Label Volunteer, Emily Jackson, discusses our current environmental situation.
From Greta Thunberg to the devastating Amazon and Australian fires, the climate crisis is at the forefront of our lives. Even though it may not be completely apparent in the dreary and bleak United Kingdom, other countries and environments are affected massively by the change in environment. We keep hearing about the issues and crises but, we are perhaps not fully aware of the reality that waits for us in the next few decades.
There have been small changes (with huge effect) in our lives, such as the paper straws introduced at McDonalds to the five-pence charge on supermarket carrier bags. These may seem like minor changes but the consequences have been big and have helped towards the environment and planet Earth. Big brands and corporations seem to be getting on board with how the climate is ever-changing, with many pledging to better and more sustainable production. According to the UN, by 2030 the effects of climate change will be irreversible. This is a cataclysmic – especially regarding the fact that 2020 has already arrived. It can be argued however that some of the biggest celebrities and influencers are not promoting an environmentally conscious lifestyle; particularly detrimental with the following they have. For instance, Kanye West and DJ Khaled flew in separate private jets to meet up and exchange a pair of shoes. The trend seems continue in the Kardashian-Jenner clan with Kim praising climate activist Great Thunberg but then travelling in her own private jet. Even though we may take these actions with a pinch of salt, people perhaps do not understand how severe the environmental crisis is and how much celebrities like the Kardashians can influence their following.
World leaders evidently play a huge part in how society is helping to combat the climate crisis. With Donald Trump formally exiting the Paris Climate Agreement to Boris Johnson flying in a private jet across the UK after announcing his new plans to fight climate change, it can be argued that many are not taking the crisis seriously. The Amazon and Australian fires have also shown how leadership is pivotal to the climate crisis. With over 200 bush fires burning across Australia, many feel that the Australian Prime Minister and government are not doing enough to support the emergency and volunteer services, though it has been announced that all volunteer fire fighters will receive financial compensation for their efforts and dedication.
As ordinary people, the changes we make to our day-to-day lives to make them more environmentally conscious will contribute to an improvement in the crisis which is continuously evolving. Things like recycling and investing in reusable products (straws, cottons pads, water bottles to name a few) will make a massive difference. Many people in the New Year have committed to low-buy or no-buy years in an effort to live more sustainable lives.
Donations to charities and environmental services, including animal welfare, will go a long way to combating and soon hopefully preventing these natural disasters.
