Greetings Laudato Youth and esteemed readers. I am Esther T, currently in S2, a member of the Laudato Club of Holy Cross Lake View S.S.S allow me to share my thoughts on the pressing issue of climate change. Let’s start by defining climate change – it refers to the significant long-term changes in average weather patterns, such as increased temperatures, changes in rainfall patterns, and more frequent extreme weather events, over several decades or longer. If you are careful, you must have noticed most of those challenges are already happening.

Climate change is a national and global problem that is threatening our environment and society today and our future as students. The rise in global temperatures is directly impacting our health in various ways and this worries me. Actions like deforestation, which results in the loss of over 12 million hectares of trees annually, and the clearing wetlands contribute significantly to the crisis as wetlands are the best absorbers of excess water. So, preserving them is very important.

The problem of over dependence on wood fuel is also a big threat to forests but there are sustainable alternatives such as wind, solar, and other renewable energy sources that emit little to no greenhouse gases. Despite this, a large portion of electricity generation still relies on fossil fuels.

The consequences of climate change are becoming more apparent, with hotter temperatures, increased droughts, rising sea levels, loss of biodiversity, and food insecurity becoming more prevalent. In 2020, we witnessed some of the hottest temperatures on record, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue. This has challenged me to think of what to do last term I shared a video message about how we use talent to conserve the environment in school this time i thought it wise to share my ideas through this article to encourage fellow young people to do something.

It is crucial for us to recognize that we are the main contributors to this global threat and that we must take responsibility for our actions. By reducing our carbon footprint and transitioning to sustainable practices, we can collectively combat climate change. This year I am participating in the One Million Tree Planting Drive as a way to reduce my carbon footprint yes, I have used plastics and now I must plant trees. What have you done and how are you going to reduce your footprint?

It is important for us to come together and act now to mitigate the effects of climate change. Let us educate ourselves and others on the importance of sustainability and work towards a more environmentally conscious future. Remember, we are all responsible for the well-being of our planet. Together, we can make a difference.

Education for service.

For God and my country.

Esther