And it's important because??

So one of the big questions in the sustainability trend is "why is it important to be green?" or "Is global warming really happening?" Below is a section of my literature review that shows the history and importance of the current changing environment. Check it out, it's actually pretty interesting!

Prior to the Industrial Revolution, our carbon output was harmonious with the amount of unnatural emissions that the earth could handle. Once we began urbanizing the earth and burning more fossil fuels, the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse emissions being released into the earth’s atmosphere became too high, and an “extra- thick heat blanket” formed around the world (Environmental Defense Fund).

It is now widely accepted that the earth is experiencing a worldwide climate change. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) states that the “increase of atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations leads to an average increase of the temperature.” Temperatures have climbed about 1 degree Fahrenheit since 1880, and according to the IPCC, “11 of the past 12 years are among the dozen warmest since 1850."An article in the National Geographic's News reports an increase in temperature is believed to contribute to the melting of polar ice caps and the rise of sea level. The recent increase of extreme weather conditions and a increase in coral reef bleaching has also been attributed to the changing climate.

The American Geophysical Union states in its position on climate change that "natural influences cannot explain the rapid increase in global near-surface temperatures observed during the second half of the 20th century". Natural influences cannot prevent these effects either. However, we can. By living a “low-carbon” lifestyle, we can help reduce the rate temperatures are rising. According to the National Recycling Coalition, Americans put enough aluminum cans into a landfill to recreate our entire commercial air fleet. Further, the United States is the “number one trash-producing country in the world at 1,609 pounds per person per year. This means that 5% of the world's people generate 40% of the world's waste” (“Recycling Revolution”).

According to US Today, eighty percent of Americans today have a high school or higher education. Thus, it is logical to conclude that many of the ideas and changes that need to be implemented in the world should start being incorporated at this level. Environmental responsibility should not be an exception. In addition, high school students are becoming increasingly aware of green practices in schools and are factoring this into their college selection process.