The potential effects on our planet by climate change predicted by scientists sound completely devastating. We are looking at more frequent and extreme wildfires and accelerated sea level rise just to name a couple. However, we have a significant amount of control over the magnitude of these effects in the next few decades. Of course, limiting our greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprints is essential. Although sometimes we struggle to see what impact our individual actions can have, we must start to share the view of a collective who is out to save their planet. Together it is extremely possible to make a difference, and each action, no matter how small or large, will be part of a powerful change.
It is important to remain optimistic about our future, but in order to fully understand why we must work so hard for it, we need to understand what could potentially happen if we do not look after our planet. In 30 years, imagine living a world where the air is so heavy, it is difficult to breathe. Air pollution levels now mean that you cannot just go into your garden for a breath of fresh air, in fact you cannot leave the house without a special face mask to prevent more illness. The planet is becoming increasingly uncomfortable for humans to live on. Ecosystems are being destroyed, more animals are becoming extinct and plants are dying out. This is a world that none of us want to imagine, but what we fail to comprehend is that we have already caused the beginnings of this destruction.
We must ask, what can we do to prevent this from becoming the future of our planet? Friends of the Earth UK answers with some suggestions such as making donations, writing letters to local MPs and making lifestyle changes. We do not realise how heavily influenced we are by the actions of those around us. If your friends and family start to notice the small changes you are making, such as cutting beef out of your diet (to reduce methane emissions) or avoiding using cars where possible, they will start to reflect on and question their own choices. There is this resounding chain of influence that will be passed from person to person. Your influence on even just three people will have an indirect impact on many many and consequently, our planet.
It is time now, more than ever, to lend our resources to the many organisations that are fighting for all of us and for this planet. It easy to believe that the future will not be “that bad” or the effects are being exaggerated because maybe we do not see the consequences of our actions around us on a daily basis. However, we should not sit alongside the deniers, rather, we should take a firm stance with those who want to protect and encourage others to do so as well. We want a safe planet for our futures and for the futures of our families.
Who’s Future? Our Future.
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