By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.
AIESEC US winter promotional material: Winter Days, Get 100 dollars off your exchange.AIESEC US winter promotional material: Winter Days, Get 100 dollars off your exchange.
5
min. read

Climate Action & Climate Change

Climate Action & Climate Change
Samantha Dowdy
November 18, 2019

A hot topic of the decade has been centered around climate change and climate action. However, what exactly does climate change even mean? According to the Oxford Dictionary, climate change is “a change in global or regional climate patterns, in particular a change apparent from the mid to late 20th century onwards and attributed largely to the increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide produced by the use of fossil fuels.” So while climate change did not start in the 2000s, a lot of the effects are now being heavily noticed.


Since the history of Earth, our planet has gone through cycles of extreme freeze and heat. This is admittedly normal due to slight shifts of the planets axis and rotation around the sun. However, the rising issue that has been seen in recent decades is because of humans, because of us. On average, temperatures are rising, ocean levels are rising, oceans are acidifying, glaciers are retreating, and we are seeing more weather extremes than ever before in recent human memory (NASA). This means that the hot days are not just getting hotter, but that the cold days are also getting colder.


Why exactly should we care about climate change? To start, the effects of climate change are being felt everywhere. After an unusually warm and dry summer, Australia is currently facing over 100 fires across the country. New South Wales has recently had to declare a state of emergency, and authorities have increased the fire warning to a “catastrophic” fire risk, which is the highest level of bush fire danger (NBC News). On the opposite side of the world, Venice, Italy is facing the opposite problem: severe floods. Rising sea levels have led to water levels in the city rising to 1.5 meters above sea level as the city now faces its worst week of flooding within the past 50 years (DW). Centuries old priceless artworks are at risk of irreparable damage, and two people have already died due to the floods, while the rest of the city has had to evacuate or board up their homes and stores (The Guardian).


Climate change is of course also affecting the States. A large contributor to the increasingly damaging California fires is climate change. Rising temperatures have led to increasing dangerous hurricanes, which have the potential to affect a majority of the coastal states (as well as contributing to flash floods and odd weather patterns in states that are hundreds of miles away). Global warming is also leading to very different winters across the country. Certain states are experiencing the summer and fall weather continuing long into winter, while other states are experiencing uncharacteristic cold weather. These cold winters are shown to coincide with periods of warmer Arctic weather, which has been caused by climate change (National Geographic).


Weather and national disasters aside however, climate change is still impacting our daily lives. Rising temperatures have been linked to a 2% increase in mental health issues, and air pollution is killing 7 million people each year on average. Our food is becoming less nutrient dense due to rushed photosynthesis, and food prices are increasing due to a rainfall-related drop in crop productivity (Climate Reality Project and The Guardian). Beer and coffee is also at threat as rainfall lessens and temperatures rise (Environmental Defense Fund). Tax costs are also increasing in effort to fund the mass amount of money that has to go towards retroactive and proactive structures and funds that are in place or needing to be created because of climate change related issues. 


While climate change is inevitable at this point in time, all hope should not be lost. Change must happen and be encouraged on all levels (for individuals, corporations, and governments), and that change must start with recognizing what we are each individually contributing. In some way, almost every single person is contributing to climate change. Driving to the store, printing an assignment, and so many daily tasks in some way impact the environment, and I will be one of the last people to tell you that you need to stop all of these normal daily things at once. While a lot must be done to slow the impact of climate change, starting small is the most realistic change that we can expect on an individual level. Here are some things that you can implement routinely to help reduce your impact:


  1. Be cautious of your utility usage: turn off lights before you leave a room and wait to run a load of laundry or dishes until you have a full load (which will also save you money)
  2. Do not eat meat or dairy products for at least one day a week, or look for package free substitutes for some of the products you normally buy 
  3. Carpool when you can, and when on the highway, use cruise control as much as possible to decrease your gas consumption
  4. Do all of your routine shopping or appointments on one day (to make your life easier and to save gas)
  5. Do some recycling research to see what you can start recycling in your daily life
  6. Change to more energy efficient appliances and lights
  7. Buy local food to cut down on transportation emissions
  8. Bring cooler bags or reusable bags with you when you shop (some fold up small enough to fit in your pocket!)
  9. Donate your unused items (which can count as a tax right-off, and lessen someone else’s second-hand energy consumption)


Starting off with doing even one of these things is a step in the right direction, and you can even make it a plan to add another environmentally-friendly goal in each week or month! Also do not hesitate to also start the environmental conversation with those around you and to stay informed on the topic. Knowledge is power, and if enough people make these changes daily, we can better ensure that the generations after us will be able to continue seeing the beautiful aspects of the planet we call home.



To learn more about climate action, check out the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #13

What are you waiting for?

Sign-up in under five minutes and explore thousands of opportunities in more than a hundred countries and territories.

Sign-up!

Explore more

How to Build an Internship Program for International Talent: A Comprehensive Guide

How to Build an Internship Program for International Talent: A Comprehensive Guide

In today's interconnected world, globalization isn't just a trend; it's the norm. Businesses thrive on diverse perspectives, and one way to infuse your organization with fresh, innovative ideas is by creating an internship program for international talent. This guide will walk you through the steps to build such a program, highlighting the benefits of international interns, the requirements of the J-1 Visa, and how AIESEC's Global Talent program can streamline the process.

5
min. read
Written by
Soraya Morales
Embracing Cultural Diversity in the Workplace: Unlocking a Wealth of Benefits

Embracing Cultural Diversity in the Workplace: Unlocking a Wealth of Benefits

In today's globalized world, cultural diversity in the workplace is more than just a buzzword; it is a crucial factor that can drive innovation, creativity, and business success. Organizations that embrace cultural diversity can tap into a wealth of perspectives, experiences, and ideas that can lead to improved problem-solving, increased employee satisfaction, and enhanced competitiveness in the global market. In this blog, we will explore the numerous benefits of cultural diversity in the workplace and why it should be a priority for any forward-thinking organization.

6
min. read
Written by
Soraya Morales
Embracing Social Impact: The AIESECer's Journey

Embracing Social Impact: The AIESECer's Journey

In a world which is filled with challenges and opportunities, being an AIESECer is not just about personal growth and global experiences. Rather, it is also a commitment to contribute socially and make a tangible difference. As members of the world’s largest youth-led organisation, we, as AIESECers, embark on a transformative journey by utilising our skills and passions to address the pressing global issues. Therefore, here are 4 ways through which we contribute socially during our terms by organising events that serve as important factors towards a positive change. 

3
min. read
Written by
Nishad Kinhikar
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.
AIESEC US winter promotional material: Winter Days, Get 100 dollars off your exchange.AIESEC US winter promotional material: Winter Days, Get 100 dollars off your exchange.

What’s a Rich Text element?

The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.

Static and dynamic content editing

A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!

How to customize formatting for each rich text

Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.

What are you waiting for?

Sign-up in under five minutes and explore thousands of opportunities in more than a hundred countries and territories.

Sign-up!

Explore more

Empower Tomorrow's Leaders: Your Global Opportunity Awaits

Empower Tomorrow's Leaders: Your Global Opportunity Awaits

Are you a young person passionate about leadership, cultural exchange, and making a positive impact on your community? The Empower Tomorrow's Leaders scholarship is your gateway to an incredible global experience. Apply now for a chance to join the AIESEC Global Volunteer Program and transform your aspirations into action.

2
min. read
Written by
Soraya Morales
Empowering Educational Equity: AIESEC US Joins GlobalTuesday to Drive Positive Change

Empowering Educational Equity: AIESEC US Joins GlobalTuesday to Drive Positive Change

AIESEC US, the leading youth-run non-profit organization committed to empowering young individuals through transformative international experiences, proudly announces its participation in GlobalTuesday, a worldwide movement that harnesses collective generosity to create lasting impact.

2
min. read
Written by
Soraya Morales
AIESEC United States earned the 2023 Gold Seal with Candid!

AIESEC United States earned the 2023 Gold Seal with Candid!

We are thrilled to announce that AIESEC United States has earned the esteemed Gold Seal of Transparency by Candid. This recognition underscores our steadfast commitment to openness and accountability in everything we do.

1
min. read
Written by
Soraya Morales
AIESEC US Joins the Global GivingTuesday Movement to Empower Tomorrow’s Leaders

AIESEC US Joins the Global GivingTuesday Movement to Empower Tomorrow’s Leaders

[New York, October 26, 2023] – AIESEC United States, the largest youth-run non-profit organization dedicated to empowering young leaders through transformative international experiences, is thrilled to announce its participation in GivingTuesday, a global generosity movement that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities, and organizations to encourage radical generosity and make a lasting impact.

2
min. read
Written by
Soraya Morales
Empowering Dreams, Transforming Lives: AIESEC US Launches Fundraising Campaign for Education Equality and Global Opportunities during Global Goals Week

Empowering Dreams, Transforming Lives: AIESEC US Launches Fundraising Campaign for Education Equality and Global Opportunities during Global Goals Week

[New York, September 21, 2023] - AIESEC US, the largest youth-run non-profit organization dedicated to empowering young people with transformative international experiences, proudly announces the launch of a groundbreaking fundraising campaign aimed at providing educational equity through scholarships for global opportunities to young students who lack financial resources. As part of Global Goals Week, this campaign directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on quality education, reduced inequalities, and climate action. With the mission to break down barriers and create a more inclusive educational landscape, the campaign seeks to raise funds to offer scholarships for the AIESEC Global Volunteer Exchange program.

2
min. read
Written by
Soraya Morales
Join Us: Live-Streamed Launch Campaign for Educational Equity and Sustainable Development

Join Us: Live-Streamed Launch Campaign for Educational Equity and Sustainable Development

[New York, September 7] – AIESEC US, the youth-led organization committed to fostering cross-cultural understanding, skills development, and global citizenship, is excited to announce the official launch of its groundbreaking campaign. This campaign is poised to break down barriers and open doors to a world of possibilities for students from underrepresented groups through educational equity and global opportunities for sustainable development.

2
min. read
Written by
Soraya Morales