No, it’s climate change.
On April 6th, Dr. Peter Kalmus, a NASA employee, and others were arrested after they chained themselves to the entrance of the JPMorgan Chase building in Los Angeles. The actions of the scientists where in protest of the bank’s financial approval of fossil fuels. The coalition of scientists are also known as the Scientist Rebellion, a group of professionals fighting against climate change. It is plausible to note that JPMorgan Chase funds the most current fossil fuel projects, and as the new Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, or IPCC, report explains, emissions are more than twice the amount that would push the planet to over heat.
“Even limiting heating to below 2°C, a level of heating that in my opinion could threaten civilization as we know it, would require emissions to peak before 2025.” – Dr. Peter Kalmus
How does this affect Chicago?
Rainfall records from 2018 through 2020 exceeded every year, pushing Lake Michigan’s levels to uncharted territories. The Great Lakes area is the eye of the climate change hurricane. In addition, Chicago’s average winter temperatures have decreased significantly over the last few years. Chicagoans and visitors should prepare themselves for a brutally hot summer.
Chicago’s 2022 climate action plan has been reevaluated. The focus will weigh heavily on increasing the recycling rate and improving CTA service by increasing route times. In September, Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed an energy policy that strives to set Illinois on a path of 100% carbon-free power by 2045.
What can you do?
It can be 70°F and sunny on Monday and 30°F with snowfall on Wednesday in Chicago. Here are some things you can do to help stabilize our environment and create healthier habits that all-in-all help the planet,
- Avoid using cars by utilizing Chicago’s Public CTA Services if you are traveling across the city. If you are just a couple minutes away from your destination, try renting a Divvy bike instead of ordering that overpriced Uber.
- Shop sustainably by thrift shopping if you’re feeling frugal or buying clothing from local boutiques and designers at events like ours or even down Milwaukee Ave. It’s always better to own and wear something not many people own. Experiment with your personal style by doing this.
- Invest in a multi-use water bottle and refill it at any one of Chicago’s Public Parks. Chicago’s water is filtered and is accessible all throughout the city. Instead of increasing plastic waste try using the same bottle and decorate it with stickers to personalize it.
- Get crafty and find ways to reuse items. Be creative and try out some DIY projects.
Earth day is April 22, but let’s make an effort to make eco-conscious decisions daily.