With glaciers decreasing, sea levels rising and extreme weather all throughout the world, humans are the reason for global warming. On Monday, Oct. 8, 2018, the UN announced global warming will be irreversible by 2030. Humans can’t fix global warming once the world temperature rises above 34.7 degrees Fahrenheit above pre-industrial levels. If the temperature goes over this, it will damage our daily lives.

Fossil fuels such as oils, coal and natural gas are major reasons for climate change. Factories pollute the air causing people to have problems with their respiratory systems. China has surpassed the United States as the number one polluter in the world. China plans to stop using fossil fuels and switch to solar and wind panels to prevent global warming. Parents don’t let their children go to school due to the pollution. When parents go to work they have to wear masks the entire time.

It has been said by Dr. Enric Sala, a National Geographic explorer, that in 2040 we will be able to sail over the North Pole. This will change currents and weather patterns. Floods and droughts are going to be catastrophic. Our weather is becoming more dangerous and stronger than ever. Scientists have said Hurricane Harvey was caused by global warming.

But what can people do? The world is in panic and people demand others to help prevent this disaster. Here are small ways people can help.

Surprisingly, half of Americans do not believe in global warming. Speaking up will play a major role in preventing global warming. By raising awareness people will know the risk we are taking.

To help prevent global warming, people can drive less; not only will everyone save fuel, but it will reduce global warming. The world is running out of oil and the price of gas is unbelievable. Try riding a bike, walking or using an electric vehicle.

Another suggestion to prevent global warming is to go solar; we are heavily dependent on fossil fuels for our energy. Instead of using fossil fuels, everyone should have renewable solar panels. Companies that offer this option include Trina Solar, Jinko Solar and Canadian Solar. We will receive energy from the sun.

Reducing waste will also prevent global warming. When our waste is burned, it releases toxic gases such as carbon monoxide, chlorine, nitrogen dioxide and phosgene into our atmosphere which results in global warming. Don’t waste food. People should recycle plastics. There have been trash trucks tossing waste into streams, lakes and oceans; this pollutes the water and kills the environment.

Earth provides people with a variety of resources, and in return, people should treat the Earth with respect. It offers us trees to produce oxygen, oceans to swim in, food to eat and a place to call home. Planet Earth is almost 5 billion years old and we could destroy it in less than 10 years.