Global: Environmental issues of 2025

How our Earth needs our help

It is the start of a new year, and we have a lot to do for our Earth. We all have heard of climate change, whether it be on the news or we experience the effects of it in our daily lives. While global warming is a major factor in expediating the crisis of global climate change, there are many other factors at play. For instance, something as small as how long you take showers or what clothes you buy and where could make a drastic impact on the environment.

First off, food waste is a major component of climate change—one that is completely preventable. According to recent studies, food waste accounts for 25% of greenhouse gasses emitted every year and a third of food reserved for human consumption is wasted (Robineson). The majority of that food waste comes from consumers. How many times have you bought new food from Giant only to throw away perfectly good leftovers from the back of your fridge? Regrettably, I know I have and know changes needs to be made. Another factor contributing to food waste is the way it looks. Aesthetically pleasing food is eaten more often than bruised or slightly damaged produce. As a result, 50% of all produce (fruits and vegetables for instance) or 60 million tons are thrown away because it is less likely for consumers to buy it (Robineson). Thus, eating a bruised banana should not be the end of the world, but our society makes it so.

Secondly, the loss of biodiversity is a key component of climate change as well. Most notably in our local area, the Hemlock Wooly Adelgid threatens the Eastern Hemlocks, which if you did not know is Pennsylvania’s state tree. Increasing temperatures have led to the wooly adelgid’s survival and spread, and this invasive pest has damaged and, as of 2023, killed hemlocks across 67 counties in PA (Climate Change Connections: Pennsylvania (Eastern Hemlock). Rates of infection continue to rise. Plants and trees are not the only ones in danger. Wildlife, including various animals, fish, birds, and reptiles have become endangered due to human activities. From poaching to removing forests to build houses, humans have greatly decreased the habitat space available for many living species. Melting ice in Antarctica, for instance could wipe out entire populations of emperor penguins (Robineson).

Third, fast fashion, textile waste, and plastic waste all contribute to the negative effects of climate change. While it may seem surprising, the brands you choose to support have a major influence on our Earth. Try supporting companies that use recycled materials or have incorporated eco-friendly practices into how they make their products. Unfortunately, with the rise and fall of fashion trends, these fads can lead to cheaply made and speedy production of low-quality clothing that is often thrown away. The fashion industry requires insane amounts of water to function. To put into perspective, 3,000 liters of water are required to make one cotton shirt (Le). Toxic dyes can lead to contamination in nearby waterways too. Cheaper clothing made of polyester and microplastic tend to release more carbon too. However, companies are only looking to improve their sales and environmental impact comes as a second thought. Therefore, who and what you support matters.

All in all, climate change is a global issue we cannot neglect. It will continue to lead to devastating impacts not only in our lifetime, but for the generations who come after. It is up to us to act now to help our Earth. It is now or never.

Works Cited

“Climate Change Connections: Pennsylvania (Eastern Hemlock).” EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, www.epa.gov/climateimpacts/climate-change-connections-pennsylvania-eastern-hemlock#:~:text=By%20the%20end%20of%202023,all%2067%20counties%20in%20Pennsylvania.&text=With%20no%20natural%20predators%2C%20the,and%20health%20of%20eastern%20hemlocks.&text=Heavy%20infestation%20can%20kill%20eastern%20hemlocks%20in%20as%20few%20as%20four%20years. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.

Le, Ngan. “The Impact of Fast Fashion on the Environment - PSCI.” Princeton University, The Trustees of Princeton University, 20 July 2020, psci.princeton.edu/tips/2020/7/20/the-impact-of-fast-fashion-on-the-environment.

Robinson, Deena. “The Biggest Environmental Problems of 2021.” Earth.Org, 9 Jan. 2025, earth.org/the-biggest-environmental-problems-of-our-lifetime/.