Violet Allori: Climate change has been around a while. The problem is that it’s too difficult to fix.
If you live in the Pacific Northwest have you noticed that the weather lately has been much drier than normal?
Oregon winters are supposed be rainy, cold, and miserable. This winter, however, the weather was beautiful.
Climate change has always been something we’ve talked about as if the future. It’s actually here now.
A Swedish scientist in 1896 predicted that changes to atmospheric carbon dioxide levels could significantly alter the surface temperature via the greenhouse effect. Guy Callendar, a 1938 Swedish scientist, proved that climate change and increases in carbon dioxide levels in the Earth’s atmosphere were linked.
The truth is that climate change has been around since the beginning. We don’t have the time or resources to fix it.
Numerous studies have shown that global average temperatures are rising due to climate change and increased pollution. This causes widespread changes in weather patterns. Variable weather patterns can lead to rain shortages, which increases the likelihood that fires will rise. Rain shortages can also increase the area affected and the duration of the “fire season”.
Heat waves are another contributor to the lack of rain. Heat waves have increased significantly since 1960s. Six heat waves per year are now common, compared with two per year. The average heat wave season lasts 47 days.
Every summer, there is a “fire season.” There should be no “fire season.” Annually, towns are devastated by wildfires out-of-control, destroying people’s daily lives.
My home is always in danger. This is why I always look forward to the summer months. The smothering smoke around her house has forced my grandmother to flee her home several times over the years.
Weather.gov analysed February’s rainfall, and found that Oregon experienced below-average rainfall. Long-term soil moisture, snowpack, and other factors have a big impact on wildfires. We will be at greater risk for wildfires this winter because of the lackluster rainfall.
You might be wondering: What’s in store for us in future?
Scientists have predicted that climate change will lead to a decline in sea ice, and permafrost freezing. These are just a few of the many indicators. Permafrost, the frozen layer below the Earth’s surface, is also known as permafrost. It is composed of soil, gravel, sand. It is bound by ice, and has been for some hundred thousand years. Hence the name “permafrost.”
North America may see a decrease in snowpack, more precipitation, and longer and more intense heat waves.
There are many variables that influence the effects of climate changes, each with its own solution. Un.org states that there are only eight years to stop irreversible climate change damage.
It may seem hopeless but there is hope. We don’t need much time so we have to act immediately. We can significantly reduce the impact of climate change if we all work together. Low-carbon economics open up many opportunities for new jobs, cleaner air and better energy choices.
Make the most of what you have and use it to your advantage. If we work together, we can accomplish this.
Violet Allori is a student of Banks High School. This essay was submitted to Banks High School as part of a class assignment. It was one among several student columns and letters that were selected for publication.
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