Climate Change Clock: There Is A Deadline

For over 20 years, a colossal 15-digit digital clock otherwise known as the Metronome, has faced Union Square in Manhattan. This prominent public art piece once displayed the time to and from midnight. On September 20th, two artists, Gan Golan and Andrew Boyd, revealed it’s makeover. It now displays a deadline, the Earth’s deadline. According to most scientists, we have 7 years and about 100 days before the effects of global warming are irreversible this is now displayed by the clock for millions to see. The Climate Clock is only supposed to be there until September 27th as part of Climate week, but the artists think this should be a permanent change, and I couldn’t agree more. 

I turned 20 this past January, and I cannot imagine achieving all my future goals with a deadline of only seven years. Humans have a habit of getting so caught up in the everyday minutiae of their lives, that we forget to slow down and think of what is really important. I myself, as a busy college student, am guilty of this. This clock is meant to not let us forget. It is a constant reminder that there is no plan B, and it is our responsibility to extend the viability of our environment. 

Scary, huh? This is all a bit overwhelming, but that’s where we are with climate change. Years of misinformation and neglect have led to the need for change being now or never. This is a worldwide issue, but change starts with the individual. Here are a few things you can do right now to help: 

1. Keep Marching

This first tip is more of a two in one situation. In the past two years, we have seen a rise in marches, especially among college students, all in the name of climate change. However, we cannot ignore the elephant in the room, the current global pandemic. If you are not able to attend marches or special community events pushing for environmental reform, there is one thing we should all be doing. We need to stay aware and stay informed. 

2. Cut Out Plastic

Plastic is a non-biodegradable material that is overwhelming our ecosystems in so many ways. Single-use plastics are probably one of the biggest contributors to pollution, so do your best to cut this out. Buy reusable straws and utensils to avoid the plastics ones you are given at restaurants, try using reusable water bottles instead of buying plastic water bottles, and use cloth bags or paper bags whenever it is possible (reusable bags are always the best choice). 

3. Thrift or Buy Sustainable

I don’t know how else to say it, but keeping up with today’s trends is not worth further compromising our planet, especially when there are so many eco-friendly ways to stay fashionable. Things go in and out of fashion all the time, so consider thrifting first before buying new. Do your best to stay away from fast fashion brands like Forever 21, Primark, FashionNova, Topshop, etc. because the intentional short life span of their clothes will force you to buy more constantly. If thrift shopping is really not your thing, do your research and buy quality clothes from sustainable brands. 

4. Eat Less Meat or No Meat

In my opinion, the benefits of being vegan or vegetarian, especially when considering the benefits to our environment, are endless. However, I understand that a diet like this may not be feasible for everyone and that’s alright. Instead, I urge you to educate yourself on the effects of the meat and dairy industry and consider cutting down on your consumption of animal products. Even having just one no-meat day a week, has an incredible impact on our environment. 

5. Vote!!! 

I cannot stress enough how important it is to vote. Individual change is important, but in order to really save our planet, we need change on a massive scale. The opinions on climate change vary between political parties and candidates, so do your research and ask questions before deciding who to vote for. Voting for the Presidential Election of 2020 is less than a month away, let the government know climate change is an issue you care about! If you are not registered to vote, please click on the link for help: https://www.usa.gov/register-to-vote 

We have reached a point where climate change is no longer an issue we can ignore. In less than 10 years, the damage we have caused to our planet will be irreversible and there will be no more future to work towards. Students have always been at the frontlines of the environmental movement, and we must continue to speak out, fight, and adopt a better lifestyle. The work that has to be done is not easy, but I can think of no better change to be a part of than this movement.

• climate change
• environment
• lifestyle
• vote