Last year, 2017, was a year of extremes for our environment. According to NASA, 2017 is likely to be the second hottest year in recorded history. Here in the United States, we saw the extraordinary power of three devastating hurricanes: Irma, Harvey, and Maria. Residents are still recovering from the destruction of these hurricanes. Widespread wildfires in California destroyed thousands of acres of land, homes, and lives. The year ended with a cold snap that has spread throughout the Northeast, leading to record low temperatures across the country. There is mounting evidence from climatologist that these extreme weather events will become more frequent with the increase of the greenhouse gases we emit into our atmosphere that contribute to climate change.
On June 1st of 2017, President Trump announced the withdrawal of American participation from the Paris Agreement. The Paris Agreement was the first of its kind, facilitated by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)that bound all countries to decrease their greenhouse gas emissions, in order to limit global warming to 2 degrees Celcius of pre-industrial temperatures. The agreement allows each nation to set their own emissions goals in accordance with the goals of the agreement. Find more information about the Paris Agreement from the UNFCC.

However, not all environmental news in 2017 was negative. There was a new wave of environmental activism and commitment to combat climate change in reaction to the Trump administration’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. The “We are still in” movement was launched immediately; thousands of companies, cities, states, and institutions, including Tufts, affirmed their commitment to the Paris Agreement despite the lack of federal support for the agreement. The President of France, Emmanuel Macron, created the Make our Planet Great Again initiative to provide funding and support for all who wish to conduct environmental research.

While 2017 was a year of climate and environmental political extremes, it was also a year of great environmental activism and commitment to combat climate change. What does this mean for 2018? We need to continue our commitment to environmental activism this year. One important way to do so is by advocating for the environment through our votes in the 2018 midterm elections and volunteering in our local communities. Another great way is to work to lower your personal environmental impact by reducing your carbon and waste footprint.

Reduce your waste and carbon footprint:

  • Eat less meat- try to eat less or even eliminate factory farmed meat for your diet.
  • Buy used– look for previously used or owned items before buying new.
  • Eat local- Sign up for a CSA share or check out your local farmer’s market.
  •  Say yes to reusable items- Opt for reusable products over single-use items.
  • Consume less- Don’t buy unnecessary items that will just wind up in the landfill
  •  Bike, walk, use public transportation, and carpool – Not only will it lower your carbon footprint, but it will also improve your personal health.
  • Use less plastic- Find package free items to reduce your plastic consumption.
  •  Share and connect- Share your passion for environmental causes with others.

The uncertainty of our collective environmental future can be frightening at times, so let us do all that we can to reduce our individual impact on the environment and hold our representatives accountable to protect their constituents by protecting the environment. In 2018, let’s get more civically engaged, environmentally aware, and passionate than ever before.

Learn from Bae Johnson how to reduce your waste this year: