We asked VPIRG Interns to tell us how global warming has affected them and explain why they think we must act now to address this problem.These are testimonials from the generation who will be left to deal with the some of the still-unseen consequences of climate change if we fail to do something.
Do you have a global warming story to tell? Email us!
“I had a wake-up call about climate change three winters ago. Growing up in Vermont, I count on winters. I count on the lake freezing. I count our backyard ice rink. And I count on snow in the mountains so I can ski. Three years ago, I woke up in December and it was raining. It rained from January to April. I’m not sure the temperature dropped below 40 degrees. I got up to the top of Stowe Mountain and all I saw was dirt and streams. Global warming is a result of our excessive carbon emissions that need to be curbed immediately.” – Pascale Gulick
“Climate change is real, and it is here. As a born and raised Vermonter I have grown up enjoying the fluffy white winters and the tasty maple syrup that I’m sure many of you are familiar with. Sadly if climate change continues those lovely memories will come to an abrupt halt. The winters will become shorter, and the maple syrup production will be severely limited. That is exactly why it’s my time, and our time, to act” – Norah Senftleber
“Growing up in Bennington, Vermont I spent much of my time fishing the Battenkill River. The Batternkill is widely known for having some of the best fishing spots in the state. After Hurricane Irene hit, the river had to be completely rebuilt – at the cost of taxpayers. The river will never be the same, I would hate to see something happen again like this.” – Sean Bird
“When I moved to Vermont from Indiana, I didn’t expect that I would fall in love with the Vermont natural way of life like I have. Now, global warming is threatening Vermont’s greatest asset, its natural beauty, with ski mountains and wildlife projected to be some of the hardest hit. I can’t stand by and let this happen, and so I’ve committed to helping stop global warming and preserving the Vermont I know and love.” – Jackson Whiteker