power to fight greedy, corrupt corporations.
Not old enough to vote? That’s okay! Write to your congressman or congresswoman and call for change! Use new media forms such as Instagram and Twitter to make your voice heard.
As the new generation, we’ve got the power.