Dear Future Kid,
Procrastination will be the death of the human race. The amount of luxuries people have displaced into necessities is selfish; and that is the characteristic humans have evolved to carry best. Climate change is an issue being ignored by mankind because there are more important matters that need attention right now: economic growth, employment, healthcare, and so forth. All these problems are obvious and their resolutions are apparent (although the resolution might not be the same). While climate change is a problem, it is still simply denied by many people. There is no progress being accomplished because there is no problem; in reality it is one of the hardest issues humans face.
My theory is that climate change will become a ‘real’ issue when energy becomes a rarity, in other words when there is an energy crisis and energy is deemed valuable. Fossil fuels will run out, it’s not a matter of if, but when. It is at that point that climate change will be the foundation of many business deals, government campaigns, and so forth (the methods that rapidly promise real change). Climate change effects business, food distribution, water sources, and other species (but who cares, they’re at the bottom of the list). Saving ourselves from an energy crisis will be more important because energy is a necessity for living. Our failure to believe the gradual change with the use of fossil fuels will surely promise a lot of stress and uncomfortable times ahead; sensations that come packaged with procrastination.
Luckily there is a small percentage who aren’t procrastinating; the monster is awake and is battling climate change. I like to consider myself a part of that percentage. I’m studying mechanical engineering, ironically the reason I entered that field of study was because I wanted to help design combustion engines. Little did I know that combustion engines would soon be outdated. In an effort to save the atmosphere people like Elon Musk have pushed for the production of electric vehicles. So I guess I now want to help design electric vehicles because it’s the newest technology released.
My only question is: What will be the consequences of renewable energy? Nonetheless, renewable energy shows promise, is really the only real combatant against climate change. I intend to help advance the electric vehicle and renewable energy future. In some way, I will impact the world you’re living in an eco-friendly manner.
My message to you is, don’t procrastinate! Avoid using tunnel vision and instead observe the entire picture. There are so many variables to consider whenever making a decision, but do not underestimate the fact that there is an opportunity to make a decision in the first place. Climate change could’ve been controlled if people put their own beliefs aside and simply analyzed the facts; but then again that would not make us human.
