According to the NCEA, "In the United States, the burning of fossil fuels, particularly for the power and transportation sectors, accounts for about three-quarters of our carbon emissions" (Denchak). As shown in the quote, the fossil fuel industry has no regard for the environment; these carbon emissions being released essentially drive climate change. Switching to an energy system that is carbon neutral is a good step forward to limit the number of emissions and preserve the environment, I mean you want to experience nature later on, right? Then changing your lifestyle to be more aware is a step in the right direction. Sources like wind, solar, and thermal systems generate no emissions; and they are extremely accessible, something you can just implement in your home to reduce your personal carbon footprint. You know how salesmen come to your door looking to sell solar panels? Maybe next time, just bug your parents to say yes or plan that later in your life when getting an apartment you will say yes, by doing that you are contributing to a better future. 

Additionally, there is this general assumption that alternative energy sources are extremely expensive, and the transition to them will ruin our economy. However, I'm going to declare it as a myth. I find that, in fact, these past five years, that alternative technologies have a comparatively low cost than fossil fuels and are increasingly becoming cheaper and more accessible every day. According to an article from the World Resource Institute, Solar and Wind Power sources (types of alternative energy) are the cheapest sources of power in two-thirds of the world (Tierney and Bird). You would be saving money! And considering the fact that fossil fuels are limited and are becoming more costly, it's a matter of time before they disappear causing an energy crisis that will affect our generation and the way we function. It's predicted by The Infographics Show, considering oil powers most of the world’s transportation, you would not be able to go anywhere faraway, let alone travel (This Is What 1:58). The almost “doomsday” possibilities are endless, but switching to a sustainable source will prevent them and secure the future for us. 

Some people naively still believe alternative energy is ineffective. An article from Penn State claims, “Renewable energy is also not completely reliable . . . we cannot control when we receive it and how much we receive. It often relies on weather like the sun or water” (Renewable Energy). Reasonably wind farms and solar farms can only produce power when it's windy and sunny; they cannot generate energy at any time, thus there might be a lack of supply. However, scientists have already managed this issue with grids, this technology that makes sure you never run out of energy. You won’t have any blackouts! And if this is an issue of sustainability, this is misleading, in a matter of time, the current fossil fuels we use to power every aspect of our lives will not be available.

Now that you understand what's at risk, the severe environmental damages, a possible “doomsday”, and know the effectiveness of alternative energy, it's imperative that you start thinking about how you contribute yourself and ways you can minimize it. You want to be able to ski later on right? I feel guilty and afraid for what's to come, and if you are at least decently moral, you should also feel somewhat responsible for taking part in helping; it's unethical if you don't. 100% percent of CMS students surveyed support switching to alternative energy; however, merely less than 10% percent of you actually use alternative energy sources (Khamish). So stop thinking and act.