Graphic by Kate Park ’27/The Choate News
By Gopika Sheth ’27 Opinions Writer
Imagine a world where the air is choked with pollution, the seas are littered with plastic, and the human race has vanished off the face of the Earth. We, unfortunately, don’t need to imagine this supposedly dystopian future — it is already in the making. Despite the urgency of ongoing environmental crises, many of us seem strangely unfazed. Why do we remain so indifferent to the impending catastrophe looming over our heads?
The root of our indifference towards environmental crises lies in our inability to see or feel the direct consequences of our actions. The impacts of climate change and pollution often seem distant and abstract. Most people cannot sense the direct impact of our actions on the environment, so it’s easy to ignore them. For example, when we drive gasoline cars or waste electric energy, we don’t see the greenhouse gasses released into the atmosphere or the ice caps melting.
Our perception of environmental issues is shaped by our immediate surroundings. If the effects of climate change and pollution were as visible and tangible as a natural disaster, we would be more inclined to take action. However, because these impacts often unfold gradually and not before our eyes, we struggle to grasp the urgency of the situation.
Take deforestation for example. It worsens climate change, erodes soil, and drives species to extinction. However, those living in urban areas are unlikely to see trees actively being cut down or forests being cleared. We don’t often witness the direct consequences of deforestation, so we might not feel compelled to advocate for forest conservation.
It’s not that we don’t care about the environment, but rather that we struggle to prioritize it among the many other concerns in our lives. We are bombarded with daily information and challenges, from work and family obligations to social media and entertainment. Amid this constant downpour, environmental issues can easily fade into the background.
It’s possible that alongside feeling detached from the effects of climate change, consumerist culture encourages us to prioritize short-term gratification over long-term sustainability. We are conditioned to seek immediate rewards and convenience, often at the expense of the environment. From fast fashion to disposable products, we often consume and discard items without considering the consequences.
But just because the problems are complex doesn’t mean they are irreversible. Every small action, be it reducing our plastic use or supporting renewable energy, contributes to the larger effort to protect the environment. Our apathy towards climate change stems from our inability to see or feel the direct impacts of our actions. However, this does not absolve us of responsibility and is not an excuse for our stagnancy.
Despite the challenges posed by our limited perception, it is imperative that we overcome our environmental ignorance and take action. The evidence of environmental degradation from climate change is overwhelming, from the melting polar ice caps to the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. We cannot afford to ignore the warnings any longer. We must recognize that our actions have far-reaching consequences, even if we cannot see the results immediately.
