The majority of time that the damage of climate change is talked about, it is to call attention to the negative impact it will have on the human race. While it makes sense that the preservation of our own species would be most people’s priority, one of my biggest motivations for tackling climate change is the harm it is causing to living things that did not play a role or have a choice in the matter. As people, we have a tendency to be rather selfish in our thinking and actions. If something is likely to affect us or other people, we may give it a second thought before we participate in it; but oftentimes, if it is an action that would affect other animals, plants, the ocean, etc., it habitually never even occurs to us to reconsider. Destroying animal habitats, fossil fuel usage, heat and electricity and manufacturing agencies all are operations that solely benefit humans—and some even go as far as to cause harm to other living beings. Yet, these are the top reasons that the temperature and weather are changing, droughts are occurring and sea levels are rising. We are starting to feel the ramifications of these changes, but imagine how it feels for other life on this planet that did not participate in these harmful practices at all. Continuing to run our society the way we are will not only lead us to a path of destruction but will destroy the entire planet in the process. Maybe it is just me, but this is not a reality my conscience is fine with accepting.

Convenience: That is what this world, especially the United States, bases many of its ideas on in this day and age. There was a point in time when people were still able to enjoy life without heavily depending on cars, cell phones, an abundance of meat and dairy products and fast fashion. So why do we put so much importance on these concepts? Sure, we may be receiving short term gratification from these, but it is important to remember that all of our choices have benefits and consequences. Am I willing to sacrifice the future of the children I will one day have, their children and so on so that I can enjoy these luxuries?

Going back to living in a way that our ancestors did is not a realistic expectation, but I do think it is possible for us to be conscientious of our choices. Improving the public transportation system in the United States is a viable option. Not only will it reduce fossil fuel consumption, but it will also be a benefit to people who cannot afford more expensive transportation methods. Taking the bus to work instead of driving even just a few times a week can make a difference on the harm caused to our environment. People can rely more on fruits and vegetables instead of emphasizing the need of animal products. I know it is easy to roll your eyes. Veganism, is that really a solution to our climate problems? Not at all; at least, not a realistic one. In fact, I am not encouraging the world to go vegan but rather to embrace the benefits that science and technology has provided us. Choosing to leave animal products out of a couple of meals a week—or using animal product substitutes—makes more of a difference than most people realize. Electricity usage can be reduced by taking advantage of natural light, using LED light bulbs, unplugging devices when they are not being used and being mindful of thermostat settings. See, I think when we talk about climate change, people think it will cause an extreme inconvenience in their life to make the changes that are necessary to mitigate a climate crisis from occurring. In reality, I think a bunch of small changes from the majority of the population is what will really make the difference. When you consider many of the changes that can be made to reduce climate damage, they help us along with helping preserve the future of our world.

Our time on earth is limited, so enjoying it and taking advantage of what the world has to offer is important. At the same time, I think we also have an obligation to care for others, animals and the planet as a whole. In no way should we stop living, but if we are living in a way that will inhibit others now and in the future from enjoying this world as well, I do not think we are living well. Climate Action Month is a great time to reflect on our actions, but there are 365 days in a year. Let us consider the consequences of our choices every single day so that way we never have to reach a point in time where we realize it is too late to maintain the beauty and functionality of our planet.