Hall English 1101 Fall 2020

Category: Unit 2 (Page 5 of 35)

Family Separation At The Border

       My research question is what is the current situation for undocumented families crossing the United States with children? The reason why I chose this question is because I’m actually very interested to know what situation there in. I have been seeing a lot through the news and some on social media. How these families are being treated unfairly and being held for an extremely long period of time. Which is why I chose this question because in my research I want to go in depth and find out what’s actually happening after being caught at the border.

       My expectations to find in my research is that some type of unjustice is happening with these undocumented families. For example children are being separated from their parents. Also either parent or childern get any information about each other where about. Which I find very unfair because these children need their parents because they are too young to be alone. Where childern have to defend themselves as individuals when their just kids.The reason why I think I may find this in my research is because of past information that I have already seen. However, I hope to find that everything is being taken care of in the correct manner. Hopefully that these undocumented families and children are being treated as they should. 

       If in my research I find information that goes against my expectations I will still write about it. Mostly because either if it’s positive or negative it’s still information. Which is  good to know about. Being informed of good or bad information allows us to be aware of what’s going on in our society. Which results in influencing our way of thinking in certain topics. Where this allows us to make changes when we see its most needed. Which is also my purpose for my research paper to show and provide awareness of these situations. Where we can acknowledge these undocumented families. If so help them as little with making their situation heard. However, some genres that might give good information for my research paper are newspapers, novels, and videos. All these can help me find and understand more of my research questions. Which can provide me with strong evidence for my research paper. For example newspaper and video both can show me an outside perspective. Compared to a novel that can be written from a person that has experienced it in real life.

       First Source Entry: Domonoske, Camila, and Richard Gonzales. “What We Know: Family Separation And ‘Zero Tolerance’ At The Border.” NPR, NPR, 19 June 2018, www.npr.org/2018/06/19/621065383/what-we-know-family-separation-and-zero-tolerance-at-the-border. 

       In this article it states what happens after families are caught at the border. Children are separated immediately from their parents from the moment they get caught in the border of Mexico and Texas. In early May over 2,342 children had been separated from their parents. Based on the article, parents don’t know any information about their children after their separation. Although they were sent to a detention center where they are in holding cells. After three days these children go from immigrantion detention to the Office of Refugees Resettlement. Where they help contact any other family members of each child to take them in. ICE and ORR have worked together to set up a hotline for parents and children to keep in contact. However, when requested asylum at the port, entry from families are meant to stay together. Although it’s reported that they do not follow this right to immigrate families. Eventually President Trump signed an executive order reversing his policy of separating families.

       After reading this article I disagree on how the U.S Department of Homeland Security is controlling these immigrant families. Although most of the fault is on a current president which created this law to separate parents and children at the border. Which isn’t clearly a good idea because these children need to be with their parents in situations like these. According to the article, “ORR says children remain at these shelters for “fewer than 57 days on average.” However some children have been kept detained for months longer than that, and some advocates say certain facilities improperly administer psychotropic medications”. Within these detention centers children are going through these harsh processes alone with no parental comfort. Which proves how these young children are being psychologically traumatized. However I don’t understand how Trump signed an executive order reversing his policy of separating families. Although it’s good news to hear that now families that are detained at the borders can stay together. My question is why change now after having families and children suffer from separation from each loved one. Although to better understand this article I need to find more information from the government and their illegal procedures. Overall, this article answers my question but still needs more information to back my research question.

       In this article I liked some rhetorical factors the authors used. Besides pictures of the current children’s situation in these detention centers. One thing I mainly like that caught my attention was when they proved evidence, it wasn’t only reports of what people have said and stated. Although they cited other websites. Where they would link them in their writing that backed up their evidence.

       “Parents being deported may request that their children leave with them or may decide to leave the children in the U.S. to pursue their own immigration claim, ICE says. For instance, they might suggest another family member in the U.S. to sponsor their child, as described above.”

       Second Source Entry: News, Global. “The U.S.-Mexico Migrant Crisis: What Is Really Happening at the Border?” Youtube, 22 Aug. 2019, youtu.be/8Ra8udKbHro.

       In this video it explains what’s really happening in the United States Mexico Border from the beginning where everything started. In the data it shows how in the last 10 years the amount of  immigrants crossing the border have changed continuously. After 2014 it has shown more families traveling with children looking for refugee status. Most of these immigrant families are from El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras which are from Central America. The international and U.S. law gives the right to any people that show up at the border to request for an asylum. An asylum can be granted to people or refugees that can not return to their home country because of prosecution. Although in April 2018 Trump announced the zero tolerance policy. Which is for any undocumented bordering crossings to be prosecuted criminally. Resulting in separation between parents and their children. Where these children are kept in tents and weren’t taken care of properly because they have been seen dirty. Haven’t been given enough essentials to be clean and not enough food. Based on the video many people are still coming across the border because they face more danger in their home country’s. 

       After viewing this video I disagree with the actions that our president Trump has taken towards immigrants. Mostly because of these specific actions is what caused so much horror for these immigrant families. For example the zero tolerance policy is an action that shouldn’t have ever been made. This policy apart from going against the law for undocumented people wanting to request for an asylum are treated drictely as criminals. According to the video it states “People don’t leave their home countries unless they have to unless what they are facing at home is so much worse then the dangers they face along the way”. I totally agree with this quote because these people don’t want to cross the border illegally but because they need to for their families. Most of these people are coming in to protect their families and construct a better life for them. Which is not fair to create this zero tolerance policy and making it result in family separation at the border. Knowing these people are coming in because they are in need. 

       In this video some rhetorical factors I like that the authors used was the choice of evidence they picked. Meaning a part of researching and gathering ll the data to use in the video. They have included an attorney. Where in the video you’ll hear audio parts from the attorney speaking about this matter. 

   “The situation has been called in an invasion, national emergency, and a humanitarian crisis”

        Thrid Source Entry: Lazo, Luz. “For Kids, Crossing the U.S. Border Illegally Involves Fear and Hope.” The Washington Post, WP Company, 9 Oct. 2019, www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/kidspost/for-kids-crossing-the-us-border-illegally-involves-fear-and-hope/2019/10/01/5618ed00-e131-11e9-be96-6adb81821e90_story.html.

       In this article it states a young girl and her family experience crossing the U.S border. An 11 year old girl Wendy traveled with her parents and her older sister in May. They traveled by foot, car, and crossed the Rio Grande River. It took them approximately 1 month to arrive at the U.S border from El Salvador. During this course Wendy with her father have gotten split up from her mother and older sister. Later Wendy and her father surrendered to the U.S. Border Patrol officers. After they were taken to an immigrant processing center in Mc Allen, Texas. As Wendy explained she was taken away from her father and put into a big room with no windows and other immigrant girls and women. Where she stayed for four days and only ate ham and cheese sandwiches. Within these four days she wasn’t able to take a shower and neither was there enough space to lie down on the floor due to it being very crowded. Also at night she would use aluminum foil as blankets. At the end of the four day Wendy was reunited with her father and flew out to Washington to be with their relatives that would host them. After going through a similar experience Wendy’s Mother and older sister joined them in early June at Maryland. However, after this long journey Wendy’s parents discuss the reason they left their home country was because they didn’t earn enough money to support their families and were also afraid of gangs. Although Trump’s administration has announced that those who enter the country illegally will immediately be sent back to their countries or to Mexico while the U.S. government considers their immigrantiom request.

      After reading this article about Wendy and her family going through this harsh experience to come to the U.S. Which I disagree with in how this young girl and her family were treated since they surrendered to the U.S. Border Patrol officers to the day they were released. The conditions they were in are unbelievable and inhuman. According to the article, Wendy states, “During the day, she said, she mostly sat in silence and prayed quietly”. They were in a big room with no windows to even see a bit of sunlight. They slept on the floor and there wasn’t even enough space to sleep and they would cover themselves with aluminum foils. Also they weren’t properly being fed healthy food and not enough. However, I don’t understand how our country is allowing this type of unfair treatment towards undocumented people. I understand our government doesn’t want undocumented people entering illegally to the U.S. Although we also have to understand that these immigrants don’t do it because they want to cause problems. But because they have families they need to support and they just want to offer a better future for their kids. Which I see no harm in and also no need for all this injustice being made throws them. They experience enough risk traveling from their home places to the U.S. These undocumented families do this is because they’re are in some really big need. For our country to be harsh and try to close the doors on them. 

      In this article a rhetorical factor I like was that it was about an actual family that had first hand experience of what actually happened in the U.S border. Another factor I like was the pictures the author included of the family and how they’re doing to this present day.

       “I was afraid I was going to drown,” said Wendy, who now lives in Silver Spring, Maryland. The entire trip was long and scary, she said.”

       Concluison: Throughout all my research the most important thing I noticed is the bizarre process these undocumented families have to go through when coming to the U.S. Border. That are actually only really seeking help from the United State. Within my research what surprised me was how hard all this situation must have been for both parents and children. Having little children like 4 year old separated from their parents. These children don’t understand what is going on. Where they go through many emotional problems like anxiety, fear, sadness, and many more. Not having one person for comfort like their parents and marking them go through a legal process without them. Also the amount of suffering a parent goes through when being separated from their children. Words can’t explain how a mother or father must feel when their children that are everything to them isn’t by their side. Which more pain must be when they don’t hear or know anything about their children. Overall, after researching my question all the information I have collected has made me understand more in depth of what’s actually happening at the border. It has made me realize the major issue than just knowing what is happening to these undocumented families at the border. Although the injustice that the government is making towards these families. Which is important to know to be able to be aware of situations like these. Having students knowing about these undocumented families will help bring awareness to the public eye. Making society see and understand what the United States is doing to these families is necessary. With awareness, we as a community in the U.S. can make a major difference. We can all come together to make a change for these people that are in major need of help. Within doing so it will also reach up to the eye of our government system. Which hopefully they will view over and see how the way there handling undocumented families isn’t actually the most correctly manner. Their current procedures are just unnecessary; there’s no need to have separation between parents and children. It doesn’t benefit the system nor the government. Improvement should be made. Make new and reasonable procedures that are really necessary that would actually benefit both the government and the immigrants. Instead of causing so much pain and distress in these innocent people that only want the opportunity to raise a better life for their families.

The end of everything I know (Final 10/30/2020)

      In America a big problem being presented to the lower class community, comes in the form of gentrification. This often times occurs in places with a high colored or poor population. Initially I had no idea what gentrification was and presented the question “what is gentrification? And why is it perceived negatively?”. Gentrification often occurs in New York City, which has some of the highest rates of gentrification in the US.

 

      My first source entry is an article produced by National Geographic, focusing on gentrification in America. The title of this article is “Gentrification” and it focuses on anthropology, sociology, and U.S history. The article was directed by Tyson Brown and National geographic, along with many other production managers and program specialists. It was released by the producer Clint Parks on October 24th 2019.

 

      The article starts by discussing that gentrification is when wealthy and well educated individuals move into “poor and working class” communities, usually containing an abundant amount of colored people. Oftentimes there is a tension between the ones who gentrify and the original inhabitants, as they may have conflicting goals and ideas in reference to the community. Gentrification can be hard for both sides. On one hand the original residents’ previous way of living is at stake, while on the other it can be hard for the aforementioned gentrifiers to adjust to this new way of living. As a neighborhood gentrifies, the opportunities that it provides economically increases. Thus causing it to be more desirable and sought after by other rich and wealthy individuals. There is still a debate going on about whether gentrification is good or bad. In the article it states “There is even some research that suggests that black, working-class families tend to stay in gentrified neighborhoods rather than leave them, and that the economic benefits of gentrification do indeed reach all residents.”

 

      After reading this text a lot of my previous questions I had going into this were answered. I fully agree with a lot of the information that was given in the text, it helped to answer my aforementioned questions. In the article it states “Rising costs of living and a changing community culture can make for a difficult adjustment for longtime residents. These changes may drive out people of color and minority-owned businesses. At the same time, gentrification brings much needed investment into long-neglected areas.” This quote helped to answer a question I had previously dwelled on which was “Why are people against gentrification”. I believe that the text also did well in the fact that it not only answered my questions, but it also answered questions I had not yet thought of. One example of this is in the text it gives a background description on when gentrification originated, being after world war II.

 

      My second source entry is an article entitled “15 gentrifying neighborhoods in New York City”. This article was written by Jean Folder and utilizes statistics and numbers to reflect the effects of gentrification in NYC. It was published and released on the website “Investopedia: by Jean Foldger, wh has 15 years of experience as a financial writer covering real estate and other topics.

 

      This article begins by explaining what gentrification is, which as we know now is when wealthy individuals move into poor communities (that are usually predominantly full of people of color). She then further pushes that notion by explaining that this can have an effect on said communities culture, people, and overall way of living. This can have negative impacts such as increased rent and property values. The text states “A recent report from the NYU Furman Center analyzed gentrification within New York City’s sub-boroughs. It defines “gentrifying” neighborhoods as those that were comparatively low-income in 1990 (in the bottom 40% of the city), but that have experienced higher-than-median neighborhood rent growth in the following two decades.” Indicating that increased rent has had negative effects on individuals who resided in said communities before gentrification. This can lead to many having to move out of their homes, and even neighborhoods because they now can not financially provide for their previous way of living. Foldger further goes on to state that Manhattan and Brooklyn have the highest rates of gentrification out of the 5 boroughs, followed by The Bronx and Queens.

 

      One thing that article helped to do specifically was provide numbers and statistics to support the information that was given to me in my previous source entry. For example Foldger states that in Mott Haven/Hunts point there was a “Percent Change in Average Rent Between 1990 and 2010-2014’ which was “23.5%”. This information supports the aforementioned fact that gentrification negatively impacts poor communities in New York because it increases rent, which makes it all the more harder for New Yorkers to provide and live. Another instance in which these statistics helped was in the text where it stated that the average rent in Central Harlem had increased 53.2% from 2010 to 2014. This shows us that not only are the prices negatively affecting those who aren’t rich but that it is often occurring in places that contain a large colored community, such as Harlem.

 

      My third source entry is a New York Times video entitled “Why he’s holding out in East Harlem, despite the gentrification”. This video documentary was produced by Yousur Al-Hlou and Ben Laffin, and was released by Times Documentaries on may 21st, 2018. This video addresses the first person account of Ray Tirado (a Latino New Yorker) and his experience with gentrification, and how it has negatively impacted him.

 

      The video begins with the narrator stating that East Harlem is one of the most affordable neighborhoods in one of the most expensive cities. He then goes on to say however that this is changing. In 2015 new owners of Ray Torodo’s apartment complex voiced a plan to tear down the building and build a new one on top of it, with much higher rent. Due to this Ray is the last person in his entire building, the last hold out. Despite all this the landlords refuse to wait for him to leave, and have already started demolishing the building around him. The documentary then turns to following Ray around the city, and documenting just how much gentrification has affected the neighborhood. In the video Ray passes a building and states “This here on the corner was at one time a grocery store where I used to buy my sandwiches, and then it turned into a pizzeria place where I could buy a pizza. Now it’s a hipster spot where it’s so expensive that um, even happy hour is not a happy hour”. This shows how gentrification negatively affects the community, as it not only leads to increased prices but it also ruins the community and familiarity that has been established there. As the documentary continues it documents Ray going to court to battle against losing his home, he states “I’ve been living in my apartment for over 50 years, the only solvent thing that i know is my home”. Continuing to show that gentrification has a horrible impact on the poor minorities living in NYC. The documentary ends with him losing the battle, and inevitably losing his home.

 

      To conclude, gentrification is a frequent occurrence in the US, especially in NYC. It is perceived as negative as it not only removes individuals from their homes but it also makes it difficult for previous residents to live in their neighborhoods. Although arguments can be made in its favor, it is undeniable that it has had horrible effects on people and their families. It not only disrupts their lives financially, but also culturally as it effects their previous way of living they’ve grown accustomed to.

 

Earth’s Near Destruction! (Unit 2 Final Draft)

Question: What can be done about climate change right now?

We live on a planet where the Earth is made up of mostly water and have greenery which are the trees and bushes. Do you think Global Warming is real? Are humans the evil masterminds as to why the Earth is heating up? This, my friends, is the activity of climate change. My question comes from Earth Science class when I was a sophomore in high school. When I was learning about the Earth there was no in-depth about climate change at the time and I have always wondered what could’ve been done then could be done now.

I expect to find out a lot of things such as scientific research being adequate to global trends, a motivational speaker speaking up about climate change to engage a younger generation, and ten simple ways to act on climate change as well as possible solutions so Earth doesn’t meet its destruction. If I found something that is not in my itinerary, I plan to take that information and send it to a positive direction that way this information can be put to good use someday.

Bare with me when I say this will be a long journey, but at the end of the journey I would like for you all to keep this question in mind, what can be done about climate change right now? Using genres like environmental blogs, environmental literature, and social media lets brainstorm together and open doors for folks who do not understand that this is not a game, not a trivial matter, and not something to make jokes about. The Earth has feelings too and it expresses itself based on what we do and how we take care of it.

Part 1:

Buis, A. (2020, January 09). Study Confirms Climate Models are Getting Future Warming Projections Right – Climate Change: Vital Signs of the Planet. Retrieved October 30, 2020, from https://climate.nasa.gov/news/2943/study-confirms-climate-models-are-getting-future-warming-projections-right/

*Cited in APA Format*

Part 2:

The beginning of the article starts off with an old saying that can measure the quality of something once put to the test. There are climate models which are mathematical computer simulations to interact with Earth’s climate. It’s been wonder for people on how climate models can make future climate conditions. The benchmark to good science is the ability to make predictions that can be testable. Climate models have been predicted since the 1970’s and it’s all a matter of how reliable it is to the climate conditions now. A research team led by Zeke Hausfather of the University of California, Berkeley conducted a systematic evaluation of the performance of past climate models. the team compared 17 model projections of global average temperature developed between 1970 to 2007, including some originally developed by NASA, with real time changes in global temperature observed through the end of 2017. The results are 10 model projections closely matched observations. Scientists using climate models to better understand how Earth’s climate changed in the past, how it’s changing now, and what future global trends will look like.

Part 3:

I agree with this text and how past scientific research has been made relevant for the climate change going on right now. How is the research we have right now (present) going to affect research coming later? Surely enough, technology will advance and life goes on, but is everyone going to be prepared for another earthquake or hurricane if we don’t change the climate right now. This seems like brainwashing a little bit because I don’t know if the research now will be important later to prevent a hurricane or earthquake. It is a what-if scenario because not all things are seen until they are seen. To better understand this article I would need to scientific research of the past and read data to grasp conclusive findings. This document tells me about my research question that YES, scientific research is indicative to the reality of climate change.

Part 4:

“To successfully match new observational data, climate model projections have to encapsulate the physics of the climate and also make accurate predictions about future carbon dioxide emission levels and other factors that affect climate, such as solar variability, volcanoes, other human-produced and natural emissions of greenhouse gases and aerosols.”

“This study’s accounting for differences between the projected and actual emissions and other factors allowed a more focused evaluation of the models’ representation of Earth’s climate system.”

Part 1: 

Hansen, J. (n.d.). Transcript of “Why I must speak out about climate change”. Retrieved October 23, 2020, from https://www.ted.com/talks/james_hansen_why_i_must_speak_out_about_climate_change/transcript?language=en

*Cited in APA Format*

Part 2: 

James Hansen talks about the generality of climate change and why it is important to speak on it. Hansen states, “I was fortunate to join NASA and successfully propose an experiment to fly to Venus. Our instrument took this image of the veil of Venus, which turned out to be a smog of sulfuric acid. But while our instrument was being built, I became involved in calculations of the greenhouse effect here on Earth, because we realized that our atmospheric composition was changing.” Hansen talked about the greenhouse effect telling me, “… that gasses such as CO2 absorb heat, thus acting like a blanket warming Earth’s surface. In Hansen’s Ted Talk he states that, By 15 years later, evidence of global warming was much stronger. Most of the things mentioned in our 1981 paper were facts. I had the privilege to speak twice to the president’s climate task force. But energy policies continued to focus on finding more fossil fuels.” summarize and analyze quote 

Global warming is affecting a lot of folks. Stated in the Ted Talk, “The Texas, Oklahoma, Mexico heatwave and drought last year, Moscow the year before and Europe in 2003, were all exceptional events, more than three standard deviations outside the norm. Fifty years ago, such anomalies covered only two- to three-tenths of one percent of the land area. In recent years, because of global warming, they now cover about 10 percent — an increase by a factor of 25 to 50.” Lastly he tells me why he is alarmed on climate change, how clear the science is, and communication is key to the urgency of the situation and how we can find effective solutions. 

Part 3: 

I agree with James Hansen on what he has to say about climate change as well as the individuals that are affected. He made points that are poised and believes that change is upon us. I thought it was excellent to provide data because data helps us have clarity in scientific information. One piece of data in Hansen’s Ted Talk is, “What sea level rise can we look forward to? The last time CO2 was 390 ppm, today’s value, sea level was higher by at least 15 meters, 50 feet. Where you are sitting now would be under water. Most estimates are that, this century, we will get at least one meter. I think it will be more if we keep burning fossil fuels, perhaps even five meters, which is 18 feet, this century or shortly thereafter.” He’s saying that burning fossil fuels are bad.

Another thing to note is that the ice caps are melting by stating, “Ice sheets would continue to disintegrate for centuries.” Hansen is not wrong because the previous point he made about the sea levels correlates with ice caps at their melting point which can add onto sea levels rising. He also states, “This path, if continued, guarantees that we will pass tipping points leading to ice sheet disintegration that will accelerate out of control of future generations.” Human beings are the root of ice caps that are at their tipping point. Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions have temperatures that are so high. Poles are even higher which result into glaciers that melt rapidly which go into land and sea. 

Time is really of the essence right now, we can make climate change have a positive effect even when the cause is bad. I really do question the future of the Earth. In Earth Science class at high school I was taught briefly about Earth and how it was made. There are so many layers to Earth and what it can do, and it is our planet to protect as if we are the guardians of it. So, why can’t people suck it up and care? Why is it hard for folks to recycle, reduce, and reuse? Imagine a giant asteroid on a direct collision course with Earth.” It seems like you all want this if you don’t try to care for the planet you’re living and breathing on.  

Part 4:

That is the equivalent of what we face now. Yet, we dither, taking no action to divert the asteroid, even though the longer we wait, the more difficult and expensive it becomes. If we had started in 2005, it would have required emission reductions of three percent per year to restore planetary energy balance and stabilize climate this century. If we start next year, it is six percent per year. If we wait 10 years, it is 15 percent per year — extremely difficult and expensive, perhaps impossible. But we aren’t even starting.”

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)

What I learned was that not only is climate change real, it’s a dire situation that affects all human inhabitants on Earth. Scientific evidence is valid because scientists can use climate models to better understand how Earth’s climate changed in the past, how it’s changing now, and what future global trends will look like. The NASA article made me understand that past scientific research has been made relevant for the climate change going on right now. The Ted Talk James Hansen created, he made points that  because he was very poised and believes that change is upon us. I thought it was excellent to provide data because data helps us have clarity in scientific information. Ortiz tells me ten ways that are simple to act on climate change such as limiting the use of fossil fuels. The unknown author talks about possible solutions to avoid the worse case scenario.

Climate change is not only a world problem, but a people problem! Meaning, we need to make individual changes. I really do question the future of the Earth. Earth is our planet to protect as if we are the guardians of it. So, why can’t people suck it up and care? Why is it hard for folks to recycle, reduce, and reuse? What is the point of celebrating Earth Day if Earth doesn’t get the appreciate it deserves? 

We need to talk about this to the younger generations. Kids in this generation are resorting to social media for their information for what they can do to combat climate change instead of turning to their adult role models for help. This means that adults are not doing a good job instilling the idea in younger folks that climate change is a major issue to take seriously. 

 

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