Day 7: A State Of Emergency, But Nobody Cares
- Kailee Tones
- Mar 16, 2021
- 3 min read
Good morning,
The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, the snow is melting away, it almost feels like summer is approaching folks!
But wait- It's the middle of March, in Canada.
For years, I have been questioning the questionable weather we have been having in Canada. My friends and family would walk outside and say, "Wow, I hope this weather sticks around!" As much as it's nice to have nice weather, I can't help but say, "You know this isn't a good thing right?"
For if summer comes early in Canada, what is happening elsewhere?
This is Texas right now. No, this is not the first snowstorm in Texas. In my research, there are horrific snowstorms that date back to 1929. However, since 2005, there has been at least a small amount of snow that has blanketed Texas.
On a lighter note, these are Texas snow fails: https://youtu.be/ydZCEjXwmZA
And, back to a heavier note. This is Alaska right now. This is not to say that the ice has completely melted. There is still ice, but not like their once was.
^Here's an educational video on how the ice is melting, and why scientists are worried about the inevitable collapse of the Thwaites Glacier. Which some scientists calculate the timing of the collapse to be within this century, possibly quite soon.
Global warming is igniting a fire in Alaska and all around the world. If we lived in the Arctic, maybe we would begin to panic. As Greta Thunberg has stated, we need to panic. But I don't see anyone running. I see people running to the grocery store when lock downs happen, or when snowstorms approach, to grab their toilet paper and plastic packaged water. But what are people doing about the climate emergency?
^ A couple speeches from Greta Thunberg. Many people despise her, but I think she is the most influential person of my time. We really needed her, she woke us up. Well, she woke me up at least. She made me see how crucial it is to act, and to do what we can to inflict change.
Yes, she is very blunt, and as some may say "an extremist", as even I have been called just for the fact that I'm vegan *dramatic forehead slap*. But everything she says is the truth. She is scared that she will have no future, that we will have no livable future. She is a young girl with Asperger's, a shy girl that has put herself out there because she cares. A young girl from Stockholm, Sweden has created a monumental shift in our lives.
Our house is quite literally on fire, as our only home is our planet, and there is no planet B.
ALSO, I read a book majorly written by Greta's mother, Malena Ernman, titled "Our House is on Fire: Scenes of a Family and a Planet in Crisis". This book sheds light on their life's struggles and basically how Greta came to be this activist she is today. It's a great read.
There is always something that we can do though. No matter how small a difference, a difference is a difference. Here are some things that you could work on today:
Reduce your meat intake (essentially, going vegan is one of the biggest ways one person can do something to reduce our footprint)
Cut back on plastic! (As I am out in the boonies right now I do not have easy access to zero waste stores, but when in Toronto, I buy as much package free as I can.) However, I still try to reduce plastics when shopping. Side note: SAY NO TO PLASTIC BAGS.
Reduce single use plastics/ packaging. (Try cutting back on fast food/delivery)
WALK!!! BIKE!!! PUBLIC TRANSIT!!! DON'T FLY (not that we are supposed to right now) If you can drive less and fly less please do!
THRIFT SHOP Y'ALL. I know, used clothes, ew. Not really. The clothes are so cheap, and reusing clothing is the most sustainable way to clothe your body.
And the obvious one that all your parents have told you- TURN OFF THE DAMN LIGHTS. Reduce screen time, and all that jazz.
ANYWAY
There is so much that you can slowly or quickly change in your daily life. Do some research, and your eyes will begin to open WIDE. Mine did, and continue to, as you must never stop researching.
Have a good day, and thanks for reading humans.
BEE kind.
Reduce.
Reuse.
Recycle.
And listen to Greta.
x
Kailee.
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