by Chelsey Nolasco Earlier in this month of October, scientists issued a serious warning to the world: humans need to do more to prevent global warming, and the time to do more is NOW. BBC reported in an article from October 8th, "A target was in place for us to try to stop the world's temperature from rising by any more than 1.5°C. Not only are we not meeting that target, but the report suggests that the world is in fact heading for a 3°C increase in temperature. This could have huge consequences for the planet and experts are calling on world leaders to tackle the problem urgently." One question is whether or not world leaders are taking this seriously enough. There are only a few world leaders in the world, though. Most of the population is made up of everyday people like us. A more important question is: Are we taught enough about Global Warming so that our generation can make a difference? According to BBC, Global Warming is defined as: “ the rise in temperature of the earth's atmosphere.” Scientists have said that if Earth’s temperature rises up to 2C,’ glaciers will soon melt and cause sea levels to rise so much that areas that live near the oceans and islands can soon end up underwater. Extreme weather will frequently cause droughts and floods, which is terrible for creatures that live on land and underwater-- including humans. Asthma and disease may increase due to pollination and air pollution (Vox.com and National Resource Defense Council). It seems that decades of damage to the environment may seem hard to reverse. An effort to make a change has to start somewhere, however, and science classrooms are the perfect place to start. During my sophomore year, I was taking Environmental Science and Botany class. In my both classes I was learning about the subjects. In my environmental class, I remember the teacher was talking about global warming and how it is an extreme problem to our society. In my botany class, we majorly talked about plants and I remembered the teacher would imply us to plant trees and inform us about modified food and to try to eat organic because it's just better for us and the environment. Other than that, there was not much that addressed the topic further, but just knowing that it is a thing that’s happening. In my history class, we watch CNN News, which is basically informing us about current events that are happening, and I do not think global warming issues are being discussed often. It would be interesting to examine how the Trump administration is changing laws that were previously made to protect the environment, and to explore the effects of these changes. I do not think the school promotes enough about keeping clean for generations to come, so that organisms have a sustainable habitat. Yes, we have an Environmental Club and they collect binders and pick up the recycling bins, but it would be great if being aware of these issues became part of school culture. Some students do practice recycling on their own, and try to be environmentally friendly. Students show sustainable habits by recycling and throwing away their trash. Some students can care about the situations but some might not, and more need to care. A friend of mine from another school recycles and he believes it is a very good for the environment because recently he has heard that turtles are dying from choking on plastic straws, this is happening because plastic is getting thrown away in the ocean. A way he will try to help out more is by unplugging items that aren't being used to save energy. Some students also try to be more sustainable by becoming vegans. These students care extremely about the environment and animals that are a part of it. Being vegan is an enormous commitment, and many make the switch after watching and reading articles based on what they do to animals is truly heartbreaking. According to recent studies they have said that cosumming less products such as meat that is being modified supports the risk of global warming. “I taught myself about climate change and how the ozone layer is being destroyed by carbon emissions. The sun could be lethal to us without the ozone to protect us. I use a reusable bottle to drink water from. I don’t throw stuff on the ground when I’m walking. I put it in my pocket and wait to put it in a trash can,” says senior Gabriel Garcia. Julio Mancilla, who spent the summer working for the Palisades Park DPW commented, “People are dirty. This town is a mess. Everybody should have more personal responsibility. There should be stricter laws about littering.” Litter in Palisades Park is only one part of the problem. There is an overwhelming amount of trash that has amassed in oceans. International trade requires an incredible amount of fossil fuels to be burned. Plastics that don’t decompose are everywhere. Change must happen soon. There are many ways students can help out to prevent global warming, For instance, they can use papers on both sides for notes. Instead of driving places, walk more because it’s better. Unplug appliances that are not in use. Treat water as if there may be none tomorrow because eventually that will happen. Doing the simplest things makes a difference. Teachers and the school can help students understand the importance of this issue. Teachers can inform students more about global warming. In class, students can calculate the school carbon footprint to see how we can lower it. The school can provide more recycling bins, recycling signs, and education about global warming. The cafeteria can replace foam trays with biodegradable trays. Teachers that are in the science department can create a compost area behind the school instead of just throwing out school lunch and help out the soil to become richer. We can institute a Waste Reduction Week in Palisades Park-- a program that urges everyone to do their part in by reducing, reusing and recycling in every aspect in school and lives. It would be really rad if we had a Waste Reduction Week because it would bring the school together and make being eco-friendly a central topic of discussion. Mr. Biagiotti, science teacher and advisor of the Environmental Club does vocalize efforts to be less wasteful. He said “The best way the school can address about Global Warming is to build awareness to inform students to know the situation. The school can recycle more, so they can lower their carbon footprint. If I could devise a plan to improve the way the school deals with waste, I would change the school trays to biodegradable ones, produce less trash and [conserve more] energy.”
Immigration Across America, Across History
by Lesley Quiroa Since before the Puritans, people have been immigrating to the land that is now known as the United States of America. It's been hundreds of years, and still thousands of people still come to the United States in hope of a better life and positive change. For the past 3 years, however, crossing over the border from Mexico into the States has been a hotly contested issue. One of the biggest problems the United States government is currently facing with immigration are the “caravans” of thousands of immigrants-- the most recent one estimated to be 5,000-- with the potential for more to come. Current President Donald Trump has stated that he will be sending 15,000 troops to protect the US borders. But what will the government decide to do with all these people upon arrival? The current caravan from Honduras has people seeking asylum from “political issues and gang threats.” It has picked up people from Salvador, Guatemala and Mexico and is expected to arrive in the Rio Grande Valley of south Texas within the upcoming days. Their current location is about 600 miles of where they intend to arrive, and they have covered thousands of miles and traversed multiple countries. These people have suffered on this journey to the US-- some have died in accidents, many have gone without eating for days, have had to put up with cold weather changes. Along the way, they have been faced with dangerous situations-- robberies, attacks and more. If Trump does as promised and rejects the immigrants upon arrival, they will endure all of this suffering just for them to be sent back to whatever they were running from. This can almost be compared to when people were fleeing from Europe for religious freedom and acceptance as far back as World War II; they were afraid and wanted a new life they knew would be better. Prior to the Holocaust, both America and Canada turned away boatloads of Jewish people seeking asylum. Canadian Prime Minister last week apologized for Canada’s rejection of Jews in 1939. More recently, the Syrian refugees who were fleeing Syria because of the civil war also experienced great difficulty being accepted into the United States, and many risked their lives to illegally enter European countries. So many innocent lives were taken and still are being taken today. And yet so many people have been turned away because they have left dangerous circumstances in their homelands. Learning from past mistakes must happen now. America was built as a country that welcomed the poor, tired masses. America was built by immigrants. People should at least be welcomed here. Very thorough checks should be done and people’s reasons for wanting to be here should be heard. Everyone has a story; everyone has a reason. Every life matters. I feel that President Trump should use his power and help those in need to truly Make America Great Again.
A Call for Integrity and Accountability in the Supreme Court
by Clara Kim On October 6, 2018, Judge Brett Kavanaugh was sworn in and confirmed to the Supreme Court after an extremely close confirmation vote in the Senate. I personally do not agree with his views and believe that he is extremely unfit to be a Supreme Court Justice. People who are deserving of this position must display integrity, modesty, impartial decision-making skills, collegiality, and must show respect to the court. However, we do not see any of these qualities in Brett Kavanaugh. Three women accused Kavanaugh of attempted rape and sexual assault. No person who faces allegations such as these should be allowed to serve on the Supreme Court – the highest federal court in the United States. Many supporters of Kavanaugh condone his actions because he was a drunk teenager and because it happened more than thirty years ago. However, they should consider the victim, Dr. Christine Blasey Ford’s feelings. She had to watch the individual that she believed was going to rape her had he not been so “inebriated” become anointed to one of the highest positions an American can possess in this country. Although Dr. Ford may not have enough evidence to back up her accusation, it is better to support a potential victim rather than a potential rapist. Furthermore, during murder cases, the jury and the judge are inclined to heavily rely on eyewitness testimonies to determine whether the convicted is guilty or innocent; why do people disregard these usually trusted eyewitness testimonies during sexual assault cases? Regardless of the allegations and whether they are true or false, the interview still perfectly presented the reasons why Kavanaugh is not a capable and worthy candidate. During Kavanaugh’s testimony, he became visibly enraged: a behavior that should not be shown by a potential Supreme Court Justice. In contrast to Dr. Ford’s level delivery of her account, he delivered emotional and defensive outbursts while attacking Democrats which proves his lack of modesty and bi-partisanship. Judges should make fair decisions, but Kavanaugh obviously has conservative beliefs and most likely identifies as a Republican which will play a big role in future cases. This can potentially be a step down for the LGBTQ+ community and the movement for abortion rights. According to Kavanaugh’s beliefs, it is highly possible that he may attempt to reverse Roe v. Wade, an important Supreme Court case that led to the recognition of a woman’s right to an abortion. American women may lose their power to make decision concerning their own bodies. Also, Kavanaugh is known for being endorsed by anti-LGBTQ organizations which also indicate his personal views; this may sway his future decisions regarding the LGBTQ people. Another concerning issue is that his Supreme Court confirmation may cause others to think that despite their problematic pasts, they may be able to get away with past crimes such as sexual assault and attempted rape and still attain such a high position in the U.S. government. Therefore, I cannot think of any positive consequences that will outshine the negative outcomes of Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation. It is a confirmation that may undo social progress that has been made during our lifetime, and will certainly have an impact on generations to come.