We’re
Going to Need Everyone
Unequivocally, environmental issues such as climate
change and the quality of our air are issues that must not be taken for granted
by any means. These environmental issues
must even be given precedence over many
political issues widely discussed daily by media agencies and
representatives. Moreover, when
discussing these issues, we must concentrate on the best possible approach that
can be applied to mitigate the effects of climate change as well as air quality. Here, for example, a few of the fundamental
topics of a hypothetical conversation and their importance in combatting the
effects of these environmental issues will be considered such as developing an integrative
approach, obstacles that may obstruct us from realizing an integrative approach,
problems with maintaining a compartmentalized or fragmented approach, and
whether or not policies related to individual behaviors are effective in
addressing these issues. It is wise for
absolutely everyone who is anyone to collectively take the initiative to be
proactive in doing anything necessary to preserve our planet and environment in
order for future generations to have the privilege to do the same, and it seems
it must begin with governance.It must be noted that the most sensible perspective will be imparted here in regards to each aspect of a hypothetical conversation about the environmental issues of air quality and climate change, particularly pertaining to the importance of the development of an integrative approach. Sarcastically, one could ask the question, “What could possibly be a better way to mitigate the effects of these issues other than generating an approach that gets everyone involved?” This sort of approach, without question, must be the number one route to take when considering a practical approach to combat these issues. Essentially, this planet is not the sole property of world governments. Every individual alive in this world must breathe as well as endure the climatic changes that occur throughout our lives. Thus, how is it sensible to compartmentalize or fragment the approach in which we use to preserve our environment? Logically, it cannot possibly be. The most effective policy approach must be one that is pervasive throughout the global society.
Next, as it is wise, a conversation about these environmental issues must highlight certain obstacles of obstruction—political, social, and scientific—that could possibly obstruct governing officials as well as critical thinkers within the lay public from realizing or generating an integrative approach to mitigating and combatting the effects of these issues. Politically, from the perspective of the United States, the primary obstacle in regards to policy making and actually getting a law passed is simply the push back from those pessimistic representatives on the Hill that believe that issues such as the ones mentioned here have no significance and should not be considered in the legislative agenda. Socially, the most notable obstacles of obstruction in this case would have to be the lack of awareness and true understanding of the ramifications we will suffer if these issues continue to be taken lightly. According to Cardwell and Elliot, “The lack of understanding of climate change as a significant environmental health risk on the part of the lay public represents a significant barrier to behavior change” (2013). Moreover, in theory, possible scientific obstructing obstacles could also stem from the disagreeable members of Congress that probably will not support the idea of providing the funding necessary for scientific research. These are just simple and seemingly logical examples of what could possibly stand in the way of the implementation of a practical approach to mitigate and adequately combat environmental issues such as climate change and air quality.
In contrast to the aforementioned significance of generating and implementing an integrative approach, a compartmentalized or fragmented approach is simply not the sort of approach that should even be enacted at all, as it cannot truly yield the holistic results necessary for mitigation. Again, combatting the effects of environmental issues such as climate change and air quality is not only the responsibility of government agencies, but is the responsibility of every living individual on this planet. Yes, the enactment of a compartmentalized or fragmented approach has the potential of permeating throughout the lay public. However, the fact that “The urgent need for a societal response to climate change has been reinforced by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) assessment of the most up-to-date science on climate change…” (Whitmarsh, et. al., 2013), indicates that individuals within the lay public are not as engaged as we need to be. Furthermore, it is even more sensible, when considering this information, that an integrative approach is the better direction.
Finally, in considering a hypothetical conversation regarding issues such as climate change and air quality, the previously mentioned “…urgent need for a societal response…” (Whitmarsh et. al. 2013) to these particular environmental issues, is also evidence that policies that may be established have not been effective. Certain sections of the society have, however, embraced, in different ways, roles that have been advocated by the government (Whitmarsh, et. al., 2013). For example, from the perspective of consumers, some people are aware and even choose to implement ways to purchase and use “low-carbon products and services” (Whitmarsh, et. al., 2013). There are undoubtedly aspects of certain environmental policies related to individual behaviors towards the mitigation of these environmental issues, but as research has indicated here, the bulk of society has not responded sufficiently.
The only sensible approach to mitigating and combatting the effects of environmental issues such as climate change and air quality, as it has been expressed here, is an integrative one—and not only is an integrative approach the best way to go, but it is important that a more comprehensive prescription is enacted immediately. According to Christopher Hayes, the host of MSNBC’s All-In with Chris Hayes, “The ability of humans to work outdoors has been cut 10% because of global warming” (2013). The exceeding warming of the Earth causes abnormal changes in the Earth’s climate, and also has caused other negative changes to occur such as abnormal weather patterns. A more comprehensive, integrative approach that captures the attention of individual citizens throughout the entire world and prompts them with information that compels them to proactively get involved in preserving our environment is imperative, and must not be taken lightly. Earth’s preservation should be important to everyone, because we cannot create another planet—it is everyone’s responsibility. However, because of the lack of awareness of how important these environmental issues are, we absolutely must receive necessary assistance from our legislators to become more productive in preserving our planet.
Cardwell, F. S.,
& Elliott, S. J. (2013). Making the links: do we connect climate change
with health? A qualitative case study from Canada. BMC Public Health, 13(1),
1-12. doi:10.1186/1471-2458-13-208
