Climate change: We are running out of time

As the effects of climate change intensify, the clock is ticking and New York must take urgent action.

Climate change is no longer a distance concern, as this threat worsens, especially in New York.

Students and staff members who attend or work at CHAH are facing and handling these consequences differently. 

“I think people in the government are not taking climate change seriously enough, and are more focused on things like money and earning money,” said chemistry and forensics teacher, Jasmina Purisic. “I think that people who are advocating for climate change don’t always have the power to make a difference.”

However, the government has significant power and they hold responsibility for educating us about climate change. Not only can they raise awareness, but can also teach curriculum in schools about this serious issue.

“Children are the future of America. They’re the ones who can actually make a difference in the future, because the current people in power are more set in their old ways, talking about fossil fuels and digging up more natural gas and oil, which contributes to climate change,” stated Ms. Purisic.

As time passes by, so is climate change. It is important to prioritize the younger generations’ opinions, thoughts, and the roles they are capable of having.  Transportation is a main concern, especially for those who live far away, who might be impacted by forest fires and delays due to heavy water fall in the trains. We need to take urgent action now or this issue might be irreversible.

“I feel like I would change climate change to something easier or more convenient for people, mostly because if you look closely, climate change isn’t really affecting people who live close, but if it’s from people who live farther away, transportation and commuting is more difficult,” said a current junior at CHAH, Brianny Martinez. 

Today, not only is New York being affected by climate change, but so are other regions throughout the United States such as California being impacted by Wild wildfires and Florida being affected by hurricanes.

Time is passing by and climate change today is currently changing the shape of the U.S. Our lives are being impacted from droughts in New York, hurricanes in Florida, and wildfires in California. We need more local voices from both older and younger generations to act fast before time runs out.