Celina Week#9: Us Against the World
With the worsening state of the climate, popular opinion says that, on the bright side, we are set to die soon! In these dire circumstances, I suppose that the ultimate ring match between the earth and ourselves occurs from one day to the next. I am quite sad to communicate that we are most definitely in the lead.
Increasing carbon commissions is allowing the climate crisis to simultaneously be broadcasted everywhere, all the time, and yet completely ignored. For these reasons, and due to the continued ignorance, sea levels rise as we speak, fast fashion is popularizing within the states, and our little (not so little) state is getting hotter year by year. Most assume that these consequences mean that there is nothing of value that can be done. But this is not true.
We have it within our power to change the kind of planet that we want to live in, the kind that we want our children to live in.
A common misconception in partisan politics is that addressing climate change is detrimental to the economy. In part, this is in fact true. For instance, if we simply banned all fast fashion (Shien, H&M, Forever21, etc), Americans would lose a hundred billion dollar market that contributed to popular consumerist culture. But it is not as if these markets can actually just be removed, unlike what this misconception claims. Individual consumers would have to make the conscious decision to find alternatives to these brands that suit them and their style for it, which in this case, would then contribute to the economy in turn and begin taking up the space of these fast fashion brands(these are called substitute goods, for all of you economics nerds! (I’m guessing that’s nobody)).
In educating ourselves on the ways we can change our day to day habits, we are in fact making a difference to the overall positive impact we can have in changing this worsening state to a worthwhile legacy.
Hello Celina! The sarcastic phrase at the beginning of your blog puts into perspective how pressing and dangerous the issue of climate change is. The US is ranked top among the countries in the world with the highest rates of carbon emissions. Most people do not see how this issue directly effects them, which is why they find it easy to ignore. Small choices that we make, such as refusing to purchase fast fashion or walking to school instead of driving, can make a tremendous impact against climate change if we collectively and consistently make these decisions. It is easy to think that our individual choices have no impact in a world dominated by large corporations, but these small actions can ripple outwards and influence others to follow suit. For instance, when enough people choose eco-friendly alternatives, companies take notice and adjust their products to fit with the growing demand. Our personal choices can inspire those around us to make similar changes and reduce waste or conserve resources and energy. Your blog serves as a reminder that even though the problem of climate change seems daunting and impossible to tackle, our choices matter and can have a great impact on the world around us.
ReplyDeleteHi Celina! I love your energetically sarcastic tone at the start of the blog, which is a great hook for readers, as well as your metaphor of the "ultimate ring match" between Earth and mankind; you sound like a sports commentator, and the effect is pretty entertaining. Your parenthetical asides also showcase your unique voice. I'm glad you addressed the myth of action against climate change being detrimental to the economy. I did not know what a substitute good was, but it's a neat term. I think the whole myth is amusing (though definitely concerning): even is fighting climate change was harmful to the economy, nothing could be more harmful to the economy than something like, maybe, the world becoming uninhabitable for mankind. All in all, your blog is a great piece on the power of our individual actions against the worsening state of the world.
ReplyDeleteHello Celina! Your blog poses a central issue that will likely fall on both our generation and our children. On another note I really loved how you approached this issue with an informational yet sarcastic tone. The hook of your blog was also very effective. It really made reading about the end of the world kinda fun and entertaining. However, climate change is dangerously inching closer to leaving serious irreversible damage. On that note I liked how you addressed the dangers of climate change while also identifying why it is so difficult to halt climate change. The many industries throughout the world such as you mentioned (shein) make so much money and have investors across the globe. So as you mentioned it makes it hard to just stop these corporations when they are so profitable. Lastly, I really liked the cartoon attached on the top. It really shows how our world leaders view climate change and what they “plan” to do about it. I really enjoyed reading your blog and hope to read from you more soon!
ReplyDeleteHi Celina! I like how you described climate change and what we can do about it in a more unique way. Most of what we hear is the carbon emissions and rising sea level and increasing temperatures on the planet, as you have stated. But, what was unique about your post that I liked was the mention of fast fashion and boosting the economy. It's crazy, the misconception that addressing climate change in politics will ruin the economy. Like you said, in some instances it might, but if climate change continues to flow under the radar of world issues mentioned in politics, there wouldn't be an economy to worry about because the planet would turn into an oven incapable of sustaining our current life-styles. Simply not addressing one problem won't make that problem disappear, it in fact makes it worse. Industries not acknowledging climate change and it's impacts will always continue to confuse me, but the way you presented this idea was beautifully written and the message was articulated very well. Can't wait to read your future blog posts!
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