by Katie Hill
The winter of 2015 has brought beautiful weather, some days even mimicking fall. Though we are taking advantage of this time and admiring its wondrous beauty there is an alarming reason as to why this is happening: global warming.
Global warming has been a topic in the media for decades upon decades however it has taken a sudden interest on the United Nation’s behalf and reform tactics that can be implemented to preserve planet Earth. One of YSHS’ very own had the privilege to travel to Paris, France to observe the United Nations conference on climate change. Leigh Foy, a science teacher at YSHS, went to Paris where she connected with people around the world, witnessed a historical event, and participated in a demonstration.
Foy experienced culture from around the globe to gain various perspectives of climate change.
“In the United States [climate change] is a political issue. In this country the scientific evidence of climate change has been politicized and polarized. To the rest of the world it is not, to the rest of the world they are looking at the science, not as a political issue,” said Foy.
In Paris she connected with other people who share the same perspective in which strengthened her viewpoint.
“We met this guy, he was a farmer from Kenya, and he’s trying to grow food for his nine children, but the weather patterns have changed in Kenya. He’s educated, and he’s going around Kenya telling people about climate change and the effects it is having on the world. It was so humbling,” said Foy.
Foy and her husband, Dr. Greg Foy, co-wrote an article to spread awareness of what is going on in the world, particularly relating to the man in Kenya, and how people are trying to make an impact on their individual communities. Their article was published in the Huffington Post.
To spread the word about the United Nations conference and the epidemic that climate change has become, Foy, her husband, and the eight college students they brought with them met in the middle of Paris adorned in red to show support for climate change and marched down a boulevard. They shouted phrases like, “We went climate change. When do we want it? Now!” Foy came across several familiar faces, like the man from Kenya, as well as many new ones all focused on one central point: to bring a change to the Earth.
At the conference, the several countries involved worked together to try and come to an agreement of what should be done about the CO2 emission.
“We were there when the United Nations came to an agreement. 196 different countries agreed to limit climate change gases. That is going to be life changing for our planet,” said Foy.
York Suburban is attempting to do its part by establishing an extracurricular for students called Green Club. Vice president of this club senior Nicole Peritz said high school students can make a difference to the world they live in.
“Students can lessen CO2 emissions by reducing beef consumption, recycling paper, plastic, aluminum, and glass,” said Peritz. “Climate change may not seem important now, but in reality, conditions are worsening, and with very simple changes like turning off the lights when they aren’t necessary, we can lessen the rate of profession, better the environment, and create a better tomorrow!’