By: Ethan Wan
“It’s not that the world hasn’t had more carbon dioxide, it’s not that the world hasn’t been warmer. The problem is the speed at which things are changing. We are inducing a sixth mass extinction event kind of by accident and we don’t want to be the ‘extinctee.’”
– Bill Nye
Impending climate crisis
Stranded on a thin sheet of ice, a mother polar bear crosses a shrinking icy desert, searching for signs of food, hoping to find the next meal for her son. A tragedy in the North Pole highlights the impending threat of climate change. Climate change is harming the world: ocean levels are rising, temperatures are climbing, species are disappearing, and humans are suffering. By 2100, scientists predict that Venice City will be submerged in water. How did the disaster unfold?
Burning of fossil fuels, air pollution, and deforestation–examples of human-inflicted damage–have led to high carbon dioxide rates in the atmosphere, which has led to the depletion of the ozone layer.
History of climate change
Although the earth’s climate has changed drastically over its four billion years of history, never in earth’s history has one species been responsible for climate change: humans. Human-induced climate change began in the early 19th century in correlation with the industrial revolution. The industrial revolution oversaw the transition from an agrarian-dominated society to an industrial-dominated society. In the industrial revolution, new technologies were created: the steam engine, internal combustion engine, water frame, etc. These inventions benefited society by increasing the production of manufactured goods, increasing food supplies, and creating advanced power sources. Farming required fewer workers, which allowed many farmers to migrate to cities.
While society benefited from the industrial revolution, the environment was damaged. Waste created from factories polluted the air, lakes, and land, which produced toxic living conditions for animals and humans. Also, Carbon dioxide emissions have skyrocketed over the past century. Increased human populations and industrialization in developing countries play a big role. As stated in the U.S Global Change Research Program, “the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere has increased more than 20% in less than 42 years”. Not only has carbon dioxide risen by 20% in less than 42 years, but carbon dioxide rates are also projected to increase. In a study conducted by Statistica.com(a business-as-usual trend), by 2050, carbon dioxide emissions will reach 43.08 billion metric tons, which is 8 billion metric tons more than the amount of carbon dioxide in 2018. This will increase the world’s temperature by 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Some people view climate change as natural. According to Pew Research Center, 31% of U.S adults believe climate change is due to natural causes and 20% believe there is no evidence of climate change. However, studies have shown that human-induced climate change is real and will have negative effects on the world.
A rise in global temperatures will affect economies, livelihoods, and communities. According to the World Health Organization, “Between 2030 and 2050, climate change is expected to cause approximately 250,000 additional deaths per year, from malnutrition, malaria, diarrhea and heat stress.” Deaths of thousands reflect the impacts of climate change. According to a study conducted by the U.S. Energy & Climate Roadmap, “ The U.S. economy would stand to lose between about 1 percent to 4 percent of GDP annually by the end of the century through effects to mortality, labor and the energy sector alone under a high emissions scenario.” Climate change will cause deaths in the thousands and impair the economy.
Billie eilish’s impact
Nevertheless, there is hope. As people become informed about climate change, governments are pressured to enact climate change legislation. Around the world, social movements led by activists have begun to rally against climate change. There is hope to save the world.
Billie Eilish, known for her famous songs, has taken a powerful stand against climate change. Eilish grew up alongside actors and musicians. Eilish’s parents, Maggie Baird and Patrick O’Connell, who were both musicians, played a large part in Eilish’s success. At an early age, Eilish’s parents decided to homeschool Eilish, which gave Eilish the freedom to explore her interests. This led Eilish to develop a passion for dance and singing. Using this passion, Eilish went on to become a renowned singer in her teenage years, winning Grammys and awards.
Heartbroken by how climate change is affecting the world, Eilish has gone vegan and urges others to do so. She knows the damage deforestation, water pollution, and air pollution have on the environment. To save the environment, Eilish spreads awareness through her songs.
Through her successful music career, Eilish is able to call for action against climate change. By releasing the iconic hit, “All The Good Girls to Hell”, Eilish has demonstrated her passion for climate change. Through Eilish’s emotional lyrics, Eilish calls out the effects of climate change. This song has reached millions worldwide, sending a powerful message to the world.
“Hills burn in California. My turn to ignore ya Don’t say I didn’t warn ya”
In this line, Eilish is referring to the wildfires in California. These wildfires contributed to high carbon dioxide emissions.
“And once the water starts to rise And heaven’s out of sight She’ll want the devil on her team“
Mentioning “the water starts to rise”, Eilish emphasizes that climate change is causing sea levels to rise.
“Man is such a fool Why are we saving him? Poisoning themselves now Begging for our help, wow!”
In this emotional line, Eilish cries out that if governments refuse to take action now, it’ll be too late to take action later.
Climate change is a real issue. Climate change has begun affecting the world. Hotter temperatures rise across the globe; Severe storms throttle against coastlines; Higher sea levels sink cities. The changes have almost become irreversible. However, hope is spreading across the world. As a singer, climate activist, and vegan, Eilish wants to see the world saved. Through her songs, Eilish calls out to the world to take action. To save the polar bears and the environment.
Sources
Cocks, Anna Somers. “Sea-level Rise Will Kill Venice by 2100: As Cop26 Begins, Cultural Body Appeals to Italian Prime Minister for Urgent Action.” The Art Newspaper – International Art News and Events, 29 Oct. 2021, www.theartnewspaper.com/2021/10/29/its-not-the-flooding-events-its-the-sea-level-rise-that-will-kill-venice-by-2100.
Davies, Paul. “30 Of the Most Impactful Climate Change Quotes.” Curious Earth | Environment & Climate Change, 24 Mar. 2021, curious.earth/blog/climate-change-quotes.
“USGCRP Indicator Details.” GlobalChange.gov, www.globalchange.gov/browse/indicators/atmospheric-carbon-dioxide. Accessed 21 Sept. 2022.
Statista. “Global CO2 Emissions 2018-2050.” Statista, 7 Oct. 2020, www.statista.com/statistics/263980/forecast-of-global-carbon-dioxide-emissions.
The Science of Climate Change | the World Is Warming | Wisconsin DNR. dnr.wisconsin.gov/climatechange/science. Accessed 21 Sept. 2022.
Statista. “Global CO2 Emissions 2018-2050.” Statista, 7 Oct. 2020, www.statista.com/statistics/263980/forecast-of-global-carbon-dioxide-emissions.
The Science of Climate Change | the World Is Warming | Wisconsin DNR. dnr.wisconsin.gov/climatechange/science. Accessed 21 Sept. 2022.
“Climate Change and the U.S. Economic Future.” EPIC, 8 Feb. 2022, epic.uchicago.edu/area-of-focus/climate-change-and-the-us-economic-future/#:%7E:text=Overall%2C%20climate%20change%20will%20harm,under%20a%20high%20emissions%20scenario.
Funk, Cary, and Meg Hefferon. “U.S. Public Views on Climate And Energy.” Pew Research Center Science & Society, 12 July 2021, www.pewresearch.org/science/2019/11/25/u-s-public-views-on-climate-and-energy.