To all Morgan Hill residents: Is it hot enough yet? In late
July, 10 consecutive days were the longest period of
record-breaking triple-digit temperatures in California history.
More than 132 Californians have died from the horrendous heat
wave.
To all Morgan Hill residents: Is it hot enough yet? In late July, 10 consecutive days were the longest period of record-breaking triple-digit temperatures in California history. More than 132 Californians have died from the horrendous heat wave.
Global warming has been a scientific theory and the object of much political fighting for many years. However, now it seems that more citizens (as many as 80 percent of Californians) feel that global warming threatens the state’s economy and their quality of life. California politicians, too, realize that global warming may actually be a fact and that it is arriving sooner than had been expected.
We must address this crisis, in an attempt to prevent a global catastrophe. Don’t we have a responsibility to our children and grandchildren, who will inherit this Earth? As for younger people, act now and spread the word: Encourage your friends and family to address global warming.
Politicians and researchers must focus on the means to change public policy regarding polluting the atmosphere and fueling global warming.
Citizens everywhere should press their elected officials to address these problems by actions, not just words and promises.
Everyone can play a role in improving our planet’s health. At www.climatecrisis.net, people can learn about what they can do to defeat global warming. Some memorable tips are very simple, practical, and full of common sense:
n Wear a sweater when it gets cold instead of turning up the thermostat
n Drink a glass of water when it’s hot instead of blasting yourself with air conditioning
n Walk, bike, or ride the bus to work or school, carpool and coordinate numerous errands into one trip and save money to buy a gas- and-money-saving hybrid car.
n Re-use grocery bags or bring cloth bags to bag your groceries
n Don’t buy plastic bottled water; fill and refill your own bottle with water
n Re-use, renew, and recycle so industries don’t have to produce unnecessary goods and so landfills are minimized; clothing, rags, books, scrap metal, furniture, and computers can all be given to appropriate charities and recycling centers
n Buy energy-efficient light bulbs
n Plant a tree, and then plant many trees and additional plants
n Write to your local, state, and national representatives about the global warming concern; if they don’t listen, run for public office
The threat of global warming is immense, but with knowledge and networking, communities, states, and nations can unite to preserve the only planet we call our home.
Catherine Connor will be a sophomore this fall at Ann Sobrato High School.
