Climate change is the most pressing issue that the current generation has to face. How could it not be? From smog in China to forest fires in California to floods along the East Coast, this issue effects every human being on this earth. Though many believe that Climate Change is completely caused by humans alone, others believe that humans have no effect on the climate. It is actually a combination of the two. For recent history we have been in an ice age, a period of time where there is constant ice at the poles, the earth cycles between hot and cold periods and now it is turning towards the warm period. Humans, however, have added to this issue like wind to a wildfire. This does not mean that humans are not liable for their input because it was liable to happen anyway. The earth has a natural cycle which should be left in place and not tampered with. Humans must do their part to preserve nature. The earliest estimates of Climate Change taking over is by 2050. That is within many people’s life time. This is a issue for now, not for later. Global warming is not completely accurate.

Though the earth as a whole has risen 1.7 degrees according to NASA, there are places like England that will become much colder due to a lack of airstreams. The main cause of this is from carbon dioxide. The level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere that the earth can handle maxes out at 350 parts per million. NASA reports that we have reached 407 parts per million. Who doesn’t love going to a pacific island for vacation, it’s nice and sunny, beautiful beaches, and crystal clear water. Soon it will only be crystal clear water. The sea level is rising 3.4 millimeters per year which may not seem like a lot but for small islands that are subject to ocean storms, that is enough to completely level an island and for it to be claimed by the sea. One of the biggest factors for all of these issues is from the agricultural industry. This is one of the biggest, if not the biggest, producers of green house gases, users of water, and producers of waste like manure and garbage. This is all from cows. Developed countries have become so fond of their beef that Americans on average eat close to sixty pounds of beef per year. The recommended amount is a couple of ounces per week. People love their luxuries. People only know how to consume. They buy and they use and they don’t stop to think what that does. Many environmentalist and minimalists go to extremes and live on very little or go completely vegan. This is not for everyone. If everyone learned to simply use less and think about their actions. They do not need to completely give up meat but maybe one day a week go vegan. Instead of buying clothes because they can, they should stop and ask themselves if they really need it. It does not take much to make a change. It takes a lot of people making small changes in their life to make a big difference. Climate change is something that not only effects people here in America but also effects people in less developed countries, sometimes even more. Stop and think. Think about everyone alive. Think about the earth. There is only one home. It is time to work together to combat these issues.