Remember a time when it was under 90 degrees during a Texas summer? If you can’t, it is likely because the climate is becoming more extreme day by day. Hot places have become even hotter, and cold places have been seeing an increase in chillier weather as well. This can be attributed to the worsening state of our environment, and specifically climate change, which is caused by a numerous amount of things. However, while there are many contributing factors to climate change, it seems that the root cause lies within the inability to shift from fossil fuels to more sustainable forms of energy, such as wind and solar power.
As fossil fuels currently account for nearly 75% of greenhouse gas emissions, it is important that we take this decade-long issue into consideration whenever we look at how we can reduce the contamination and pollution of our Earth.
While many countries have already been trying to increase the use of renewable energy, one country in particular set an outstanding example for environmental consciousness in recent years. As of right now in Europe, Spain serves as the 3rd leading country when considering how much renewable energy they use. In fact, by 2050, they are planning to run on 100% renewable energy.
However, Spain has not only changed their governmental policies to be more environmentally conscious, but has also encouraged their citizens to do the same. Spaniards are encouraged to use more recyclable goods and often choose walking over using a car. They have many areas where people are able to enjoy the natural environment, be it through a challenging hike or a relaxing bike ride on repurposed paths.
With this, it is easy to understand that climate change is not only in the hands of the government, or large corporations. It also ultimately comes down to what we as individuals choose to do within our daily lives. Using Spain as an example, we can make daily switches that slowly add up to have a chance at preserving our environment for future generations. Instead of buying coffee in a plastic cup every day, try making it at home or asking the barista to use your own personal, reusable cup. Instead of using a car to drive 3 minutes to a friend’s house, you could always try taking the short walk there.
If most people in our community made little switches like this, it would make it easier to combat the growing issue of climate change globally. Although it may not be possible to create a change of large enough magnitude, or win awards for environmental consciousness in our city, as the capital city of Spain, Valencia, had won the European Capital Green Title, it still prevents the matter from getting worse. It is important that we all do our part to help this everlasting issue, to not only protect the current city of Frisco from pollution, but also future generations who may not be able to enjoy luscious grass or litter-free playgrounds ever again.
Works Cited
Lindsey, Rebecca, and Luann Dahlman. “Climate Change: Global Temperature.” NOAA Climate.gov, 18 Jan. 2024, dev-04-drupal-climate.woc.noaa.gov/news-features/understanding-climate/climate-change-global-temperature. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.
“Spain – Energy.” Www.trade.gov, International Trade Administration, 31 July 2024, www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/spain-energy. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.
TEKCE. “Spain: Top Sustainable Destination to Live and Travel.” Tekce.com, TEKCE, 2024, tekce.com/blog/lifestyle/spain-top-sustainable-destination-to-live-and-travel. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.
United Nations. “Causes and Effects of Climate Change.” United Nations, 2024, www.un.org/en/climatechange/science/causes-effects-climate-change. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.“Valencia Is the European Green Capital for 2024 | Copernicus.” Copernicus.eu, 2 Nov. 2022, www.copernicus.eu/en/media/image-day-gallery/valencia-european-green-capital-2024. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.