As September rolls in, many of us anticipate the crispiness of autumn to follow, with leaves beginning to change color and a cool fall temperature to replace the summer heat.
But how is it that just a few weeks ago we were melting in the seats of our classrooms and suddenly, the following week it became cooler?
By cooler you’d think, “Phew! The September heat is finally over.”
Unfortunately, you’d be misled, with temperatures soaring right about the average, it begs the question, what does this unusual weather mean for our planet and our community?
This past month’s seemingly relentless heat is a strong reminder of the realities of climate change. It disrupted our daily routines—whether roasting during physical education class, dreading the walk to the bus stop, or watching the leaves that should’ve been turning vibrant colors remain stubbornly green.
For many, this isn't just a discomfort, it's a wake-up call. The time to take action for climate change is now.
The winter months in the northern hemisphere are known for their chilly and snowy weather. However, as Environment Canada meteorologist Simon Legault puts it, our white Christmases are slowly disappearing.
Now, what does this mean for us students?
The absence of snow on the ground during the winter months can have a range of consequences. First and foremost, it destroys our winter wonderlands and the activities we commonly associate with the season.
Snow days–those unexpected but perfectly timed breaks that give us a well-deserved rest from school–are and will become less common, leaving many of us longing for the joy of a spontaneous day off, like the ones we experienced in our childhood.
But the effects go beyond just missing out on snow days.
With the possibility of less snow, there’s less insulation for the ground, which can really impact local ecosystems and our water supply. The accumulation of snow is crucial in the spring, as it melts and helps refill rivers and lakes.
Less snow therefore means more water shortages, affecting everything from our drinking water to the farms that provide us with food.
And how about our winter fun? Many of us look forward to skiing, snowboarding, and sledding each year. Without enough snow, those activities can disappear, taking away most of the excitement of winter.
This shift doesn’t just affect our enjoyment—it also impacts our local economy, which relies on winter tourism to thrive.
Overall, the idea of less snow in the coming months along with the drastic changes in temperature is definitely something to think about.
It raises questions like: How will our winters feel different if we’re not getting those snowy mornings? What steps can we take now to make a positive impact?
As students, we have the responsibility to step up and lead by promoting eco-friendly habits and getting involved in local efforts to fight climate change.
Most changes aren’t even that difficult to make.
I recently replaced the light bulbs in my room with LEDs, which aren’t only better for the environment but they're also cheaper. I try to take public transportation whenever possible to reduce my carbon footprint. I also have learnt to garden my own vegetables which results in fewer greenhouse gas emissions
Sustainable living doesn’t need to be boring. Take it from me! I use Earth Day each year to hang out with neighborhood friends and clean up garbage from our local parks. You would be surprised at some of the crazy things we’ve found laying around.
And in the words of Barack Obama, “We are the first generation to feel the effect of climate change. And the last generation who can do something about it.”
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