We all must combat climate change

Recently, a study from the United Nations was released claiming that, by 2050, there may be mass extinctions because of the detrimental state our climate is in. Although this was the worst possible scenario it listed, it still is an incredibly scary thought that should have the entire world racing to do something about climate change. But we're not.

The President of the United States recently made false claims about the reduction of America's carbon dioxide emissions compared to other countries. He has also called climate change a hoax. If we continue to let people like this lead our country, in less than 35 years, our country is in danger.

Every single person can make a change. Although fossil fuels are the main perpetrators of climate change, other things like diets and air conditioning make a huge impact too. Eat a salad instead of a hamburger. Don't drive the five blocks to the store - walk or bike instead. Instead of turning up the air conditioning in the summer, turn on the fans.

Each step that you take to help combat climate change is a step moving forward. Elect people into office who take this concern seriously and plan to help this world survive. We are the generation of people who are faced with letting other generations live. Save yourself and others by taking the small steps that lead to a bigger change.

Anna Schenkel

Cedar Rapids