Global warming, the carbon footprint, the greenhouse effect, whatever you wish to call it climate change is an issue that not only affects us but every living organism on this planet. In American author, Michael Pollan’s essay “Why bother?” he presents the issue of climate change and the very reason why it is still a problem after so many years, because of people who believe “why bother.” “Why bother” refers to the mental reality of believing that one individual can’t make any form of difference for an issue. Now while this idea is not entirely false I do feel it has a rather large hole in it. It is practically impossible to end climate change on your own, because if it was easy it would be done. But what these ‘why bother’ thinkers are
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Its causing sea levels to rise through the melting of ice caps and glaciers. The rising sea levels obviously presents a threat to us humans as it can lead to flooding, contaminated drinking water, and interference with farming (Business Insider). But it also presents a problem for our wildlife. Polar bears are starving as the fish they survive on are dying due to the rising temperature. Animals that live on beaches will either be washed away by immense flooding, or die of dehydration from extreme droughts. As a Christian, I know that this is not what God intended for the world. After God created the earth and all its wildlife He made the first man, Adam. On this day, God gave man the sworn duty of protecting the earth as its created order. After several thousand years, I believe it is safe to say that we have not lived up to that duty. In fact, we have pushed away from it. Pollan argues that climate change will remain an issue until we as the human race make changes in our daily life. Global warming is not going to be solved by a couple of scientists in a lab. This is a global incident, so it requires a global cure. To non-Christians, responding to climate change will simply be to preserve the earth they currently live on. However, to us Christians responding to climate change is following our duties to protect this earth. While Pollan’s non-Christian and my …show more content…
Pollan’s whole stand in his essay is on the very basis of showing us the differences he’s made in his life. One of these differences that Pollan points out is simply growing a small garden. Now for most, this method is mundane and they ask “why bother? If a farmer plants hundreds of seeds every year, how will my small garden change anything?”. Well the problem is that your goal shouldn’t be to change the world with your garden, it should be to change yourself. By taking the time and patience to grow plants, you reap the benefits of eating natural ingredients straight from the ground. However, this is where the ‘cheap energy mindset’ starts to step in. People argue that they simply don’t have the time or expenses to plant a garden. Well keep in mind, planting a garden is not the only solution we have at our disposal. I myself am no active gardener, but I do perform smaller task like recycling or buying from the local farmer’s market. It doesn’t matter what you do, it just matters how it helps the earth and how often you do
Its causing sea levels to rise through the melting of ice caps and glaciers. The rising sea levels obviously presents a threat to us humans as it can lead to flooding, contaminated drinking water, and interference with farming (Business Insider). But it also presents a problem for our wildlife. Polar bears are starving as the fish they survive on are dying due to the rising temperature. Animals that live on beaches will either be washed away by immense flooding, or die of dehydration from extreme droughts. As a Christian, I know that this is not what God intended for the world. After God created the earth and all its wildlife He made the first man, Adam. On this day, God gave man the sworn duty of protecting the earth as its created order. After several thousand years, I believe it is safe to say that we have not lived up to that duty. In fact, we have pushed away from it. Pollan argues that climate change will remain an issue until we as the human race make changes in our daily life. Global warming is not going to be solved by a couple of scientists in a lab. This is a global incident, so it requires a global cure. To non-Christians, responding to climate change will simply be to preserve the earth they currently live on. However, to us Christians responding to climate change is following our duties to protect this earth. While Pollan’s non-Christian and my …show more content…
Pollan’s whole stand in his essay is on the very basis of showing us the differences he’s made in his life. One of these differences that Pollan points out is simply growing a small garden. Now for most, this method is mundane and they ask “why bother? If a farmer plants hundreds of seeds every year, how will my small garden change anything?”. Well the problem is that your goal shouldn’t be to change the world with your garden, it should be to change yourself. By taking the time and patience to grow plants, you reap the benefits of eating natural ingredients straight from the ground. However, this is where the ‘cheap energy mindset’ starts to step in. People argue that they simply don’t have the time or expenses to plant a garden. Well keep in mind, planting a garden is not the only solution we have at our disposal. I myself am no active gardener, but I do perform smaller task like recycling or buying from the local farmer’s market. It doesn’t matter what you do, it just matters how it helps the earth and how often you do