America, take action

National Geographic says that America creates 250 million tons of trash annually. The Union of Concerned Scientists stated our country in 2016 emitted 4,833.1 megatons of carbon dioxide. As of May 4th, 2020, Johns Hopkins University reported 63,300 American lives lost due to COVID-19. How is it that America is the most powerful country in the world, but we haven’t taken preventative measures concerning the environment or disease?

America was built on seeking a better life moving forward. We need to take actions that will prevent us from setbacks. I’m proud to be an American but just like any country, we can improve.

We can be more proactive than reactive as a country. For example, reuse, reduce and recycle products. We can drive less. Staying home can eliminate a possible second wave of COVID-19 causing more fatalities. We can take these actions now for a sustainable future. John F. Kennedy once said, “There are risks and costs to action. But they are far less than the long-range risks of comfortable inaction.” Human lives are worth more than temporary comfort.

America is a strong country. It has been proven by this pandemic and many historical events that when Americans come together, we can accomplish extraordinary things. Imagine what we could accomplish if we put this same energy toward finding solutions to our current problems. The fate of our country lies in the actions we take now. We did it before, we can do it again.

Misa McKenna

Mead