A Perspective on Climate Change

Climate change, where to begin? A topic that is constantly making front pages, always being debated and seemingly - still - changing for the worse. The political climate has followed suit in changing for the worse too, as many of the younger generations are starting to question - what the hell are governments doing?

The first thing to remember when talking about climate change, is the fact that it is a recent discovery, something that has only been measureable for roughly 100-150 years. The rising temperatures, the plastic in the ocean and the unthinkable amount of fossil fuels used every second are all issues that should and generally are being discussed. However, I think the stance some people have adopted is simply counterproductive - blaming the industrial generations, our grandparents mostly.

The industrialisation of society

Before World War 2, coal had a complete monopoly - it was like Isaac had screamed eureka once more. Industry, transport and everyday life was beginning to rely on coal, the first foray into fossil fuels for mankind. It changed so much, so quickly. It would lead to the end of the horse and cart, allow the mass production of innovative everyday items (and eventually cars) but most importantly - coal would pave the way toward globalisation.

The quality of life was improved during this period, as coal was the blood pumping life into machinery and transport, ensuring urbanisation continued to grow - along with basic goods becoming cheaper and cheaper. The world had changed, and taken its first steps towards globalisation and urbanisation, as the masses began travelling to cities in search of work.

21st Century

Fast forward to the modern day, and we have come very, very far - but you can see how the basis of industrialisation is still embedded into today’s society. The big cities of today are still running on fossil fuels, be it petrol powered cars/taxis or coal produced electricity and plastic is absolutely everywhere. The difference today is that the use of coal or oil is distanced, in the sense that the average person will rarely see stacks from a coal plant.

Single use plastic has finally been accepted as something we need to rid the world of, as it threatens not only our environment, but also the wildlife and animals surrounding us. Convenience lead to the domination of single use plastics, now we need determination to get rid of it.

Climate change is not something you can directly see, it is distant from the majority of eyes. Many understand that things need to be done in order to slow - not reverse - rising temperatures, but the urbanisation in most countries has pulled the wool over many eyes, where the real pollution is now further from the major cities.

The media

The media is vital, it’s still the main source of how people will view topics, or what is deemed important on any given day. With globalisation and the ability to know pretty much anything going on around the world, climate change takes a lower priority. New articles about a Boris Johnson speech, or what Kim Kardashian is up to, are simply more interesting and new compared to climate change.

Social media is also very influential, and will probably (if it hasn't already) become more so than traditional media. The younger generations find it much easier to digest, and this is good and bad as fake news or false realities are in found in abundance. We need more people like Greta Thunberg, causing a stir by speaking out against governments, creating big followings and influencing teenagers and kids to think more about their impact. Some people may and do not like it, but you can't please everyone.

The power of you

When we look back on our ancestors, do we admire them? Of course! The things humanity has overcome, the ways we have evolved are simply unmatched and it is something to be astounded by. Man has come from caves, hunting and gathering to early settlements where communication between one another was just developing. We began in Africa and have migrated to every corner of the planet, we have accomplished so, so much. When our descendents look back down the years and stumble on the 21st Century, what will they see or find? Will they see a turning point, where our priorities shifted from convenience to conserving, or will they see greed and ease continue?

So what can be done? A hell of a lot. The consumer leads economies, not companies. We just need to change our priorities, and our behaviour. Bags for life instead of plastic bags, reusable coffee cups instead of plastic, electric scooter instead of buses. It can be done.