We see the effects of climate change everywhere across the world. Even in a place like Omaha, the dire state of the Earth is evident. The intense heat or cold and other harsh drastic weather events are a direct result of climate change. We have begun to see hotter, longer summers and warmer, shorter winters. There is polluted air from wildfires across the continent. The list goes on. 

According to the North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies, since the year 2000, Nebraska’s temperatures have risen by at least 1.6 degrees. Our recent annual temperatures have been comparable to those of the Dust Bowl Era, when Nebraska set its record for its hottest temperature at 118 degrees, which still stands today. We have seen unusually warm overnight temperatures during winter, pointing to the Earth’s warming. These effects will only become more intense if nothing is done. 

Faye Sitzman is a committed member of the Sierra Club, an American environmental organization that works to protect and advocate for the wilderness. She has been working for decades to respond to the climate crisis here in Nebraska as well as across the U.S. She was recently awarded the Oliver Kehrlein National Outings Leadership Award. 

“If we want healthy lives, we have to protect and continue research on our air, water, land, wildlife, trees and plants,” Sitzman said. “To do so, it basically entails fighting greed and deniers, educating global residents and officials, and developing new habits in our daily lives while getting large corporations to look beyond their immediate profits. Our resources are not, and never will be, limitless.” 

“Students and youth have the most at stake,” Sitzman said. 

Climate change strongly affects youth both psychologically and physically.   

The physical health risks resulting from climate change are already affecting youth everywhere, even in Nebraska. In the summer of 2022, an 8-year-old boy swimming in the Elkhorn River was killed by a waterborne infection found in warm rivers and lakes, and there is evidence that the temperatures of Nebraska’s lakes and rivers have risen significantly recently due to the changing climate.  

According to the World Health Organization, air pollution also deeply affects the health of developing youth. It is directly linked to impairment of the lungs and brain and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, type two diabetes, obesity and metabolic syndrome. 

According to research published by Cambridge University, most children around the world are aware of and worried about the effects of climate change. Strong feelings of worry, anger, fear, depression and hopelessness are expressed by youth spanning the world. A true understanding of the appalling state of the Earth obviously leads to these strong feelings. 

According to research published by Cambridge University, a survey of 15,000 Australians from ages 14-23 showed that one in five plan to have few to no children due to their climate change concerns. Young people should be involved now because we will be the ones left with the aftermath. If climate change continues to grow at these alarming rates, our futures are doomed. 

It is evident that dire effects on our environment are taking place, but how exactly can we work towards stopping them? There are plenty of ways to contribute, big and small, and the opportunities are endless. Writing letters and speaking with decision makers and officials; donating to environmental organizations like the Sierra Club, Green Omaha Coalition and Keep Omaha Beautiful; joining sustainability groups like the Central High Green Team, Students for Sustainability and the Sierra Club; participating in marches and protests; volunteering at local cleanups and simply being educated are all great ways to contribute to the climate movement.  

You don’t have to do everything possible to make a difference. Large numbers of people all making small contributions will always surpass just a few putting in all the effort. Never feel belittled or discouraged for not doing enough. Comparing your actions to others or criticizing their efforts does nothing but bring down the movement. 

Climate change is a pressing matter with serious consequences that should be addressed and acted on by everyone. Any action taken against it is valid, and it is important that youth all over the world make themselves aware and involved.