By Yasmine Mahmoud
Editor’s note: Fleet Management Weekly is pleased to introduce Yasmine Mahmoud, a journalism student serving as an editorial intern. We’ve asked her to occasionally write perspective pieces on significant global fleet management issues. This week, Yasmine shares her experience and perspective on climate change and sustainability issues, offering opinions shared with many of her GenY peers.
Ever since I can remember, I’ve been taught to recycle in school. It’s been stressed to me so much that I feel guilty when I throw something into the black landfill bin. When thinking about conserving energy or resources, the first thing I think of is the environment, rather than saving money. Reducing one’s carbon footprint is even trendy, as there are many types of brand-emblazoned merchandise that boast eco-friendliness. I come from a generation that has grown up with the idea of being eco-friendly citizens. I find that my classmates and friends are often correcting each other about how to recycle and reduce the resources they use.
Climate change is a frightening concept, but my generation of 20-Somethings is well aware of the consequences. Whenever there is a slight weather change, or a day that is unseasonably warm, it is blamed on climate change and long talks about the state of global warming often follow. Hurricane Sandy is a recent example of a weather anomaly, and caught the nation’s attention because of its destruction.
There was talk of global warming during the aftermath plastered across various social media platforms, springing talks of climate change and its consequences. There were also many photos and videos of the aftermath that are overdramatic and fake, but are very possible in the future.
As most of my generation is still in school, we are encouraged to keep up with current events locally and globally. Internationally, there is much more awareness and government prevention of climate change than in the United States…. (Click here to read the rest of Yasmine’ commentary…)