For millions of years, the Earth’s climate has fluctuated; from the Ice age to longer and warmer periods such as the Eocene.

However, within recent decades, global warming has intensified and become a hot topic in mainstream media. With the progression of society, advancement in technology and an increase in demand for energy and products, scientists have found that the burning of fossil fuels is a predominant cause of global warming. The burning of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide along with many other harmful gases into the atmosphere. These greenhouse gases trap heat near the earth through a naturally occurring process called the greenhouse effect. The greenhouse effect is the process in which infrared radiation from the sun is absorbed by the earth and the atmosphere while the rest is radiated back into space. Naturally occurring gases in the atmosphere trap some of this energy and reflect it back thus warming the earth. This has led scientists to believe that the reason behind the intensification of the greenhouse effect is due to the extra greenhouse gases released by human activity. Evidence for the devastating effects global warming is currently having on our planet include, a global temperature rise of about 0.9 degrees Celsius, an 8 inch sea level rise, ocean acidification due to the increase in absorption of carbon dioxide, an increase in extreme weather events and according to NASA studies, the extent of arctic sea ice has declined about 10% in the last 30 years. For as long as industrialised countries continue to consume fossil fuels at their current accelerating rate, the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere risks increasing and creating irreversible damage to the natural world. As a result, this raises questions for the future of our planet. Is there any hope? Are we too late? Although much remains to be learned, the issue has gained lots of attention and the development of efficient solutions are well underway.

 

Several students at my school have displayed concern for the future of our planet and as a result, have taken an active role in helping the school tackle the climate problem. For example, the recently formed Green Club has quickly gained popularity and have already begun to discuss actions the school could take in making it more sustainable. Some of these actions include improving recycling practises, increasing the number of trees across the school site and implementing “Meat-Free Mondays”. The bottle green uniform and commonly used name “Green school” reflects our school’s environmental consciousness and focus on reducing its contribution to climate change. For example, the school has substituted plastic cutlery for salads with wooden cutlery, they’ve partnered with a company named David Luke to create an “Eco Blazer” made from 100% recycled plastic bottles, weekly assemblies to spread awareness on the issue, recyclable paper bags for sandwiches as well as creating opportunities for students to participate in events such as “WE Day” to help develop sustainable solutions to climate change. In support of the regular Friday climate strikes, on Thursday the 10th of October, a group of girls decided to create a protest of their own, fighting against climate change and extinction. Hundreds of students gathered in support. Flags were waved, chants were sung, leaflets were handed out- all in an attempt to gain the school’s attention. Fortunately, I was able to secure an interview with one of the leaders of the protest, Sophia Spring.

 

Myself- “What inspired you to protest?”

Sophia- “I was moved to protest by the fact that our school could be doing a lot more about climate breakdown.”

Myself- “What did you hope to achieve from your protest?”

Sophia- “My group and I hoped to gain support for our petition and show the school that this is a very important issue for students.”

Myself- “What was your petition for?”

Sophia- “The petition was our three demands. The school looks in detail at its own carbon footprint, that we go plastic-free in the canteen and increase the level of environmental education in our curriculum.”

Myself- “Did you expect to achieve the amount of attention you did?”

Sophia- “Honestly we didn’t- but it’s amazing that the student body was so interested.”

Myself- “Do you think the school is doing enough to fight against the problem?”

Sophia- “Although the school has taken some steps to become greener, I think they could be doing a lot more than just assemblies. They need to set a good example for the hundreds of young people at WSFG.”

Myself- “Some people felt that it would have been more effective if you went to Friday protest since it's unlikely your protest will gain any attention from the media. Do you agree?”

Sophia- “There wasn’t an out of school protest on that day and media attention wasn’t our objective with this protest. However, we got a powerful message to 300 pupils and I think that will do a lot.”

Myself- “It’s come to my attention that you were invited onto BBC, could you talk about that?”

Sophia- “Yes, me and Edith (co-ordinator) of our group were invited to discuss climate change on a BBC show. We talked with two MP’s about the effects we will see as a result of global warming and what their parties will do about them. We were recommended by a friend who was contacted by the BBC, it was super fun!”

Myself- “Are you planning on doing any more protests or similar events in future?”

Sophia- “I want to see what the school does about our three demands before we think about anything else, we want to work with the school to achieve a greener learning environment for students.”

Myself- “Do you have any tips for readers on how they can help stop global warming?”

Sophia- “I think you should start with small changes, but make them large enough to have an impact. I would recommend choosing one damaging thing to stop buying, for me it was plastic bottles. Eventually, you will get used to not having said thing and pick something else to stop buying or using for example meat. Don’t buy new things when you don’t need them. For instance, one pair of jeans takes a tonne of water to make, so don’t buy endless clothes if you’re just going to scrap them in 2 months.”

Myself- “Do you have any advice for people wanting to make a difference but their family may not believe in climate change or won’t make the effort to change?”

Sophia- “Try to educate your family on the importance of the climate crisis, but even if they won’t change their minds you can still make personal changes.”

Myself- “Any final words?”

Sophia- “I’m doing all I can now because in 50 years I don’t want to regret not stepping up when I had the chance.”

 

After interviewing Sophia, I have now become more aware of the dangers of climate change and will now be doing everything in my power to reduce my contribution to it. Together, I believe we can protect our natural world and prevent global warming’s detrimental effects from destroying our planet any further. It has also made me realise the great amount of power we have when we stand united. After all, it’s our generation that will suffer the effects. So, it starts with you. Will you join the fight for change?

By Romayssa Sebai