The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released a State of the Climate Report on Aug. 25 showing that 2020 was one of the three warmest years among records going back to the mid-1800s. 

The report also noted issues like international above-average temperatures, the unsowed concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere, melting glaciers and warmer oceans. 

These issues are concerning because they will impact the quality of life everywhere on earth in years to come. Many news and media outlets reported on this issue this year and fears about climate stability have surfaced on social media. 

There are some effects of climate change that can never fully be reversed, but that does not mean that our steps to combat climate change have no power. While individual acts like eating less red meat, using less water and electricity or carpooling may not have an immediate visible impact, they are still vital to keeping the earth healthy. 

“There is a time lag between what we do and when we feel it,” a NASA article said. 

According to the article, if humanity completely stopped emitting greenhouses gasses, global temperatures would plateau. They would still be elevated, but as a whole, global temperatures would stop the uninhibited rise many of us have grown up with. 

The best way to help combat climate change is by holding corporations that pollute responsible. Often, the blame is pinned on consumers who purchase non-biodegradable or recyclable items. However, it is the corporations who are manufacturing and transporting goods that have some of the most powerful impact on our climate. 

There is no perfect cure-all to climate change, but every action still has purpose and impact. 

At times it will still feel like a losing fight, but we must keep combatting climate change. The results will not be immediate by any means; it will be nearly invisible for many years. But sustained work to combat climate change can and will yield results to make the earth healthier and more livable. 

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