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Is Change Still Constant?
As Theresians, we have been educated about our environment ever since our early years in STC. We were always told to segregate our trash and differentiate the non-biodegradable materials from the biodegradable ones. We always had an annual project as a school to bring our old newspapers and books to be donated for a good cause. Also, we had this SINOP program where we gather all our used papers which can still be used. My point is, since we were kids, we have been instilled values which could help the environment and educate us students. However, to me as an individual, the worsening issue of Climate change only occurred when I was in fourth year high school specifically in my Physics class wherein we were showed an upsetting video of how the world has changed through time. This issue is sadly not taken seriously by many which leaves the majority to be aware but are doing none to address the problem. And for most of us, this is the greater issue, we take no action in saving our beloved planet even though we are aware of its condition.
Climate Change is caused by the excessive emissions of greenhouse gases such as Carbon dioxide which trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere that causes negative changes in nature. Some signs of climate change are the warming temperatures, sea levels rising and stronger typhoons. I am certain that no one would want these events to be worse than they are so what we can do is reject our ways which harm the environment. One concrete way is through ecozoic living which truly inspired me as we were given a chance to visit CELL last October 1 in our Environmental Education class.
Here, we saw definite ways on how to live with an environmental body, heart and soul. We were shown chicken tractors, biodigester, aquaponics and many other systems which had one main goal, to preserve our environment. In CELL we were encouraged to live with concern towards the environment and I, honestly, was truly amazed by how beautiful the environment could get if we take good care of it. I was luckily able to witness how cool the breeze of the wind was in the location and how green everything was, surrounding me.
I enjoyed how diverse all organisms were in the place as I saw numerous animals and plant species. I also loved the calmness and the serenity I felt, being surrounded by nature filled with everything green. Only in this place did I truly appreciate the wonders of God’s creation and at that moment I became aware of how I greatly need to start in doing my part as a steward of this creation. Moreover, with all the realizations that hit me, I wanted to badly do my job in saving Mother Earth’s future which made me think of concrete ways on how to address climate change.
The first thing we can do is cut waste production or at least lessen your garbage. Sadly, our generation has been exposed to Throw-away consumerism and this is one of the factors why resources are depleting and the environment deteriorating. We have been used to the continuous advancement of technology that makes use of countless minerals which are then put to waste after just a few years of usage. These wastes are toxic to the environment because they release harmful chemicals to the environment and most are very hard to decompose.
Now that we know how solid waste affects our planet, we must lessen consumption because one principle of ecology states that everything must go somewhere and as much as we want garbage to suddenly disappear, it won’t; so what we can do is prevent it at least. Secondly, we must eat wisely and support organic products. Organic products are made in a nice manner and it does not kill animals through absurd methods. Also, it is beneficial to the environment because organic agriculture is one way to alleviate global warming through its ability to hold carbon in the soil. We are all aware of how heartless factories can get in order to provide us good food on our tables, but we also must not forget that all life forms are equally important. Therefore, we must not take advantage of our power as humans to get everything we want and eat whatever looks good, not considering the lives of other creatures being brought to our tables. Furthermore, we can lessen carbon emissions by refusing to vehicles which expel carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Instead, we can use bicycles which will help boost our cardiovascular system or try walking when your destination is near. As stewards of God’s creation, according to the principles of ecology, we must do everything we are capable of doing in order to help save this wonderful planet and through lessening carbon emissions, we are contributing so much help towards the environment.Fourth is to be energy efficient! Though it may seem disconnected with our main goal which is to address climate change, energy efficiency is actually one also one factor which greatly affects the warming of our climate. We have been dependent on the use of fossil fuels which emit a huge amount of carbon dioxide which destroys the atmosphere. We need to find new ways on producing energy and one alternative is renewable energy such as solar energy and geothermal energy. Lastly, consider joining organizations who spread awareness regarding what we can do as humans in taking care of our environment because everything changes and we must constantly be updated of the new ways we can do to adapt to our changing environment.
These are only few of what we can do to address climate change as responsible caretakers of our environment. These are simple ways we can do to create a just and sustainable future. We are privileged enough to be born in this kind of planet and the least we could do is give back what nature has been sacrificially offering us to provide us a comfortable lifestyle. We’ve been receiving so much from nature and we tend to forget that it is also our duty to give in order to maintain the balance between humans and Mother Earth. This is our only home and we only have little hope left. Change is the only constant thing in this world and it is time to finally change our ways because our work towards the environment are the only ones left unchanged.
