How French Students Are Fighting Climate Change
Climate change is a serious problem in France as it has resulted in some of the highest annual temperature rises in European history. In 2019, the heatwave caused temperatures to rise a record-breaking 45.9 °C (114.6 °F). But as bad as it seems, studies have shown that the worst is yet to come unless climate change is controlled.
Another environmental issue that is expected to occur is an increase in floods due to continuous rise in the sea level and glacial melting. This won’t only have environmental impacts, but it will also have serious economic impacts. As a result, it is no surprise that people have been reacting sensitively to these issues. The more interesting, though, is that it is the students that have reacted most sensitively.
The Role of French Students
In 2017, a nationwide survey of 3,480 French citizens was carried to uncover the view of the population on climate change. Data from this survey showed that 85% of the people were concerned about climate change, with the majority of them being students. In February 2019, hundreds of French high school and university students decided to skip class to protest against climate change in the country.
The protest was carried out in front of the ministry of the environment in Paris. Several signs were displayed by the students, but the general message remained the same. The students’ demands included calls on the French government to respect its climate accord commitments and save the planet. Though several protests would follow, this was the first time that French students openly supported the #FridaysForFuture movement. The importance of the movement has led to the need for argumentative essay examples on climate change. Since then, the government has set lofty goals such as achieving a circular economy by 2025, zero carbon emissions by 2050, and the elimination of single-use plastics by 2040.
How Students Can Fight Climate Change
Students across the globe have had a great impact in the fight against climate change, especially through the school strike for climate. However, more can still be done.
Young adults can help in the fight against global warming through the following steps:
Supporting the Paris Agreement
The Paris Agreement was put in place by several countries to safeguard the future of the planet. The purpose of this agreement is the pursuit of clean energy. Unfortunately, however, ex-US President Donald Trump decided to pull out of this deal. Still, several world leaders believe in the course, and you can join them too.
Self Education
In recent years, more and more students have become aware of the implications of global warming. You shouldn’t wait to be taught about climate change by your teacher before you think about ways to save the planet. By doing deep research, you can discover new ways to fight the issues that threaten our future. This will also enable you to educate the masses and call on other students for environmental action.
Reducing Carbon Footprint
The importance of this step can’t be overemphasized. Whether you are in a college or university, you should do your best to reduce your carbon footprint. There are various ways to do this, including switching off lights that aren’t needed, using reusable shopping bags, and limiting your meat consumption.
Reducing Carbon Footprint
As a student, you can partake in community projects that are designed to curb climate change. But it doesn’t have to be your community alone; you can also join larger groups that target cities around the country. Actions like this will go a long way in preserving the planet’s future.
Going Political
We can make great changes with our votes. By taking advantage of their voting power, students across the globe are now supporting politicians that care about the planet. Such politicians can be trusted to make policies that will create a better tomorrow. You can also share your ideas on climate change with local leaders and relevant bodies.
Final Thoughts
French students have continued to take bold steps in the fight for the preservation of the French environment and the world at large. Though the French government is still far from achieving its goals, it is clear that more people are getting interested in the fight. We won’t back down until global warming is defeated.