FTHEEWORLD ATONUFIRER E
GO GREEN!
Climate change in the Pacific Northwest and around the world.
By guest writers and club, The Green Team
Article and Graphics by Angelina Lopez
“I cannot do all the good the world needs but the world needs all the good I can do.”— Jana Stanfield
F
rom blazing forests to drowning shorelines, climate change is affecting regions across the world. With long, dry summers and snow-free winters in the forecast for the Pacific Northwest, fire season is expected to increase in duration and complexity as the impacts of global warming begin to be felt. The extent of climate change extends far beyond what is seen in the media or even felt by the public. The Pacific Northwest is experiencing a great shift in climate, along with the rest of the world, that has yet to be seen, but is happening nonetheless. An estimated 25 people have died in the Australian wildfires since they began burning in late December 2019, and over 25 million acres of land have been burnt in the blaze. Many factors have contributed to the size of the conflagration. “Australia’s wildfire resources are predominantly volunteer fire services which can be very challenging when they experience these extreme conditions,” Darian Davis, Seattle Public Utilities’ Wildland Fire Crew Boss, said. The relative inexperience of the people fighting the fires can lead to greater spread of fire and higher rates of property damage than if experienced firefighters were on the scene. However, the impact of dry summers and strong winds should not be overlooked. “Summertime fires are the direct effect of low rainfall and hot temperatures drying out the vegetation,” Eric Salathè, associate professor in the school of STEM at the University of Washington Bothell, said. Warmer seasons and decreased rainfall dry out vegetation. When fires start, the dry vegetation burns easier than wet, green plants. Here in the Pacific Northwest, fires are only a small piece of the growing threat of climate change. “There are a number of impacts that climate change will have on the region. These will not all emerge at the same time and with the same severity. Some impacts are
8
likely unavoidable due to the amount of climate change already committed by current emissions; some are avoidable if we reduce emissions,” Salathè said. The Puget Sound region can expect a multitude of changes on the social, economic, and environmental levels. “Snowpack in the mountains is clearly changing as the temperature warms,” Salathè said. Reduced snowpack means that Washington will receive less substantial snowfall and more rain in the winter, causing flooding and erosion. Additionally, Washington will receive too little rainfall in the summer, leading to drinking water shortages and decreased
“THERE ARE A NUMBER OF IMPACTS THAT CLIMATE CHANGE WILL HAVE ON THE REGION. THESE WILL NOT ALL EMERGE AT THE SAME TIME AND WITH THE SAME SEVERITY.” salmon migration. Decreased rainfall in the summer also indicates dryer brush and increased wildfires for the region. “Because the climate is continually warming, we are at risk of heat waves way outside the normal experience,” Salathè said. The Pacific Northwest is expected to have days over 90°F more frequently as the planet warms. When the temperature rises, at-risk populations experience higher rates of mortality. Most buildings in Seattle aren’t equipped with air conditioning or other sources of heat management, creating potentially dangerous situations for people with health issues and the homeless. Increased atmospheric temperatures
can also affect stream temperatures. This can be detrimental to Washington’s wildlife as salmon can’t survive and reproduce in streams over 68°F. Salmon are a critical part of the food web in Washington and without them many species such as birds, bears, and whales can’t survive. Washington is likely not going to be hit the hardest by climate change. Extreme weather events such as those in Australia and Venice will be more severe in other places due to their vulnerable natures. Washington’s mild climate insultes it from extreme deviations in temperature. Because of this, however, Washington is likely to become a safe haven from climate crises around the world. This could potentially cause additional stress to be put on the limited resources of the area, and could cause social conflict. “Our region is likely to be a haven from climate change as impacts are probably less here than [in] many places in the world. This could drive a lot of migration into the region and all the social and economic issues that come with it,” Salathè said. The climate crisis, as imminent as it seems, is not unstoppable. If people decide to take real action, the effects can be mitigated, if not completely undone. “We want to encourage people to do both individual actions and advocate for systemic change,” Dr. Rachel Petrik-Finley, Garfield’s AP Environmental Science teacher, said. If both individuals change the ways they behave (taking personal steps towards sustainability) and governments are forced to change the way they behave (creating meaningful climate policy), we can alter the trajectory of climate change around the world. “Every little bit we do to reduce emissions makes the problem easier to cope with,” Salathè said. The resounding consensus is that “it’s not too late to stop climate change, but everyone needs to step up to make it happen.”
While many of you are busy with school, work, sports, and more, there is always more you can do to be more sustainable. Here are a few tips to reduce your environmental impact and be good to Mama Earth! 1. Sort your trash and food waste properly. If you’re curious about how to do so, talk to a Green Team officer or reference graphics around the school and online. 2. Bring your own reusable water bottle wherever you go. 3. Bus, bike or walk to school and other places whenever possible. 4. Eat less meat and more plants! 5. Think before you buy—avoid impulse purchases that will receive little-to-no use. Try waiting a day, week, or month before you buy something to prevent unnecessary consumption. 6. Pick up trash wherever you see it! Littering hurts our earth. 7. Ditch fast fashion! Buy second hand (thrift stores, clothing swaps, etc.) and opt for clothes that are sustainable and longlasting. 8. Turn off or unplug appliances when not in use. The real issues are systematic and should not be the responsibility of the consumer. But you have power as an individual! You can still protest, vote, call representatives, engage in politics, and strive to make a lasting change! Xoxo, Your Green Team Officers P.S. Green Team meets Mondays at lunch in Room 235! P.P.S. All above is true, but also requires money and time—which not everyone has. We understand that this country has deep socioeconomic divides, and that some people will face greater barriers than others in following our advice on sustainability. But do what you can and remember that it takes constant practice. Don’t feel pressured into feeling guilty or personally responsible for climate change. Saving the Earth requires shifts in global perspectives that are beyond our control. What we can do is realize our own ability to make change, to rise up, to ferociously fight for what we believe in—whatever that means for you. Good luck out there :)
