- Sep 14, 2020
- 2 min read

Climate Change Prevention

Updated: Jan 10, 2022

All Teen Politics is always striving to be unbiased. As for facts, those can't be denied.

In its 2018 special report on Global Warming of 1.5°C, the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warned that we only have until 2030 to prevent the biggest and worst impacts of climate change.

But what is climate change? What is it caused by? What are the effects? Should America as a nation take action against it? Should we as a nation support the battle to save our planet? Or, will prevention only take away some of our own personal freedoms?

NASA says "Because we are already committed to some level of climate change, responding to climate change involves a two-pronged approach:"

"Mitigation – reducing climate change – involves reducing the flow of heat-trapping greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, either by reducing sources of these gases (for example, the burning of fossil fuels for electricity, heat or transport) or enhancing the “sinks” that accumulate and store these gases (such as the oceans, forests and soil). The goal of mitigation is to avoid significant human interference with the climate system, and “stabilize greenhouse gas levels in a timeframe sufficient to allow ecosystems to adapt naturally to climate change, ensure that food production is not threatened and to enable economic development to proceed in a sustainable manner” (from the 2014 report on Mitigation of Climate Change from the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, page 4)." - NASA

"Adaptation – adapting to life in a changing climate – involves adjusting to actual or expected future climate. The goal is to reduce our vulnerability to the harmful effects of climate change (like sea-level encroachment, more intense extreme weather events or food insecurity). It also encompasses making the most of any potential beneficial opportunities associated with climate change (for example, longer growing seasons or increased yields in some regions)." - NASA

Now begins the question as to whether systemic change is required, or if letting everyone make their own decision, regardless of the lasting effect on our planet, is the best strategy.

Should a plastic ban be issued? Should we be required to have our homes run by a renewable energy source such as wind or solar power? Should we be required to recycle and reuse?

When asked "Should the government increase environmental regulations to prevent climate change?" this was the response. - I Side With

All in all, climate change is an incredibly important issue, especially for teenagers! We are the future, and climate change will effect us more than any of the older generations.

Here is a really great video on what you can do, right now, about climate change.

Other really great videos you should watch if you are interested in learning more!