Post #4

Climate change is no longer a political argument, scientists from all walks of life have come forward to prove that industrialization has caused the rapid warming of the earth. Now it is time to reverse the damage before it is too late. Every person can help the effort through educating themselves on how they can reduce their personal carbon footprint, as well as informing themselves on which politicians are passionate about holding companies responsible for their emissions. Everywhere, scientists and politicians are joining together to make change happen. While many of them experience roadblocks from those who oppose the idea of climate change entirely, they are able to make small changes that lead to a large impact. Several cultures are at risk of losing their way of life because of rising global temperatures. Sheila Watt-Coutier is an active member of world discussions on the issue of climate change. She defends the Inuits as their culture is suffering at the hands of international corporations. With the northern ice melting faster than ever before, the Inuits cannot travel along frozen lakes and rivers, causing them to starve due to their shrinking ability to travel (Moral Ground). One of the most well-known global activists is Greta Thunberg. Under her, millions of people have come to the consensus that the first step to reversing the damage is to hold companies accountable for their contribution to the rising temperatures. United Nations officials are taking similar steps in terms of prosecuting political leaders and company CEOs for their major role in global warming. Once the amount of pollution is decreased, more can be done to revive dying ecosystems and cultures (Earth Day).

Friends of the Earth International (FOEI) has a branch located in Nepal. FOEI is not associated with any government and only works to better countries that lack certain advancements. For example, FOEI helps to bring awareness to environmental issues such as pollution prevention, and political justice (Friends of the Earth International).

Another international organization by the name of Greenpeace is involved in many countries’ journey to becoming less polluted. After extensive research, it can be concluded that Greenpeace is not involved in Nepal. Greenpeace has held some international protests that Nepalese have participated in, however, Greenpeace is not officially linked to Nepal in any way (Greenpeace).

In another corner of the world, the Cheslatta Tribe have lived in the forests of Western Canada for centuries. Their way of live is also being affected by rising global temperatures. Over 10 years ago, Soren Larson decided to investigate this remote tribe and see how their way of live differed from that of a typical American. He found that remote tribes, such as the Cheslatta, have a much greater connection to their land than those who live in large cities. Indigenous tribes often consider their land, forests, and lakes, to be their ancestors. From his experience with the Cheslattas, Larson discussed his increased appreciation for the earth and all creatures who reside within it. While he does not believe that people are born from the earth, he does mention that we are more connected than we care to believe. All places have agency, meaning they have a particular personality and power to those who reside there. Similar to Larson, I believe that people are as connected to the earth as they were thousands of years ago. I grew up on the Mississippi River and it has become part of my identity. The flat plains and fields of corn comfort me and make me feel at home. For others I have met at college, they only feel at home in city centers where the skyscrapers block any view of the horizon. Everyone I know has some connection with the environment in which they grew up. City dwellers and Indigenous Tribes are not that different after all.