In the Northern Hemisphere in 2017 and 2018 brought several destructive hurricanes to the shores of North America, the Caribbean, and throughout the Pacific rim. Such extreme weather events are predicted to get more common and more severe with increasing climate change.
Several participating classes in the ISCFC were or are in the path of these storms and we hope for the best for them, their families and communities.
We would love to hear from students affected directly and indirectly by extreme weather events, and also any students who have been following the news this summer.
What are your thoughts about the connection between climate change and extreme weather events? Has this hurricane season increased your concern about climate change or not? Do you think that US citizens and residents (and others in the region) will take climate change more seriously now?
Extreme Weather >
Recycling and Hurricane Harvey
The area I live in was hit hard by Harvey, and one of the obvious consequences of this hurricane was the colossal amounts of paper, furniture, and other possessions that were completely ruined by the floodwater that had to be thrown away. There were so many things that could’ve been recycled or composted, but because they were exposed to polluted sewage water, they were considered hazardous materials that had to be trashed. There is nothing that can be done about those items now, but it got me to thinking about all the unnecessary things I have lying around that I don’t recycle right away. Especially with the increasing weather changes that are a result of climate change, recycling is more relevant now than ever. It may not seem like much, but if every person who was hit by Harvey had recycled just one sheet of paper and one plastic bottle before the hurricane, there would’ve been at least 100,000 sheets and another 100,000 bottles that could’ve been reused instead of trashed, and that does make a pretty significant difference.
I totally agree with you. I too live where Harvey struck and have seen many who have suffered from the aftermath. Many of my family and friends had their houses flooded and are in need of many things. I think that recycling is definitely a good way to start building back up after this tragedy.
This is a really smart idea! Imagine how many people that could be helped just through reusing sheets and water bottles. This way resources would be easier to reach.
OMG so insightful and genius. Great IDea!!!!
I agree with you 100%. I think that recycling is definitely very important. Especially considering where we are in the world right now with all of the natural disasters happening. I think that more people should start recycling the things that they don't need or use anymore. Even if it is just a piece of paper or a plastic bottle or soda can! Great thinking!!