New Beginnings by Niamh McAlister

‘A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.’- Lao tzu

Sometimes when confronted with a long journey we can panic and doubt ourselves. We feel that a challenge is impossible. But we have to learn to have the courage to make that first step towards a brighter future. We need to take that step now. The situation on climate change is getting worse and if we do not radically change our direction, future generations will have to face the consequences. There will be large scale melting of glaciers and many animals will go extinct. Sea levels will rise and will submerge many low lying coastal areas. If the rise in temperature of the planet continues, the difference between the climate in polar areas and tropical areas will be diminished. As the whole planet will experience a tropical climate, malaria and other such diseases, which are restricted to the tropical areas, will spread out to the subtropical and polar areas. The planet will also be subjected to extreme weather conditions and the frequency of hurricanes will increase. But what can we do? Well, there are a few small steps you can take, like; walking or using public transport to get around, Recycling, you can help reduce pollution just by putting that drink can in a different bin, bringing your own bag to shops and reducing plastic, turning off electric items when they are not in use to save energy, unplugging devices whenever possible to limit the flow of electricity, using reusable items whenever possible to limit the trash in landfills, donating your old household items so someone else can reuse them, and so much more.  You can take the first step and help to do your part in saving our home.