By Nydia Ramos, Editor in Chief
As President Donald Trump and his administration continue to block efforts to curb the controversial problem of climate change, Indian Trail High School & Academy students prepare for an AP science exam that includes questions on the same topic.
AP Environmental Science teacher Megan Awe recently explained to students how carbon emissions have already affected the world
“Climate change can cause changes in weather patterns; specifically causing more severe weather like heat waves, large storms, etc.,” Awe said.
Examples of these major fluctuations directly worsened by climate change include events like Hurricanes Maria and Harvey or the raging forest fires in California that are igniting with a higher frequency and intensity compared to years before.
The new Indian Trail class stimulates discussion of climate change and all of its political workings amongst the students who want change.
Matthew Christman, an IT senior taking the AP Environmental Science course, said he sides with President Trump on most issues, but he did not support him fully on his decision to pull out of the Paris Climate Accord.
“I understand the viewpoint in Mr. Trump’s mind. He wants to remove carbon emission regulations to protect American business interests and employment i.e. give businesses more reasons not to move overseas,” Christman said.
But the student disagrees with Trump on how to bring jobs back; it should not be by cutting environmental regulations.
“I would agree with him slightly more if he were willing to compromise with other bodies and reduce regulations rather than cutting them altogether. The environment is of the utmost importance to our country,” said Christman, a supporter of the electric car, solar power and renewables.
Trump’s decision to pull the United States out of the Paris Accords and rollback regulations on carbon emissions only furthers teens’ concern about the future of the environment.
Students believe that the U.S. government needs to step up and change their ways in order to fix the pressing issue of global warming. Joseph Hillstrom, another AP Environmental Science student, offers a solution to the issue of rising carbon emissions that starts with the individual and not the government itself.
“As a teen, it is hard to have a strong influence on a group of individuals. I believe it starts with your school and family, but more importantly, yourself,” said Hillstrom.
Awe said the class has not only been sparking discussion amongst the students, it’s inspired students to go out and take actions to make change in the real world.
“It has sparked great conversations and I know I currently have a student trying to find a way to get the business she works for at the Premium Outlets to be more eco friendly,” Awe said.
She further explains how easy it can be to make a difference just as her students have been little by little. Every person’s action matters and makes change.
“I know many look at this issue and have a hard time believing that the actions of one person can create change but they can…The Lorax said it best, ‘Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s Not!’ ” Awe said.