By Valentina Landa

We are constantly hearing about the formidable effects of climate change, and that we “have nine years left, until 2030, before we begin to hit a tipping point from which there may be no return.” So if this is the case— why is nothing urgent being done about it? 

Answering this question from a more “economical” perspective, we could start with the fact that many countries' economies are dependent on fossil fuels and the energy resources that they provide. To prevent a singular country's economy from being compromised, it would be logical not to reduce greenhouse gasses. If all countries were to think this way (which is what is happening) the majority of the world would be in deeper trouble because of the collective effects of everyone's greenhouse gas emissions. So essentially what may be best for each country is worse for the planet, but what is worse for each country would eventually be best for the planet. 

Looking at this question on a smaller scale, a main reason people don't take climate change seriously is because it hasn't gotten to the point where it affects most of the population directly. More than likely,  you’ve never woken up to your house completely flooded, so the effects of climate change seem distant. It is hard to improve something that’s effects seem so far off, but the truth is that if we collectively don't act soon, we will feel the effects quicker than we think. Without a collective understanding, whether it be between countries or between cities, the consequences will be lethal. We have to accept that if it be now or later, we will have to pay the costs of our actions.

Climate change also affects us locally. In South Carolina the state had increased in warmth by one degree (Fahrenheit) over the last decade. Not only this but the sea level around Charlston has risen 10 inches since 1950 and scientists predict that it will continue to rise 6 inches by 2030. As sea levels rise more, properties are at risk of being destroyed by flooding. This also means that South Carolina is going to have to spend an estimated amount of 2 billion dollars to accommodate and build new, raised roads, seawalls and improve drainage systems. So climate change isn’t as distant as it may seem.