M12.9 Blog: Climate Change

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There is so much misinformation and denial about global warming and climate change. Industries more than ever are working to spread misinformation in order to prioritize their profits, while shifting blame or supporting ignorance about the issue. Their monetary and social influence along with support from wealthy politicians continue to fuel the denial and lack of collective action to help the Earth. It is frustrating to me that we have the proven research that we are harming the planet and yet all we hear about nowadays is that global warming is all a hoax. People are just not listening to the experts, even less the folks who are currently in charge of this country. Although we can educate and empower communities about global warming such as the ways in which they can help the environment, I feel like things won't change until there is a more united, collective effort from the people, public health officials and scientists to push hard for policy changes that protect the earth. The challenge of course is discrediting the current campaigns supporting profits, the current presidential administration's influence, and changing the harmful practices of current industries.

As public health professionals, we are the advocates of change when it comes to protecting and promoting the health of society as we know it. I think the most pressing issue right now is not only educating the public, but addressing the issues of waste disposal and pollution. Improper disposal of trash increases greenhouse gas emissions. I see people carelessly through trash on the ground, adults and children a like. That trash ends up in places where they shouldn't be, harming the environment for both humans and animals. Having more trash, compost, and recycling cans available to the public along with education efforts can help address this. I also read that cities such as San Jose are employing people who are homeless to help clean up the city. Programs such as this can provide an excellent solution to supporting the environment while also addressing social issues such as homelessness.

If I were to visit a relative who did not know what climate change was, I would explain to them that it has to do with changes in the weather and the environment due to the rising temperature of the earth. I would tell them earth is getting hotter because of all the pollution being released into the environment caused by humans. The change would affect our food and water, our air, everything we need to live healthy.

Comments

  1. AnonymousDecember 5, 2018 at 2:55 AM

    It is indeed saddening to consider the real driving force behind climate change: corporate greed. These industries essentially profit from the toxification of our environment, sacrificing environmental health for short-term financial gains. What's worse, as you mentioned, is the scope and success of their disinformation campaigns in misleading public opinion. Although the consensus on climate change is clear and definitive, many people remain ambivalent about the findings of climate scientists around the world.

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