The following letters to the editor are from Mattawan Middle School students.
Kathryn Abbott, Mattawan
How do the world’s problems start? They don’t just appear randomly. There are some big problems in the world. Like global warming. I strongly believe that global warming is the biggest problem in the world. Global warming is a big problem because it’s destroying the Earth. There are big consequences, and it is getting harder to live on Earth.
If anyone isn’t exactly sure what global warming is, global warming is the recent increase in the world’s temperature that is believed to be caused by the increase of certain gases (such as carbon dioxide) in the atmosphere. An increase in the Earth’s atmospheric and oceanic temperature is widely predicted to occur due to an increase in the greenhouse effect resulting in especially from pollution.
Most of you are probably thinking “Well, why should I be concerned?“ The consequences of changing the natural atmospheric greenhouse are difficult to predict, but certain effects seem likely. Some regions may welcome warmer temperatures, but others may not. Warmer conditions will probably lead to more evaporation and precipitation overall, but individual regions will vary.
People are contributing to this issue by littering, polluting, and using too much energy. We can help. We aren’t helpless like turtles on their backs. We can help reduce/solve this problem. Since one of the problems involves energy, you can replace incandescent light bulbs (CFLs), which not only use less energy but can reduce your lighting costs by up to 75 percent. When shopping for large appliances and electronics, look for the Energystar label to help you choose the most efficient model.
Global warming is a big problem. Too many things can happen if we don’t solve or reduce this problem. If you thought the world was bad now, just wait. Take action and help reduce global warming.
Kailee Croy, Mattawan
One way I think of deforestation is with a favorite movie of mine, Dr. Seuss’ "The Lorax." “I speak for the trees, for the trees have no tongues.” Deforestation is a terrible problem going on everywhere. It needs to be stopped because, animals are losing their homes, the air we need gets polluted, and we need the oxygen that is getting cut off because of it.
Innocent animals are losing their homes, due to our agriculture. The people of the world are cutting down giant sections of trees, and while they are at it, they are destroying the homes of these animals, from the smallest shrew hole, to a big den for a family of deer. The air that humans, plants and animals need is for one being polluted by businesses and factories.
Humans are contributing to this problem. Even starting a house fire, that can catch on and burn down hundreds of trees. We are also contributing by having the need for wanting money, lots of money. So to solve the issue we go and buy a lot, cut down some trees, and make money. A good way us humans can help the issue is by peacefully protesting, Or we can make a “club” and go and plant trees.
Deforestation is the clearing of earths forest on a massive scale, often resulting in damage to the quality of the land. Research indicates that in 100 years, an area of forest as large as Panama could be lost. So please think about all of those horrid things that could happen to this world if deforestation doesn’t stop.
Kelby Mabin, Mattawan
Do you get clean water where you live? Even if you do that might not be the same case for others in Michigan. Water pollution is the worst problem in Michigan because it threatens public health. It’s the worlds biggest health risk, and when it rains a run off (water that is still on land after it rains and is heads into the nearest body of water) can pick up toxic chemicals and disease-carrying organisms.
People should be concerned because it can cause diseases. It also threatens the quality of life.
Water pollution is the contamination of water. An example of water pollution is an oil spill. Water pollution also occurs when litter is thrown into lakes or even down drains. Groups such as the Natural Resources Defense Council are fighting this with a clean water act which provides clean water for 117 million Americans.
There are many ways you can prevent water pollution but I will only tell you a couple. It is so simple as to turning off the tap when you aren't using water at that moment. Another way is to avoid throwing paints or oils down the drain. Planting more plants that could also help.
Again there is many ways to help the people that don’t get clean water. Water pollution is the worst problem in Michigan because it threatens public health, it’s the worlds biggest health risk.
Kincaid Devenport, Mattawan
Deforestation it is a huge problem. It is not only a problem in Michigan but around the world. People are killing trees and not even caring about our world's future. I am hoping to help stop deforestation before it is too late.
Deforestation is the cutting down and removing of all or most of the trees in a forest. People In Michigan should be concerned about this problem because in the future there will be barely any trees left and trees are really important they produce most of our oxygen and they keep geed soil from blowing away in the wind.
To stop deforestation we could plant a tree once every day of every week and every month of every year. I hope we can stop this soon before it is too late.
Jacob Flint, Mattawan
Do you like going to the Great Lakes? Do you like to swim in them ? Most people do, but most people don’t know that it is hazardous because of pollution in the Great Lakes. The polluting is being caused by dumping from companies along the lakes, causing sickness and killing wildlife. This phenomenon must be stopped.
Everyday, people flock to the Great Lakes to go swimming, hang out at the beach, or be with family. But when these families go home and they realize that their child is sick, they blame it on the Great Lakes. The thing is, they might be right. Companies along the shores are dumping trash and waste into the same waters families go to everyday. This causes the lake to become more unsafe everyday and lead to the possibility of sickness.
If this non-sense doesn't stop, we may never be able to use it again. To stop it, we could start to burn trash, put less chemicals in the water, recycle, and start dumping. I hope you consider this.
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