Each progressive summer, we often find ourselves battling increasingly unbearable heat, leading scientists worldwide to ponder, ‘Why does the earth keep getting hotter?’ It’s a question most of us have probably asked at least once in our lives.  I am asking the question more frequently, especially during the summer of 2024.  

For me, I’ve often found myself looking up at the sky, shouting this question to the heavens as I endure the excruciating sensation of feeling like I’m trapped in an oven, fully dressed in skiing gear with a cup of hot chocolate in hand. Doing chores during a blistering summer heatwave feels as though all the fires in the world are converging into a single flame licking at your skin. Yet, despite the discomfort, there’s still reason to appreciate the unique Southern California climate that attracts hordes of people to live here and making it a popular summer travel destination spot.

Southern California’s climate nurtures a unique blend of hearty crop and plant growth, supporting sustainable progress. After all, every pound of green we see year-round in this region is the result from a pound of carbon dioxide these plants pull from sky to build themselves. 

Furthermore, we should be thankful that our climate is far from humid. After all, dry heat is far more bearable than humid heat. When humidity and heat combine, it delivers a relentless barrage of discomfort, knocking you down completely and leaving you feeling as though you’re trudging through the inside of a steam cooker.

When it’s hot and humid, sweat starts to accumulate on your forehead and nose, creating an endless cycle with your hands—you wipe it away, only for it to return within seconds. The moisture clings to your skin, refusing to let go. In such conditions, the average person would much rather stay glued to an air conditioner than face the oppressive heat outside. And honestly, I agree. Unfortunately, people in other parts of the world, like Guangdong in China, where my family is from, endure this living nightmare year after year during the dreaded summer season. So, perhaps it’s time for us to truly appreciate that Californians are rarely subjected to such an experience.

Now, let’s pause and think about this heat. Was it really this hot five years ago? Let’s keep it simple—just five years, which isn’t a large span by any means. But when you look back at the weather and climate over the years, you can definitely spot a difference. That’s right. Our summers have been getting hotter, almost as if someone is slowly cranking up the heat on an imaginary stove the Earth sits on. But why is this happening? What can we do about it? Should we launch a manhunt for the person turning up the heat? Definitely not. This is what we know as climate change—two words that have become buzzwords in the media. But what exactly is climate change? Why is it happening? Why don’t I know more about it? What can I do? You might have these questions, and that’s why, here at ROOTeen, we’re here to help answer them.  We take control of our health and climate future.  Our mission is to make UN Sustainable Development Goal “Zero Hunger, Food Security, Climate Resilience and Agricultural Sustainability” ROUTINE!

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