Opinion Piece: Should They Suffer in Silence?

Is it our responsibility to help countries suffering from the effects of global warming?

In my opinion, it is the responsibility of not only this country, but all the world’s people, to help countries suffering from the effects of global warming. Those in the poorest countries, which have made the least contribution to climate change, have been and will continue to be the most impacted by the seemingly unstoppable terror that is global warming.

The main sources of stress caused by climate change are the rising sea waters and the pressure it places on the agricultural industry. Many small nations with a poor economy, such as the Philippines and Malaysia, are facing posed by the ocean when one lives mere feet above sea level. Additionally, the food supply is being thrown off-kilter by slowly increasing global temperatures and a lack of fertile soil--some of which is being swallowed by the seas.

If we trace global warming back to its roots, we find that the countries which shifted towards industrialization the earliest have contributed the most. For example, the US had its first Industrial Revolution in the mid 1800s, and since then has continued to be a main source of CO2 pollution. As the country now attempts to cut back on emissions and find a reliable, ‘clean’ energy source, other countries’ growth ( read: China) have overpowered our comparatively weak counterattacks. So now we say, “Well, this certainly must not be allowed to continue.” We turn to small countries like the Philippines: “Hello! You--yes, you. Don’t industrialize.” And they’re all like, “What? Oh no, that is not fair. You got us into this mess--what are you going to do to get us out??” And so, regardless of certain countries’ justified, but minor, outrage, aiding poor countries is an ethical issue.

Now, the issue that I have not addressed yet is this: How do we intend to fix this mess? We have our own problems! And yes, that is true. But: Can you honestly stand aside while innocent people, who struggle to get by on a daily basis, are forced out of their homes into a cold, unfeeling world? Can you tell me there is nothing we can do about this? And if these people do lose their homes, where will they go? They can move in with you--or they can be another drain on our tax dollars and honest income. I will only say this: There is always something you can do, something you can stretch, and, if you do lend a hand, you will find that it isn’t at all that hard.