Jada McDowell

The biggest question is: will the world be coming to an end soon? As we continue to witness the effects of climate change, life becomes scarier. 

 For many years humans have been warned to treat the earth better. Whether we have listened or not, our circumstances continue to worsen. NASA stated that “atmospheric carbon dioxide levels from 280 parts per million to 414 parts per million in the last 150 years.” Highlighting that levels have risen one hundred thirty-four parts per million. 

 Due to such increases, many parts of the world are experiencing unthinkable natural disasters such as droughts, floods, wildfires, hurricanes, etc.  

So, what are the main factors contributing to our ozone depletion? According to Environmental Protection Agency, “Greenhouse gas emissions from transportation account for about 28 percent of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, making it the largest contributor of U.S. GHG emissions”.  

California is one of the states that have greatly been affected by climate change. One of the major effects has been huge wildfires. Currently, California is battling a huge wildfire at the moment. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection reported that the state has “battled 8,100 wildfires that have burned well over 3.8 million acres as of 2020.” 

According to Gavin Newsom, California’s Governor, “Our cars shouldn’t make wildfires worse — and create more days filled with smoky air. Cars shouldn’t melt glaciers or raise sea levels threatening our cherished beaches and coastlines.”  

So, Newsom believes that the best thing to do moving forward is to ban gas cars by 2035. The Governor’s office reports that Transportation currently accounts for more than 50 percent of California’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions. 

Newsom stated that “For too many decades, we have allowed cars to pollute the air that our children and families breathe.” 

Car companies are also noticing the need for change as they are making cars that’ll less harm the earth. Here’s a few to acknowledge: 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, 2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid, 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid, 2021 Honda Insight, 2020 Hyundai Ioniq. 

Will California conform to such big change? Will other states follow such change in the near future? 

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geR6ehvynVk