As we rang in the New Year over winter break, we also said goodbye to the hottest recorded year on earth. That’s right, according to NASA, since heat records were first kept in 1880, the ten hottest years all occurred after 1997, with 2014 breaking the record for the warmest year in history. Amazingly enough, The Associated Press ran a poll shortly after these records were released ranking Americans’ confidence in the concept of global warming. The results showed that about 4 in 10 Americans doubt or completely disbelieve in the reality of climate change, something that is somewhat unbelievable itself.

Suspicions have surrounded the idea of global warming for quite some time now, on both a pedestrian and a political level. More often than not, the argument is fueled by misinformation and misconceptions surrounding the concept of climate change. While politicians dispute whether or not the issue is significant enough for our attention (essentially stating “not my problem”), uninformed citizens hear the words “global warming” and wonder why there is snow on the ground. If you happen to be someone that experienced the bitter cold this winter break and scoffed at the idea of climate change, perhaps you should consider that DuPage County is not the extent of our planet, and that a global average of escalating temperatures outweighs any chilly breeze you may experience.

More recently however, the debate seems to be more centered on the idea that maybe the planet is getting hotter, but it isn’t necessarily by fault of humans. Because of this, one can’t help but wonder why anyone would choose to worry over who caused global warming instead of how to stop it. Does it really matter more where to place the blame than the fact that the earth is in danger? It seems less like an argument of valid reasoning and more like a petty attempt to keep the word “debate” surrounding the topic.

Also, for clarification: there is some ground to stand on for those that say carbon dioxide, the greenhouse gas most responsible for causing global warming, exists in the atmosphere without the help of humans. However, because of manmade emissions, the concentration of CO2 reached 400 parts per million, the highest amount observed in recorded history, according to the NOAA.

Despite the large-scale argument surrounding the topic, here at COD, the debate does seem less heated. Classes in climate and global change are offered to introduce students to climatology and issues we face today such as extreme weather, rising sea levels, extinction of species and destruction of agriculture due to the collapse of ecosystems.

In addition, we at The Courier find claims against the existence of global warming to be, for lack of a better word, laughable. It is absurd enough that the issue is even considered a debate after years of evidence proving that, yes, global warming is real, and yes, it is manmade. As journalists, we believe firmly in fact. As Americans, we have a right to the truth and a right to an opinion, but opinions hold nothing against overwhelming proof.

Therefore, the fact is, point blank, that climate change is real. Climate change is happening. Climate change will drastically impact the future of our planet, and as the soon-to-be workers, activists, and leaders of our country, it is up to us to accept this fact and do something about it. It’s time to stop denying the condition of our planet and, instead, start defending it.