Tag Archives: floods

What can you do?

I have recently just returned from a Washington Environmental Youth Summit where I learned so much about climate change, what people are doing, and how anyone can help.

Having the opportunity to live in the United States, I heard words that really struck a chord. If you only care about yourself, you do not need to be worried. Now if you care about others, the people who are losing their homes through floods, droughts, intense weather conditions, and deforestation, you need to be worried.

Climate Change is real. It is happening everywhere. But unfortunately, developing countries are suffering the consequences the most. These are not the countries who are adding to the issue, but the countries who are suffering. Carbon fueling first world countries are releasing fossil fuels, warming the earth, melting the glaciers, and adding the most damage to climate change.

The other day, it felt like 118 where I live. This is not normal. I live in the middle of the United States. Summers are usually 80 to low 90 degrees. We also had a storm that knocked down trees and caused thousands of power outages. This is not normal. Yet people still say that there is nothing wrong.

So what can you do? The most important thing is to vote. If we want a difference made, we need to have action taken by the government. Right now, enough action is not being taken. So do your research, and vote for people who will take action.

Secondly, there are websites where you can check your carbon footprint. In the places where you have the highest carbon footprint, make changes in those areas. If you are eating meat three times a day, maybe only eat meat once or twice a day. If you drive too much, try to take public transportation or bike places more often.

Finally, be an advocate. Encourage others to follow these steps and help them understand the dire situation we are in. Climate change is real, and it’s happening. It is time to make a difference.

https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/carbon-footprint-calculator/

The Pakistan Floods

This year in Pakistan, monsoon rain is on a whole other level, an absolutely devastating level. The rain began in July, and since then, 1/3 of Pakistan is under water.

33 million people have been estimated to be impacted by these floods, and there have been nearly 1500 people killed, and the rain is still coming. According to the Washington Post, from June to August, Pakistan received 190 percent of its normal rainfall.

Researchers believe that climate change has played a large role in this years unusual monsoon season.

As the earth warms up, it is harder to predict storm forecasts, leading to less preparation. There can be intense floods as we are currently seeing, or even intense droughts in the future. There are currently more rainy days, increasing the monsoon season, explaining the devastating flooding.

The warmer sea temperatures cause more evaporation, leading to more moisture available in the air to rain.

The monsoon flooding is not the only problem. Due to the flooding, drinkable water is very scarce. Many families are forced to drink diseased water, now being affected by water-borne diseases.

Many bridges and roads are gone, causing less access to hospitals, schools, and vital resources.

What can you do to help? Donate to Unicef today. With the donated money, they are able to deliver supplies and emergency services to the millions impacted.