Sarah Rosten
Columnist
Our atmosphere is a unique blend of gases that cater to life. Earth would be a baron planet if our atmosphere changed, yet that is just what is happening.
Our earth is changing daily, and due to the way that we treat it, the change is not positive. Different theories have been debated about what kind of environment we have been leaving for our descendants.
Many theories have become common knowledge, yet what have we done to reverse the effects of our pollution? Everyday subjects, such as global warming and the depletion of our ozone layer are brought up, but the majority of people choose ignore the threat.
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The choices we make now are going to haunt us, and those who come after us. The idea of ruining a planet that was once so perfect is horrendous. As human beings, we may be the only living creatures on earth who have developed technology and built awe-inspiring structures, yet we are also the only beings who have destroyed what nature gave us.
We have shown disregard for the fragility of our home, and thus we are ruining it daily. Attempts to change our society's view of the importance of having a clean environment have not been well received.
Many small efforts are put forth by our community, such as Day of Caring. These activities help clean up litter and some pollution for a short while, yet we need something with longevity. Not only our community but other areas around our nation and the world need to link together to make a promise. A promise to ourselves, and our future, that we will try and make a difference and help save what nature gave us.
Although approaches towards pollution are always made with the best of intentions, and hearts are always placed in the right place, how effective can they be? It is knowledge that we could potentially ruin the only place we can possibly survive is widespread, but how many people have showed that they care? Obviously not enough.
A reasonable approach to pollution is to rally together and inspire people to do good for the community; a realistic approach is to take control. Some scientists think the only way to approach global warming is to engineer a machine to clean carbon dioxide and other harmful gases from the air. This would not be cheap, or easy, but it would be more simplistic than social engineering.
Pollution has been a problem worldwide since our technology has advanced, and we began producing harmful chemicals and non-biodegradable items. The simple things we can do as a community are being done for the most part, but the most important stand we can make has not been accomplished.
It is spreading the mission, the passion, and including everyone in the fight to save our earth. Whether forceful or friendly, the message has to get across, yet there is no assurance that it will.
Sarah Rosten is a senior at Detroit Lakes High School.
