How critical is climate change to UB?

Whether it’s snow, sleet or rain, you really can’t anticipate the weather at UB. As the year starts to inch toward spring-like temperatures, the constant influxes between hot and cold have left numerous students perplexed, with many sharing their takes on the current status of the climate. 

Such changes in weather can be attributed to climate change, an issue that has only quietly grown with every year. Stemming from issues such as carbon emissions, toxic gases and the overuse of energy, holes have been found in the Earth’s ozone layer, breaking down the protective layer that shields humans from the Sun’s Ultraviolet (UV) rays. Students have expressed their knowledge concerning such a subject. 

“I know that big companies are causing global warming, and like the little things that people can do to fix it, and that some people don’t believe it’s real,” said Aanya Bal, a freshman majoring in business administration. 

Other undergraduates showed a somewhat rudimentary understanding of climate change with several attributing the media and early education as their primary sources of information. 

“I know a lot from classes and reading articles about it, and we generally hear a lot about it from the news,” said Khushi Batada, a freshman economics major. 

The general consensus on the issue was seen to range from moderate indifference to genuine concern. Multiple individuals have demonstrated great knowledge concerning its effects, with several going in depth on its impact on their location. 

“The weather is definitely impacted. Like yesterday, it was 50 degrees and today it’s 30, and that’s not even that drastic of a change here,” said Rebecca Solomon, a freshman architecture major. “I think a couple weeks ago before break it was almost 70 degrees, and the day after it was snowing. The weather is really sporadic, and it’s probably not good.”

When asked about what they would do to counteract climate change, students have given a variety of different solutions, with vehicles being a particularly popular topic of discussion. 

“I do know that cars are a major issue, so if I get really rich someday I’d get an electric vehicle to reduce carbon emissions,” said Crystal Chen, a senior nursing major.

Other individuals have shared more speculative solutions concerning the issue at hand, with multiple students expressing animosity towards icy temperatures. 

“I’d probably make the weather so it’s not too hot, not too cold,” said Joshua Yoo, a sophomore majoring in criminology. “Perfect weather for short sleeves and sweatpants, you know. Not too sunny too, I hate the sun.”

Given its hidden effects on the world at large, it’s clear to see that students understand the impact of global warming. Whether it be recycling, using electric vehicles or simply using less energy, everyone can contribute towards minimizing the overheating of our planet. 

“I care about global warming because it affects the weather, our health and the future of the planet,“ said Alliance Tuyishime, a sophomore exercise science major. 

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