Dear Editor,
The effects of climate change are evident all around us. This year’s temperature is considerably higher than previous years. Certain parts of B.C. are even at Stage 4 water restrictions right now.
Not only has the excessive dryness caused droughts, it has also made the forests more susceptible to fires. People living in the cities don’t usually experience the aftermath of forest fires, but this year, Richmond and the whole Lower Mainland had air quality advisories due to the smoke.
This is just one of the more blatant examples our carelessness, a carelessness which ultimately harms us. What more do we need to see to actually change our lifestyle?
We often lie to ourselves, thinking about how “my small actions won’t make a big difference to the overall effect of global warming.” Or, maybe we’re just reluctant to change the way we live because of our laziness and our desire for convenience.
I admit that I am part of the latter; I’m not always doing things that will benefit the environment. However, I believe if we want more people to care about the planet, we need the government to set the example.
Unlike what the current government leader has been doing, we need a leader who will implement and enforce changes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and use more sustainable energy sources.
The federal elections are coming up. As a high school student, I might not have the ability to vote, but I do have the ability to voice out my concerns.
I’m hoping the party that will run this country in the years to come will successfully decrease climate change and set the example of environmental stewardship for other countries to follow.
Tiffany Mak
Richmond
