Part 1:

Ortiz, D. A. (n.d.). Ten simple ways to act on climate change. Retrieved October 23, 2020, from https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20181102-what-can-i-do-about-climate-change

Climate Solutions. (n.d.). Retrieved October 23, 2020, from https://ucsusa.org/climate/solutions

*Both sources cited in APA Format*

Part 2:

The first article written by Ortiz tells me ten ways that are simple to act on climate change. One way he states is that, “The number one goal? Limiting the use of fossil fuels such as oil, carbon and natural gas and replacing them with renewable and cleaner sources of energy, all while increasing energy efficiency.” He’s not wrong since fossil fuel burns a lot. Ortiz refutes the claim folks made that renewable energy is expensive by telling me, “Actually, renewables like wind and solar are becoming increasingly cheap across the world (although final costs are subject to local circumstances). The latest report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena) found that several of the most commonly used renewables, like solar, geothermal, bioenergy, hydropower and onshore wind, will be on par with or cheaper than fossil fuels by 2020. Some are already more cost-effective.” To sum it up, climate change will have an impact on lives and the actions we take will influence the planet for oncoming decades, for better or for worse. 

The second article tells me about possible solutions to avoid the worst. They first talk about cutting emissions to reach “net zero.” As stated, “To achieve net zero emissions, we need a massive transformation in how we produce and consume electricity. We need a newer, better transportation system. We need to stop deforestation. We need a climate-friendly agricultural system.” It’s always best to prepare for the worst (in case it happens) and adapting. The unknown author says, “Cutting carbon is the only long-term solution for avoiding climate impacts. In the short-term, we need to adapt. That means everything from discouraging development in high-risk areas, to planning for water scarcity, to building more resilient cities and communities. Investments should be scientifically sound and socially just, and focused where the impacts are greatest—often in low-income communities and communities of color.” It’s great that they are including other sources to adapt other than the weather or relying on data. The article ends with them putting emphasis on “act” and how it is important for everyone to do their part to make the Earth a healthy place to live in. 

Part 3: 

I agree with the first article a lot and what is showcased about ten simple ways to act on climate change. As Ortiz puts it, “In a new report published in September 2018, the world’s leading climate scientists made their starkest warning so far: our current actions are not enough for us to meet our target of 1.5C of warming. We need to do more. It’s settled science that climate change is real, and we’re starting to see some of the ways that it affects us. It increases the likelihood of flooding in Miami and elsewhere, threatens the millions of people living along the Brahmaputra River in north-eastern India and disrupts the sex life of plants and animals.” Ortiz has a point, if we have a target and are trying to reach it, but no one is helping or understanding than it affects the lives of plants and animals in different parts of the world. Ortiz also states, “Changing how industries are run or subsidized doesn’t sound like anything I can influence… can I? You can. Individuals need to exercise their rights both as citizens and as consumers, Robert and other experts say, putting pressure on their governments and on companies to make the system-wide changes that are needed.” This quote is telling me that everyone needs to be involved. It can’t be just the people it has to be people and the government. 

I agree with the second article because all the points that the unknown author made were spot on. In the article it states, “The best policy ideas in the world aren’t worth much if we don’t have activists, experts, and everyday people fighting for change. From school groups to churches; from corporate boardrooms to mayors and local leaders: we need action.” This quote really helps tie the fact that we need everyone for change, yes it starts with one person then more people chime in to be the change. A good thing to point out is that disinformation really does mislead the public eye and can lead the topic to propaganda no matter how controversial or debatable it may be. As the unknown author puts it, “This barrage of disinformation misleads and confuses the public about the growing consequences of global warming and makes it more difficult to implement the solutions we really need. Until the influence of these special interests is sufficiently diminished, climate action will be that much harder.” Therefore, this article is a good read and has taught me so much about possible solutions.

Part 4:

“Climate change is one of the most challenging problems that humanity has ever faced. At stake are hundreds of millions of lives, innumerable species and ecosystems, the health and viability of the economy, and the future habitability of this planet.” (second article)

“Fortunately, climate change is solvable. We have the technologies. We have the science. We now need the leadership—and the courage to change course.” (second article)