COVID-19 caused a brief pause in the massive pollution and emission issues of the world. Although most industrial powers and daily human life have returned to normal, the impact of the short break shows how much human life depletes the state of the Earth. 

The planet has undergone a multitude of changes due to us, but the origins are not well understood. So why did the absence of usual carbon dioxide emissions make such a huge difference? 

Science teacher Sharon Fronk has been teaching learners about how excessive carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere caused by human activity contribute to the trapping of terrestrial radiation on Earth and increasing temperatures within.

“This has increased global temperatures by over 2 degrees Fahrenheit,” Fronk said. “This may not sound like a lot, but if you think about it in this way, you can see why it’s a big problem: if your temperature rises 2 degrees you have a temp of 100-101 degrees Fahrenheit. You feel awful; you stay home; you’re very sick. This is what carbon pollution is doing to our planet.” 

Fronk said some of the sustainable alternatives she uses are reusable makeup wipe removers, bar shampoo and conditioner and beeswax wrap to cover leftover food. She also recommends making large batches of food to minimize the number of times electrical appliances are used and to thrift shop for used clothing.

The Earth is slowly overheating, but luckily the story does not end here. Sophomore and environmental science club member Adrianna Isabel Machado strives to educate others on convenient adjustments individuals can make to help decrease their carbon footprint. 

“We want to find alternatives like, ‘Hey what are you doing in your life right now that you can make a little change and make a big impact?’” Machado said. “Because you know, you don’t have to make a big change;  you can just make a few, and then if a bunch of people do it, it will make a revolution.”