How I Feel About Climate Change and The Future of This Planet as a University Student of the Environment

Last Updated: February 15, 2024

Author: Shreya Lamsal

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To begin with, you might wonder, “How much of a difference will only a 0.5 degrees Celsius rise in the global temperature make?” As insignificant as it may seem, the magnitudes spread far beyond what may primarily look like. We are distinctly entrenched in this era of climate change and it is irrefutable.

I am a University student and I feel an excruciating rage when Climate Change is denied. With the world dealing with the devastating consequences of Climate Change, it is alarming to see how the countries in power and resources, seem to negate this crisis. Despite its serious repercussions for the planet and living beings, Climate Change is seen to be receiving less responsiveness.

It was noted that 2023 was the hottest year on record and the comprehensive data reveals that global warming has exceeded the critical 1.5 degree Celsius yearlong target for the first time from the pre-industrial era. This works as a stark reminder that the impacts of climate change are escalating and there is an immediate need for prompt climate action to ensure the well-being of our planet.

It was noted that 2023 was the hottest year on record and the comprehensive data reveals that global warming has exceeded the critical 1.5 degree Celsius yearlong target for the first time from the pre-industrial era.

My unwavering love for the environment as a child served as a major premise for me to pursue my academic degree in the same arena. Nestled amongst Nature’s privilege of high mountains, lush green forests, and picturesque landscape is my country, which entices everyone with its breathtaking beauty.

Despite the insignificant role in global emissions, my country faces the brunt of the climate crisis at a maximum. With the glaciers melting, the decline in snow level, and extreme weather events and slow-onset events, the occurrence of natural disasters like floods and landslides- the impacts of climate change on human society are alarming and the exposure and risks to the impacts are increasing their vulnerability.

I navigated the intertwined relationship between the environment and humans during my undergraduate years. Amidst the myriad of challenges lies the bigger crisis: Climate Change among us. Yet, the consequences and reality of this are often understated. The intricate balance between the habitable earth and its livable environment is diminishing and the urgent need for climate action cannot be overstated.

As a university student of environment, I feel the term “Climate Change” is an underrepresentation to encapsulate the far-reaching consequences it brings. I would rather prefer to refer to it as a “Climate crisis” because its unparalleled impacts are visible. I often find myself surrounded by conflicting feelings when confronted with the blatant realities of climate change.

From extreme weather events to species extinction, frequent catastrophic natural disasters to the displacement of people from their homes, there are visible signs that our planet is in distress. The ice caps melting at a faster rate, flooding and sea level rise, worsening drought, more wildfires, heat waves that are more frequent, worsening air quality and biodiversity loss are the impacts climate change poses on Earth.

Though there are numerous factors contributing to climate change, the main reason is human activities leading to the emission of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxides. With the surge in the world’s population and economic development, emissions levels are only increasing leading to global warming. It is imperative to take action to reduce our emissions level to protect our planet.

The rise of Greenhouse gas emissions during the industrial era and after that has exacerbated the processes of Earth’s Climatic System. As we face consequences of the Climate Change, our future generations will endure most of this crisis on a more extreme and recurrent basis. This amplifies the need for the urgency of climate actions to hand over the safe, habitable planet to future generations.

I cannot stress enough about Climate Change as a global crisis and its undeniable distressing consequences on every living being on this planet. From agriculture to human health, no areas are untouched and unscathed by this looming crisis. The distressing impacts of climate change will jeopardize the lives and livelihoods of vulnerable communities. Thus, the longer we take to act about it, the more challenging it will be for us to rectify the damage.

The intricate balance between the habitable earth and its livable environment is diminishing and the urgent need for climate action cannot be overstated.

As a university student deeply concerned about the future of our planet, I find it crucial for people to understand that the cost of not initiating any climate actions will far exceed the investments in climate actions from the future perspective. Along with the severe environmental repercussions of climate change, there are huge economic implications that come along when the climate crisis is sidelined.

However, by prioritizing the crucial climate actions to push the planet towards environmental sustainability and renewable energy adoption, we can decrease the economic burden that will fall upon us due to our climate denial and secure the future of our planet.

Despite the unforeseen challenges ahead, I am equally optimistic about our planet’s future. The growing engagement and conscience of the youths in climate action is what makes me hopeful about the ambitious solutions to fight back this global crisis. It is evident that the power lies within us to reverse the harm and start climate actions, and I am devoted to playing my role in addressing this global crisis.

Unless there is a concerted effort from conscious and educated individuals, the future of our planet looks increasingly perilous, owing to the daunting impacts of the climate crisis. It is imperative that students like us should actively engage in awareness raising at our community and national level, policy advocacy and influence, supporting green initiatives, replacing fuels with renewable sources of energy, and engaging in research while prioritizing environmental sustainability.

The stakes are too high. The delay in climate actions is the denial of the climate actions. It is our planet we are talking about, as there is no plan(et) B. Thus, we must fight for the right balance, move forward toward collective climate actions as environmental rights are our human rights, and climate justice is crucial for future generations.

About Author

Armed with a recent graduate degree in Environmental Science and a bachelor's degree in Forestry, I am on a path to make a difference. Currently serving as a dedicated research and documentation officer for an esteemed NGO, I am at the forefront of initiatives aimed at combatting climate change and promoting environmental rights as human rights. Inspired by the beauty and intricacies of the nature, I submerge myself as a writer, crafting compelling narratives that inspire climate action and awareness.