Global Warming: How Can I Contribute? by Grace

Global Warming: How Can I Contribute? by Grace - February 2025 Scholarship Essay

Four years, one hundred and fifty nine days, sixteen hours, twenty three minutes, and eleven seconds left to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Despite large businesses knowingly contributing to the majority of carbon emissions, many continue to ignore its effects to increase profit margins. This not only has detrimental effects on the Earth’s atmosphere, but to the biodiversity and lives of people, plants, animals, and other organisms.

Through my AP Environmental Science class, I learned about the environmental aspects of society today, sparking curiosity into what can be done to improve our world. Businesses contribute to 77% of carbon emissions, making it the largest cause of global warming. This not only affects the atmospheric temperature, but causes more severe storms, increased drought, warming temperatures in northern cities, etc. impacting all living organisms. Researching about what we as people can do to reduce the deterioration of Earth, I became eager to make the difference through education and my career.

By pursuing a degree in economics, I hope to make an impact on the reduction of carbon emissions, specifically from large businesses. My end goal is to analyze business trends and markets to provide alternatives to increase profit while simultaneously reducing the use of fossil fuels. Although sustainable energy is often an initial costly expense, it can even reduce energy costs over time. Additionally, I will implement policies that protect the environment and promote climate conscious actions for businesses through tax cuts and funding. Many companies are currently working on switching to sustainable practices while profiting, showing that the change is both realistic and necessary. My passion for environmental change combined with my interests in economics and finance, I hope to be a part of the change to increase environmentally cautious practices.