A Climate Crisis: Educating the Future for Their Future
Education has had a key role in preparing young people to gain the skills necessary to enter the workplace. However, as the world changes and society evolves, the reason for our education must change along with it. Children need to be capable of civically engaging in their communities, countries, and worldwide as their decisions can have long-lasting impacts far beyond what they see. This is especially important in the sector of environmental education ashuman activity, especially greenhouse gas emissions, is considered the dominant cause of temperature increases related to climate change [1].The world has already warmed by more than 1°C directly contributing to ocean warming, shrinking ice sheets, sea-level rise, extreme weather events, and ocean acidification to name a few [2]. The scientific evidence of reaching the point of no return is unequivocal and urgent action needs to be taken to reverse the effects and put into place a sustainable way of living. One way to follow through with this goal is through the implementation of American state mandates on requiring courses to be taught about environmental literacy in grades k-12. In America, many states already have requirements relating to physical and health education for students to graduate.According to the 2016 Shape of the Nation study of 50 states and the District of Columbia, 39 require elementary school students to take physical education, 37 have that requirement for junior high school students, and 44 make physical education mandatory for high school students [3]. Given that these classes are required to improve a student’s mental and physical wellbeing that influence their quality of life, why is environmental education also not taught? The changes happening in the world due to an unsustainable living will have a direct impact on all living things on earth no matter where you live. Interestingly, one survey from the Teachers College of Columbia University found that 77% of Americans already support mandating teaching primary and secondary school students about global warming and climate change [4].Now, it is only a matter of creating a curriculum that encompasses environmental awareness and its impacts and mandating it. By engaging students with climate science and related topics, it can help young people grasp the reality of the climate crisis and push them to be more involved in reaching a climate-safe future for themselves and those who come after them.
Title: I am considering “Environmental Education: Using the Power of Education to Create a More Sustainable Future” because it explains the topic better, but it has less of a ring to it haha.
The intro kind of has a lot of topics in it so I am thinking of separating it into a couple of paragraphs (1=the traditional point of education- pragmatic and economic-based to what we need now-social and civic based, 2=climate crisis facts and why it is urgent, and 3= explaining why climate education is important)? But maybe this is stuff I should go more in detail to in the actual brief because there are already a lot of sources in my intro which probably isn’t good
My thesis is in the middle of the paragraph which is also weird and kind of confusing so I need to figure a way to change that
I was planning on talking about America specifically because it would be too hard to focus on education systems from around the world and be specific with facts, but I think I am not making that very clear.
Overall this intro seems to need a lot of work but I am hoping with a more solid plan of where I want to go with this issue brief that things will fall into place? Hopefully
Also, my sources arent cited correctly because I am sure things will change so I just left them as links
Hello everyone! Welcome to our last official civic issues blog! I am so sad because there is still so much I want to learn and teach others about. Choosing a topic for this week was difficult because there were so many options. I relied on my memory as a child and thought of some of the basic advice I received on Earth Day to help save the planet.
“Turn off the tap water when brushing your teeth.”
Since I have received that advice in elementary school, I have followed through in being conscientious of my water usage. But why do we need to do this? In America, we have plenty offresh, filtered water to drink from. Why do we need to care about water conservation and how much is turning off the tap for a couple of minutes a day going to help the issue?
Why Should We Care About Our Water Usage?
There is a common misconception that there is an unlimited supply of water for human usage. This is a misconception because while water is renewable, water is not always easily accessible.Different stages of the water cycle can take a long time to complete. Water can also be located in different areas of the world, in uneven quantities. This means that sometimes, depending on your location, water can be very difficult to access.
This all becomes important when we think of our usage of water. Humans mainly use water in the form of freshwater. If freshwater in the water cycle is hard for us to access, then it can’t be used by humans.For example, water that is frozen in glaciers is very difficult, if not impossible to extract for human use. But what about the vast seas and oceans?
Sea water can’t be used directly to provide drinking water as its salt content is too high and the processes to remove the salt come at a huge financial cost. There is also a large energy requirement and environmental impact of the desalination of sea water (the heat from the sun naturally does this in the water cycle, turning the sea water into gas through evaporation and leaving behind the salt).
From an environmental point of view, by looking to use sea water you would be taking a natural habitat away from the world’s marine creatures and organisms. The occasional use of sea water is of course an option that gets looked at, but would the negatives of such a large-scale operation outweigh the positives?
This is important when looking at percentages. Ninety-seven percent of all water on the earth is saltwater, which is not suitable for drinking. Only 3% of the water on Earth is freshwater, and only 0.5% is available for drinking. The other 2.5% of freshwater is locked in ice caps, glaciers, the atmosphere, soil, or under the earth’s surface, or is too polluted for consumption.
The bottom line?
Water usage needs to be carefully monitored and not taken advantage of as everyone is susceptible to a water shortage. Climate change is only amplifying this problem as precipitation and weather conditions are more volatile making it hard to ensure stable water supplies.
Water Usage in Less Developed Countries
When first thinking of a water crisis, images of less developed countries come to mind. While more developed countries certainly have to worry as well, let’s discuss water shortages in places we traditionally associate it with.
Water connects every aspect of life. Access to safe water and sanitation can quickly turn problems into potential – empowering people with time for school and work, and contributing to improved health for women, children, and families around the world.
Today, 785 million people – 1 in 9 – lack access to safe water and 2 billion people – 1 in 3 – lack access to a toilet. These are the people we empower.
Reasons why people don’t have access to clean water:
Lack of infrastructure and poor management of services.
Efforts have been made to reach more people with more water. However, governments need to do more in ensuring water supplies are sustainable and commit to improving infrastructure.
Poverty and inequality
Access to water, sanitation, and hygiene are a basic human right and yet some people are still unable to access these services due to their ethnicity, gender, social status, disability or inability to afford the high costs.
Climate change
Climate change and an increase in unpredictable and extreme weather is a growing challenge. Long periods of drought affect clean water supplies while flooding can pollute clean water sources and cause outbreaks of disease.
Population increase
The world’s population is predicted to grow to 8.5 billion by 2030 and 9.7 billion by 2050. This is going to create a high demand and put a strain on already scarce and fragile water sources.
Impact of lack of access to clean water:
Women and Girls
In many communities girls are tasked with collecting the households water. If supplies are scarce or the community is isolated it means girls are spending hours of their day to walk great distances to collect water from streams, rivers and unprotected wells. This means less time for paid work and going to school.
Livelihood
Rural communities who rely on farming for their livelihoods are the most vulnerable to climate change and water shortages. Increased temperatures, changes in season, and prolonged dry spells affect crops and livestock and therefore a person’s ability to earn a living.
Health
As the effects of climate change and rising temperatures increase, so does the prevalence of waterborne diseases such as cholera and trachoma. The World Health Organisation also warns that incidences of mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue will also rise. Another impact of unsafe water, inadequate sanitation and poor hygiene is malnutrition. In factup to 50% of malnutrition cases are said to be a result of this.
Water Usage in the United States
Now, if you are thinking that it’s sad others have to deal with having no/ limited access to a human need, but it doesn’t directly affect you, keep reading. Water shortages will have an impact on you no matter where you are.
The United States has immense amounts of water. The country has an estimated 4.3 percent of the world’s populationyet contains more than 7 percent of global renewable freshwater resources. It is home to the largest freshwater lake system in the world, the Great Lakes, which holds 6 quadrillion gallons of water (that’s a 6 followed by 15 zeros). And the Mississippi River flows at 4.4 million gallons per second at its mouth in New Orleans, which supplies water to about 15 million people along the way.
However, the U.S. also faces some stark realities
On average, each American uses 80 to 100 gallons of water every day, with the nation’s estimated total daily usage topping 345 billion gallons—enough to sink the state of Rhode Island under a foot of water.
96 of the 204 water basins that supply most of the country’s freshwater could fail to meet monthly demands starting in 2071.
Rising sea levels due to climate change can taint freshwater coastal aquifers, salinating otherwise usable drinking water.
In terms of water usage, Americans use nearly twice the global amount. This presents issues like lower availability and equity in water distribution.
Certain areas of the country already experience decreased water levels because of high demand.
Recent droughts have been some of the worst in history. For example, in 2012, 81% of the country experienced abnormally dry conditions.
A report by the Natural Resources Defense Council and Tetra Tech found that 70 percent of US counties could face water shortages by 2050 because of pressure from climate change, population increases and economic growth.
Droughtin the United States can cause a number of significant challenges, including:
Reduced agricultural output
Transportation disruption
Wildfires
Energy unreliability
Water Demand
As the U.S. water supply decreases, demand is set to increase. By 2100 the U.S. population will have increased by nearly 200 million, with a total population of some 514 million people. Given that we use water for everything, the simple math is that more people mean more water stress across the country.
The effects of decreasing supply and increasing demand are already being felt.The Colorado River carved its way 1,450 miles from the Rockies to the Gulf of California for millions of years, but now no longer reaches the sea. In 2018, parts of the Rio Grande recorded their lowest water levels ever; Arizona essentially lives under permanent drought conditions; and in South Florida’s freshwater aquifers are increasingly susceptible to salt water intrusion due to over-extraction.
Hope?
A promising trend has emerged over the past 20 years or more with people and enterprises in the United States withdrawing and using less water. Since the previous USGS water report in 2010, the US has reduced its water withdrawals by 9 percent, which is the lowest recorded level in 45 years. Much of this is due to greater deployment of water and energy-efficient fixtures, technologies and processes, yet much more must be done.
So, Will Turning the Tap Off Help?
We discussed how large the issue of water usage and the shortage is, so what can we do to help?
People are recommended to brush their teeth for two minutes. If the tap runs in that time, an average of 4.4 gallons of water will be used. Multiply this for the twice-recommended daily brushing, and that’s 8.8 gallons of water used needlessly per day by only a single individual.
While that can be hard to picture, think of it this way: a family of four who diligently turns off their faucet every time they brush will save 11,000 gallons a year — more than a month of average water usage.So by doing this simple action, that household can cut their water use from 12 months to 10-and-a-half months, saving 13 percent on their water bill — about $65 a year for the average household.
While this may not seem much to the average American, and the relatively cheap bill is a reason many do not see value in conserving water, it is a huge privilege. Many people in the world today don’t have access to clean water and would be appalled to see water casually running out of the faucet unused while we brush our teeth.
But according to a survey from Red Fuse Communications, 42 percent of Americans still leave the water running while they brush. That’s a lot of water going straight down the drain
It’s not just water that’s wasted when it runs down the drain, but electricity as well. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, electricity is needed to run a pump to push water from a water tower, a large container where a city’s water is held, to your sink. If you brush your teeth with warm water, you further waste the electricity your water heater used to heat that water.
Concluding Thoughts
Every individual can save more water at home in multiple ways, such as turning off the tap when brushing your teeth. These are such small actions, but taken by many, they could amount to the biggest water savings―and we’re going to need every drop!
We are always hearing we will soon enter a period of no return in relation to climate change and its impacts. Social media helped spread this message and educate others, as well as key activists inspiring young people to act. With the rise of a global pandemic, it seemed thoughts of climate change were put on a backburner. However, there is still an urgency in the issue of climate change, especially as the issue is still very grave. In order to keep a sense of exigency with this topic, I will take advantage of the fact that we have a new president who believes in climate change, and that it is 2021. The global views and opinions of the people are changing to be more anxious about the future state of the world. I think it would be a good idea to include information about the percentof people concerned about Climate change to create a sense of unity in the issue. I also hope to show how many people supported Biden because they knew he was more serious about fighting climate change. Lastly, it would be silly not to mention the current statistics of climate change (how bad it is, water levels, CO2 levels, etc…).
My audience for this brief will be aimed at educational facilities/ their board/ whoever controls what can be taught and students in America. Educational facilities because I need them to understand why it is an issue that climate change is not being taught in schools unless students choose to take a course (if even offered). I need them to rethink their requirements for courses or at the very least offer more appealing offers or be more open and attentive to teaching students about the topic. The students are also the audience because they are the true target in this brief. I need students to become educated and interested in climate change so they can grow up being aware of the problem and taking action to help stop it. We need a generation of educated individuals who value the planet they live on and see value in not destroying it.
Hello everyone! We have a little of shorter blog this week (I think) due to the limited information about this species on the internet! How surprising, I know.
Also a PSA: As you read this blog, pretend you do not see 👀🙈if I write “grey” in one sentence and then “gray” in another (like sometimes the literal next sentence). I use the “e” and “a” interchangeably based on the vibes~~ (Yes, I know I can easily edit them, but it makes this blog qUiRky)
Another PSA: if you are ever curious about the species and search up “gray —” in the IUCN, you will not find anything because they use “grey —”.… I am understanding why scientific names are so important right now.
Ok I digress. Enjoy!
Species of The Week:Gray Bat
Myotis grisescens
Adam Mann, Environmental Solutions and Innovations.
The gray bat – feared, hated, and casually killed — was tumbling toward extinction in 1959. These cave-dwelling bats, which once filled the evening skies over much of eastern North America, were so vulnerable to human destruction that hundreds of thousands were being slaughtered in single acts.
The creature once flourished in caves all over the southeastern United States, but due to human disturbance, gray bat populationsdeclined severely during the early and mid-portion of the 20th century. 95% of gray bats now only roost in 11 caves.
Are They Endangered?
While researching this species, I was seeing a lot of conflicting answers of whether the Grey Bat is endangered or vulnerable. I am coming to the conclusion that they are no longer endangered (They are still going to be a part of this blog though because they deserve some love). According to the IUCN, in 2008 these bats were “Near Threatened” and then as of 2018 they are considered “Vulnerable”
This is the IUCN’s explanation for their rating
“This species is listed as Vulnerable; it has been considered Endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, but there are several recuperation programs for this species reaching at the moment few million individuals. Despite large population size and good recovery, the species is regarded as being vulnerable to potential massive mortality from white-nose syndrome. Considering a time period of three generations (30 years), including both past (12 years) and future (18 years), this species is likely to decline by more than 30% across its geographic range. The expansion of WNS in eastern North America is threatening several species, like Myotis grisescens, causing that the species may reach the criteria for Vulnerable, considering that previous to 1990’s the declining in the population was larger than 50%, and the current scenarios are not favourable for many of these populations.”
Habitat
With rare exceptions, gray bats live in caves year-round. During the winter gray bats hibernate in deep, vertical caves. In the summer, they roost in caves which are scattered along rivers. These caves are in limited areas of the southeastern United States.
Fun Facts
The Gray Myotis is the largest of the Myotis species occurring in the eastern U.S.
It is distinguished from all other bats within its range by its unicolored grayish brown dorsal fur. All other eastern bats have bi- or tri-colored fur on their backs.
Territories tend to be controlled by reproductive females. These females seem to claim the same territory year after year#girlpower
The bat’s wing membrane connects to its ankle instead of at the toe
Gray bats use caves differently at different times of the year. For example, populations of gray bats tend to cluster in caves known as hibernacula to prepare for winter hibernation. In contrast, their populations disperse during the spring to establish sexually segregated colonies.
After 37 years without a single documented gray bat within the state boundaries of Mississippi, on September 20, 2004, a male gray bat was discovered in Tishomingo County in northeastern Mississippi, 42 km south of the last known location of M. grisescens before their decline and disappearance within the state of Mississippi.
Why are they in danger?
Human Disturbance
Gray bats are endangered largely because of their habit of living in very large numbers in only a few caves. As a result, they are extremely vulnerable to disturbance. Arousing bats while they are hibernating can cause them to use up a lot of energy, which lowers their energy reserves. If a bat runs out of reserves, it may leave the cave too soon and die. In June and July, when flightless young are present, human disturbance can lead to mortality as frightened females drop their young in the panic to flee from the intruder.
Cave Commercialization and Improper Gating
The commercialization of caves drives bats away. Any gating on the cave that prevents access or alters the air flow, temperature, humidity, and amount of light is harmful.
This decline actually began with cave disturbance associated with saltpeter production during the Civil War. Some of the largest colonies were lost as a result of the cave commercialization.
Habitat Loss or Degradation
Habitat loss and degradation and contamination from pesticides also are considered a cause of decline. Natural flooding and impoundment of waterways has resulted in temporary impacts to some caves and the complete submersion and loss of other important cave sites. Even if the bats escape the flood, they have difficulty finding a new cave that is suitable.
The use of forestry insecticides and crop pesticides in areas adjacent to riparian corridors where gray bats forage may reduce the prey base or kill bats that ingest contaminated insects. Some maternity and hibernating colonies are susceptible to human disturbance.
White-nose Syndrome
WNSkilled roughly six million bats in 2014. It spread over two thousand kilometres within North America, and most of its impact is on eastern populations of bats, like Myotis grisescens. This disease is considered as one of the major threats to populations of this species.
What is being done?
Listing
The gray bat was added to the U.S. List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants on April 28, 1976.
Recovery Plan
The Tennessee Valley Authority sponsored a recovery project that resulted in the protection of two critical maternity sites: the Hambrick and Nickajack caves in Tennessee. Blowing Wind Cave in northern Alabama, the most important summer cave known for gray bats, has been acquired by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and a gate has been placed across the entrance. Fern Cave, the largest known gray bat hibernaculum, has also been purchased by the Fish and Wildlife Service and is being managed for protection of the bats. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also has acquired and protects additional caves in Alabama.
To protect habitat, The Nature Conservancy has established six voluntary protection agreements with private landowners for gray bat maternity sites. The National Park Service restricts human access to six Gray Bat maternity caves on its lands and monitors them for possible disturbance. The Indiana Bat and Gray Bat Comprehensive Plan contains a detailed list of caves that have been protected or are currently being managed.
Habitat Protection
A variety of government and private conservation agencies are all working to preserve grey bats and their caves.
Cave protection efforts have led to recent population increases. By 1991, the range-wide population was stable and perhaps growing, apparently due to successful cave protection efforts.
With the Biden administration rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement, the topic of climate change is once again making headlines. Many environmentalists, including myself, are hopeful that the issues related to climatechange will be attacked head-on and legislative action will be taken. The issue I seek to address in my brief is one relating to the topic of climate change and the education that is given about it. I hope to talk about incorporating educational classes of all levels within schools. Things such as health class or gym are made mandatory for students, presentations on bullying and sexual assault are given, and posters around campuses given info about the latest covid rules and regulations. Why can similar things not be done about climate change issues?
The cause of this problem is inadvertent in that there is unawareness about the urgency of climate change and an unwillingness to act due to ignorance. Many adults are now misinformed, disinformed, or uninformed about climate change and therefore do not take action, seek action, or teach others to act because they do not consider it to be an issue. If we can make individuals informed about environmental issues from a young age, then they will grow to be adults who are at the very least aware of a huge issue and rethink their actions.
I think the main policy instruments I will use are capacity builders and system changes. The main purpose of this brief is to seek out giving more education on environmental topics such as climate age. This can be as simple as hanging posters in the classroom, having an environmental day, or inviting environmental activists to speak. However, I think it can be important to consider reforming the education system in the sense that teaching about climate change should be as much of a priority as learning about sexual education. I understand many do not think those two are on the same level of importance, but that is where the issue lies. Teaching kids about climate change is more than just teaching students about reduce, reuse, and recycling. It is about having a global perspective, having empathy, being informed about current events, and even about social injustices.
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