The Mercury asked six University of Wollongong students: “With regard to recent annual record temperature breaks and April recording its hottest ever day. Are you concerned about climate change? And what do you think we should do to tackle it?
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Glyn Megarrity
Glyn Megarrity is not only concerned about climate change for himself – he has grave fears for the generations that follow.
And the student thinks that tackling climate change might not be as complicated as we sometimes think.
We are living in a country that needs to step up, he says.
“I most certainly am concerned about climate change for the reasons that not only it will effect my immediate future but also my children and grandchildren,” he said.
“In regards to how it should be tackled, it’s probably an easy answer.
“We need greater dedication from world leaders and government organisations to reduce their carbon emissions and overall carbon footprint,” he said.
“In terms of countries that deny this I think we may be in one.”
Meagan Collar
Meagan Collar is “definitely” concerned about climate change.
“It is alarming in regard to the way that it is harming our planet with ice caps melting and falling apart,” the University of Wollongong student said. “I think big government needs to change and focus more on how we use energy in a more sustainable way. Individuals also need to put in more effort to use public transport and recycle.”
Ben Stonnill
Ben Stonnill pays attention to the ongoing research with regard to climate change.
He’s on the fence though as to just how much trouble our planet is facing.
“In regards to more recent data, I don’t believe they are indicators of climate change,” Mr Stonnill said. “That’s due to my understanding of climate change being a more marginal increase in temperature that has a significant effect over an extended period of time.
“I would regard the recent heat breaks and hottest day in April to more of a weather change than a climate change.
“It is still a concerning issue, as to what we should do about climate change. I'm just happy there are smarter people than me in charge.”
Molly Simpson
Climate change is really scary to me because it is so apparent now, says Molly Simpson.
“Future generations are really going to cope the brunt of it. Our governments and politicians need to stop fighting about the issue and just start progressing. This has been a conversation for well over ten years now and they just need to stop arguing and focus on implementing effective change.”
Brianna Shaw
Brianna Shaw expressed her view through personal experience.
“I am very concerned about climate change, In the past I have lived in both the Northern Territory and Melbourne and have experienced both those city's having a similar temperature which is crazy,” she said.
“It’s just so apparent now that something urgently needs to be done, Climate change is an issue that is not focused on enough by our government, especially with all the evidence,” she said.
Lana Fililes
University of Wollongong student Lana Fililes agrees with the majority of her fellow students.
Ms Fililes stresses about the consequences of climate change to not only her generations but also future generations.
She also thinks more needs to be done from a ground up perspective.
“I believe that climate change is affecting our generation and most certainly future generations, ” she said
“I also think more can be done to tackle it from a community perspective”.
