The game is afoot: Challenging what’s on our hands

GLOBAL

Rachel Lei of Heritage High School
31 March 2024

the MARCH newsletter

The interconnections of red thread mark separated pieces of evidence, each one cascading on the last. This evidence and how professionals perceive it rely on established understandings of the world. 

One of these seemingly well-understood ideas is the nature of human fingerprints, each person having their own special set of curves on their hands. However, the trail of the thin, red thread has led students at Columbia University to discover that fingerprints might not be as unique as people previously thought.

Recently, advancements in fingerprinting emerged in automation and digital identification, where devices such as smartphones use sensors as a substitute for the traditional passcode. 

According to a report published by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), fingerprint identification systems are “based primarily on the minutiae, or the location and direction of the ridge endings and bifurcations.” 

In other words, fingerprint technology commonly studies and identifies the key patterns in skin, where presumably unique ridge patterns occur. In the criminal justice field, these technologies are essential for matching up individuals in crime cases, as well as protecting important information behind digital systems. 

Thus, innovations in the field were historically focused on the identification of fingerprints and unique patterns, not on developing technology to find similarities. But following this trail of crumbs, Columbia Engineering student Gabe Guo developed a series of experiments to challenge seemingly established facts by utilizing emerging artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. 

Through AI, a small percentage of fingerprints in a given dataset bore similar features to one another. Here, AI would occasionally conclude that fingerprints from different people were supposed to be fingerprints from the same person’s hands. 

According to Holly Evarts from Columbia University who reported on the study, this was because the AI wasn’t analyzing fingers’ minutiae, but instead was looking at “the angles and curvatures of the swirls and loops in the center of the fingerprint.” 

In forensic science, this technique would allow for greater accuracy in identifying suspects and comparing fingerprint evidence on-field. At the same time, however, the study acknowledges that the experiments’ results do provide several limitations. 

The first limitation relates to the implications of “intra-person fingerprint similarity.” Because fingerprints could potentially be identified to more than one person, more caution will be needed if AI were to be used in the field. Researchers in the study advise of the development of alternative architectures to mitigate these results. 

Another limitation explored in the paper is the relative ineffectiveness of the technology itself. It states that the AI system used is still “markedly below that of state-of-the-art systems designed for same-finger matching,” so the discoveries may not even apply to the field until the future. Because of its lower-level performance compared to current systems, the AI system used in the study would thus be inappropriate to use for authenticating evidence in court situations. 

Despite these constraints, these findings remain significant in the fact that its increased accuracy in identifying fingerprint patterns would someday help “narrow down the candidate list” created by existing fingerprint identification systems. Not only would this be critical in the criminal justice field, but it would also advance password systems that rely on fingerprint data. 

Due to technological nuances, this red thread may already have led to a dead end. But by continuing to roll out the thread, scientists could potentially pin it to a new piece of evidence on the corkboard.

TCTA is cultivating our youth

LOCAL

Nancye Wedajo of Heritage High School
31 March 2024

the MARCH newsletter

Youth resources such as tutoring and support in the Brentwood community are expanding with a group of students paving the way. The Community Tree Association aims to provide encouragement for youth struggling with their mental health, assistance with those struggling academically, and aid to the less fortunate through donation drives. 

Founded last year by Rojan Mikael Habon, a sophomore at Heritage High School, The Community Tree Association (TCTA), made up of 7 officers and 10 general members, is a student-led organization aimed at helping students excel academically and be more involved with the community. 

TCTA has built a rapport with the community as they’ve hosted numerous events for Brentwood’s youth to participate in. According to Caroline Jin, TCTA’s publicist, “TCTA has done donation drives (typically stationed in front of CVS) to collect gently used clothing to donate to homeless shelters in Brentwood and San Francisco.”

The group has managed to create a long-lasting impact as they’ve created avenues and ways for youth to stay connected. As stated by Jin, these arranged drives and study sessions have, “provided teens in Brentwood with a way to contribute and make a positive difference in their community.”

The group also brings awareness to pressing matters as they tackle issues like homelessness head-on through their clothing drives where they’ve been able to collect over 600 items at a time. 

“The Community Tree Association’s goal is to also be able to help the less fortunate,” Habon said, “so we will be hosting weekly donation drives to obtain donations for homeless shelters in the San Francisco Bay Area.”

Through these volunteer opportunities they’ve made available, TCTA aims to help Brentwood youth develop social skills.

“We also want to help those in our nonprofit build different skills in helping others, servant leading, and building bonds within our little group,” said Jin. 

Simultaneously, this organization is paving the way for more expansion as it hopes to make its resources even more widely attainable. Fiore Bin, TCTA’s Head of Outreach, said they hope to “expand TCTA to developing countries that need help.” 

Only a year into action, members and officers of this nonprofit organization have discovered how to build fruitful interactions with one another, learning and teaching along the way. 

These students are cultivating an open and resource-rich environment for Brentwood’s youth and there is more to come. To stay in the loop, follow their Instagram @brentwood_tcta for future events.

As said by TCTA founder Habon, “Everyone should join to not only gain community service hours, but to get involved, be connected to our community, and gain an amazing experience.”

Youth political advocacy is necessary now

POLITICS

Alison Chiu of Heritage High School
31 March 2024

the MARCH newsletter

It is undeniable that the American political space has intensified in the past few years, and it can now only be characterized as intensely polarized. New data reveals that “ideological thinking is now much more closely aligned with partisanship than in the past,” according to the Pew Research Center.

Such partisanship has often resulted in so-called “safe districts” where one political party is essentially guaranteed a political seat, a phenomenon that UVA Today reports can discourage voting.

Combined with rising global tensions and tense international relations amongst many countries, it becomes apparent that Americans, particularly youth who are just beginning to get involved with democracy, face an unfriendly political climate. Although the rise of social media and the Internet has allowed youth to engage with politics like never before, this polarization is only detrimental to both youth political participation and our democracy.

Such exigence reveals the necessity for youth to be politically active – as soon as they can. In particular to voting, political scientist Mark Franklin reveals that “18-year-olds [who] missed their first year as eligible voters, they were less likely to vote again—not even when they reached 21.” The same applies to political advocacy in general – the quicker youth become involved, the more lasting the “habit” (political advocacy) later down the line.

Of course, voting is just one of many civic duties an American citizen has. For democracy to function like a democracy, public participation – especially from groups that represent our country as a whole – is key to unlocking what is so unique about democracy: the government is always based on the “consent” of the people.

However, it is an unfortunately common misconception that a singular vote does not matter in the grand scheme of millions of other voters – even the president is technically elected by the Electoral College, not by popular vote. 

However, a vote is not only just one vote, it is symbolic of an individual’s opinion, even in the sea of millions of others. Such efforts are such as ants in an ant colony – a small ant seemingly has little impact, until it does. It is a fundamental understanding that there is strength in numbers, and there is certainly strength in opinions in American democracy.

Even so, political advocacy for youth does not just have to end at voting – there are multiple ways for youth to advocate for their political opinions: lobbying, public commenting, volunteering, and even talking to people all count.

I have personally had the pleasure to deeply explore a variety of methods for youth civic engagement that have developed my love for political advocacy but also just advocacy in general.

For instance, I have been able to public comment at city council meetings many times to advocate for local issues and changes, which has allowed me to not only get much more hands-on experience with the issues but also discover how municipal government works.

Additionally, I have been able to work with legislative offices to advocate for bills. Surprisingly, it is remarkably easy to get in touch with both your local political representatives and even the representatives who are sponsoring legislation that will eventually affect you. 

Though granted, much of my political advocacy has been facilitated by youth organizations such as Sustainable Leaders in Action and Generation UP. Sometimes, all it takes is a little bit of research and a strong motivation and predisposition for civic engagement.

Ultimately, through my involvement with each of these activities, I have come to realize how impactful it can be to be a political advocate as a student and youth. As much as it might seem that our government is this unattainable, immutable force, Americans live in a free democratic society. By design and nature, our country has been structured to sway to the tides and waves of people’s opinions.

However, our country can only successfully follow this variability by listening to our youth – who are the future generations to inherit present-day society. The only way to listen to such voices is to encourage and understand how important it is for our youth to become politically active in our country first.

The power of love celebrates relationships in a variety of ways

GLOBAL

Kyra Trifiletti of Heritage High School
February 2023

the FEBRUARY newsletter

Valentine’s Day is a time when love flourishes and countless hearts flutter with anticipation for the big day. Coming from the legend of Saint Valentine, a tale about a Roman priest who defied Emperor Claudius II’s rule and acted as a martyr for love by secretly solemnizing marriages between military men and their lovers. Today, Valentine’s Day symbolizes the essence of love, but it goes deeper than that through its direct effects on human health and bonds. 

Dr. Helen Fisher, an anthropologist renowned for her research on the biology of love and attraction, has studied the profound impacts love can have on the brain extensively. 

“Love activates the reward systems in the brain, akin to the effects of a drug,” Fisher said, explaining how love can have euphoric effects on the brain, making those who are in love feel increasingly happy throughout their relationship.

Supporting Dr. Fisher and Dr. John Gottman, who has done famous work on marital stability and relationships, emphasizes the importance of communication and mutual respect in helping relationships endure hardship. 

“Key elements such as understanding and respect are pivotal for the success of relationships,” Gottman remarked, moving beyond the scientific basis of the benefits of love. 

Valentine’s Day is celebrated globally and cultural adaptations showcase the diverse expressions of love worldwide, from the “Sisters’ Meal” festival in South West China to Denmark’s tradition of exchanging handmade cards, each variation is a sentiment in the universal language of love. 

Though love isn’t simply romantic, Romania’s fusion of Valentine’s Day with spring celebrations and Estonia’s inclusive “Friendship Day” exemplifies how love is much more than romantic connections, love exists in friendships, communities and more. 

The benefits of love extend beyond simple emotional fulfillment, it also contributes to improved physical health and social well-being. Studies have linked stable relationships with higher happiness levels, reduced stress and decreased depressive events. Overall, love can foster a sense of belonging, enhance one’s self-worth, and counter any negative self-perceptions of oneself.

“Being in love or being in a stable relationship contributes significantly to mental and physical health,” explained Dr. Sarah Hughes, a clinical psychologist specializing in relationship therapy, adding“From lowering blood pressure to strengthening immune function, love’s impact is comprehensive.”

In society, love’s expression and celebration have only been augmented by social media, offering new ways to maintain relationships and challenge tradition. Throughout time, it has been clear that the essence of love – its ability to connect, heal, and change lives – has only been strengthened as we advance in technology, giving us further ways for relationships to spark and endure. 

Matthew Tays a senior at Heritage High School, shared his perspective on Valentine’s Day. Initially, Tays brushed off the holiday, but after entering a relationship, he is much more eager to celebrate the day. While Valentine’s Day is an exciting holiday, Tays expresses his desire for a more inclusive celebration of love, including various types of love beyond romantic love.

“I used to never celebrate Valentine’s Day, I kind’ve just saw it as another day until I started dating my girlfriend, now I celebrate and look forward to the holiday every year,” Tays said, while adding “I do think there should be another national holiday to celebrate types of platonic love though, I think America’s celebration of Valentine’s Day is very focused on romantic love, but I think days dedicated to your family overall or community would be nice.” 

Valentine’s Day serves as a reminder of love’s enduring and healing powers, not just between romantic partners but also as the fundamental connection between humans. For those seeking to delve deeper into the science of love and its cultural variations, the works of Dr. Fisher and Dr. Gottman, combined with personal reflections from local individuals, offer insights into the complexities of love, and its role in our lives.

新年快乐 – To a New Year!

GLOBAL

Rachel Lei of Heritage High School
February 2023

the FEBRUARY newsletter

A scaled, serpentine body embellished with deer’ horns and demon eyes portrays a creature of myth and cultural significance: the Chinese dragon. The year 2024 marks the dragon’s rotation on the Chinese calendar, where the deity is symbolic of revival and infinite potential. For a year of new opportunities and memories, let’s welcome the start of the Chinese New Year or the new Spring Festival! 

Following the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar, February 10 signifies the beginning of the year. 

The Chinese Language Institute explains that, unlike the commonly used Gregorian calendar, the traditional Chinese calendar follows both the moon’s “29.53-day synodic orbit” and the Earth’s orbit around the sun, where an additional month is added every three years. Because of this, the Lunar New Year is thrown off by a few weeks when compared to the Gregorian cycle. 

Following traditional beliefs, several weeks of celebrations commence after new years. According to Fefe Ho of the Chinese New Year site, many of these ceremonies are held to pray to ancestors and gods, and the festivals have become integrated into several Asian religions over time. As explained by the Chinese Welfare Association, traditions are practiced to recognize the “passing of the Nian,” which was a mythical beast defeated to welcome the new year and now shares a name with the word “year” in Mandarin Chinese. 

Celebratory customs include setting off firecrackers; hanging red paper and calligraphy works; and eating foods such as nian gao (New Year Sweet Rice Cake, 红糖年糕) and char siu (Chinese BBQ Pork, 叉烧). Another tradition, passing red envelopes with money, remains one of the most exciting traditions for children. 

Lastly, Heritage High’s Chinese Culture Club member, Fiore Bin, notes that her celebrations always include family gatherings and the lucky color red in clothing and decorations. However, these aren’t the only ways to celebrate new years – students interviewed sometimes celebrate with praying, feasts, and even playing popular games like Mahjong. 

A variety of sayings and phrases complements these practices. To encourage cultural appreciation, the below lists several sayings anyone can celebrate the new year with! 

1. Happy New Years – 新年快乐
   1. Mandarin: xīn nián kuài lè
   2. Cantonese: sun nin fai lok
2. To good health – 身体健康
   1. Mandarin: shēn tǐ jiàn kāng
   2. Cantonese: sun tai gin hong 
3. Wishing you good fortune – 恭喜发财
   1. Mandarin: gōngxǐ fācái
   2. Cantonese: gong hei fat choy

Other ways to celebrate Chinese New Year include participating in school culture club activities; attending the festival at Downtown Brentwood on February 24; or even just cooking traditional foods with loved ones. 

As expressed by Sherrie Ou, a current local resident who was raised in China, no matter how one celebrates Chinese festivities, “Chinese New Year remains a bridge between tradition and those foreign to Chinese culture” for anyone waiting for the new year’s roar.

Author and Journalist Juan Gonzalez speaks at LMC

SCHOOL

Sarah Capperauld & Lauren Gannod of Los Medanos College
February 2023

the lmc experience

the FEBRUARY newsletter

Esteemed author and journalist, Juan González was welcomed by Los Medanos College for his talk that addressed his studies of labor, immigration and social justice. His work covered the geography and history of immigration and noted themes from his book, “Harvest of Empire: A History of Latinos in America.” 

González’s eye for writing was initially discovered by his high school English teacher who pushed him to join the student newspaper. 

“She insisted that I work on the paper and pushed me and made me the chief of the paper my senior year,” González said. “She was the one teacher who inspired me.” 

He works as co-host of the “Democracy Now!” newscast and from his past work, he was recognized by the National Associate of Hispanic Journalists Hall of Fame. From his experience, he notes the importance of the truth in storytelling.

“Most journalists don’t consciously distort the story, they see it from a 1-D picture,” González said. “That’s why it’s the journalist’s job to dig deeper and make sure that they realize they are conscious of the flawed prism, seeing everything through a wider lens.”

“These walls we hate them, these walls we make them” were the lyrics that filled the room. The song “Tear Down the Walls” sets the tone for González’s talk as he uncovers the prejudice against migrants. He notes how America’s founding geography created a border of segregation, claiming “we didn’t cross the border, the border crossed us.” 

Following the talk, Puente Student Ambassadors Joe Alda and Guadalupe Gomez asked questions regarding the topics addressed. With over 200 colleges using “Harvest of Empire: A History of Latinos in America” in their curriculum, it impacted many Latin youth, including the featured students from Puente. Curiosity sparked many students to ask questions and understand their story of coming to America. 

This event was part of the Equity Speaker Series on campus and was held in the Student Union Conference Center, with refreshments and snacks available. It was sponsored by Puente, the Office of Equity and Inclusion, the Department of Journalism, and the Department of Ethnic and Social Studies. 

At the end of his talk, González reinforced the importance of breaking past barriers and learning from America’s history. 

“In order for history not to repeat itself, people must learn history first so in the future, people don’t end up building walls instead they should take them down,” González concluded.

The potential local impact of SB 541

POLITICS

Alison Chiu of Heritage High School
February 2024

the FEBRUARY newsletter

In 2023, SB 541, also known as Free Condoms for High School Students, was introduced by Senator Menjivar and co-sponsored by Senators Rubio and Wiener. The main part of the bill would make condoms free for all students from grades 9 to 12 in California. Other smaller parts of the bill included: requiring condoms to be made available as a part of educational programs for grades 7 to 12 and making it illegal for condom retailers to refuse to sell to youth.

SB 541 made it through the entire legislative process and landed on California Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk for approval, veto, or approval without signature. Although Governor Newson mentioned that increased access to condoms would be a positive program, he ended up vetoing the bill, killing it from his desk. 

The reason he vetoed it was because it would result in “$19 billion in costs to the state budget” according to KRCA13. Furthermore, he stated that the bill was an “unfunded mandate to public schools that should be considered in the annual budget process.”

Unfortunately, because Governor Newson vetoed the bill, it meant that for it to be reintroduced in this year’s legislative cycle, it needs to go through the entire process again.

SB 541 has been a highly contentious bill mainly due to its unabashed nature that would promote sexual education, awareness, and discussion amongst teenagers across the state. It would likely have a major impact on Brentwood schools, which would have to implement some major changes to comply with the bill if passed this year.

When talking about the impact of this possible bill, students who are quoted chose to remain anonymous. 

Interestingly, one student at Heritage mentioned they would support the bill on the local level because “Sexual health is oftentimes stigmatized amongst society, meaning resources are not widely available to prevent pregnancies and STDs.”

In light of the 2022 overturn of Roe v. Wade has led this student to believe it is “increasingly important to provide any assistance to prevent the possibility of unwanted pregnancies,” which they feel SB 541 significantly helps with.

Specifically, the student mentions that sexual education in Brentwood is “all about abstinence” and there needs to be “more implementation with contraceptives,” like how SB 541 would do.

Other local students have also mentioned that they know a few other teenagers in the community who have needed to get an abortion because they did not use a condom. The situations have “caused a huge rumor to go around” and, unfortunately, students report that “those few teens are [now] considered outcasts.”

Although the students state that some parts of Brentwood have better access to contraceptives than others do, “either way, it never hurts to have more on hand for emergencies.” Other reports have also corroborated the fact that condoms are about “medium” accessible in Brentwood.

Seemingly, some students in Brentwood are in support of SB 541 because of the way it would promote more open conversations about sexual health and birth control among youth; they even feel like they may benefit from having wider access to condoms as well.

One aspect of the bill is that youth advocacy and efforts have been numerous and at the forefront of the bill. Many students, youth groups, and other stakeholders have worked on promoting the bill. The bill itself last year had five co-sponsorships from various organizations such as Black Women for Wellness Action Project, Citizens for Choice, Essential Access Health, Generation Up, and Urge, along with many other support groups.

With the legislative cycle starting back up this month and the deadline to introduce new bills having passed, SB 541 will get another chance as it is reintroduced. This year, if the bill passes, it could lead to major changes from Sacramento to even here in Brentwood.

Assembly Bill 1291 becomes law in 2024

POLITICS

Briana Rose of Los Medanos College
30 January 2024

the JANUARY newsletter

A succession of bills were signed into law last year and went into effect starting the first of January. Among the 890 bills Governor Gavin Newsom signed, he approved Assembly Bill 1291 which aims to streamline the college transfer process to a University of California, UC, for community college students in the state.

Written by Assemblyman Kevin McCarty, the bill requires the University of California, Los Angeles, UCLA, to create a pilot program by the 2026-27 school year. In addition, UCLA is required to declare at least 12 transferable majors to be part of their pilot program and select five additional UC campuses to participate in the program by the 2028-29 school year. 

A student who attains an Associate Degree for Transfer in one of the selected majors, and meets transfer requirements, receives priority admission. However, if a student receives an associate degree and meets transfer requirements, but is not granted admission to their university of choice, they will be offered admission to at least one other campus in the UC system. 

Los Medanos community college student and member of the Transfer Academy program offered to students on campus, Yajaira Gonzalez appreciates the state’s efforts to increase access to higher education through a UC for California community college students. 

“I think a lot of people who can’t afford going straight to a 4-year often get discouraged and don’t even want to try community college because they hear about how the transfer process is complicated… and opt to go straight to work,” said Gonzalez. 

Negin Khalifi, a Transfer Academy student, also shared her perspective as a California community college student and student ambassador working in the Transfer and Career Services at Los Medanos College. 

“I think it’ll be really helpful in the sense that it will bring students hope because this year the University of California had to extend their deadlines because not a lot of people were signing up for UCs,” said Khalafi. “I think a lot of it is just tuition in general, but also the intimidation of a UC since they’re talked up a lot. I think the bill will be able to help students feel more confident in UCs, and feel like they’ll have a chance to get in, and they’ll want to do the application,” said Khalafi. 

Newsom signed the bill into law despite opposition from the government relations director of the UC student association, David Ramirez and Chanelle Win, who leads legislative efforts for the Student Senate for California Community Colleges. They oppose the bill due to McCarty not involving them in the writing process. Therefore, the bill does not accomplish the goal of creating one guaranteed admissions pathway for UC and CSU systems and giving students a guaranteed spot at a campus of their choice. 

Though the bill received opposition, The University of California acknowledged Newsom’s decision to proceed with the signing of the bill, which took place on October 10, 2023, setting into motion the bill’s benchmarks and goals to have all nine undergraduate UCs take part in the program by 2031-32.

Contextualizing the 2024 presidential candidate disqualifications

POLITICS

Rachel Lei of Heritage High School
30 January 2024

the JANUARY newsletter

According to the U.S. Constitution Amendment XIV, “No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice-President, or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any State, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any State legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof.”

This is important to keep in mind as Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment forbids the election of government officials who have previously taken an oath to the Constitution and was originally enacted in the context of the Civil War. According to Samuel Issacharoff, a law professor at New York University, the section follows that “corps of the Confederacy were drawn from governing officials who predated secession and then emerged as drivers of the rebellion.” The section’s importance is drawn from historical contexts, so it remains rarely unused in modern times. As such, the last known case addressing the provision was in 1919 when Congress refused to seat Victor Berger, a socialist convicted under the Espionage Act. 

Yet, this section has been brought up for debate in the context of the 2024 Presidential Election. According to Amy Howe, a reporter for the SCOTUSblog, Colorado and Maine disqualified former President Donald Trump from the Republican primary ballot “because of his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, attacks on the U.S. Capitol”. The group of registered Republicans and unaffiliated voters that filed the lawsuit to barr the former president in Colorado argued that Trump engaged in insurrection and thus should be tried under the Fourteenth Amendment. They emphasized Trump’s statements urging supporters to protest at the Capitol. Nonetheless, whether the former president’s statements apply to the amendment remains up to interpretation. 

However, as explained by lawyer Laura Temme, legal scholars remain divided on whether the clause could apply to the former president. The section has never been used on a president; some argue that “an officer of the United States” may not address the presidency, while others say that the issue is “better left to voters.” Since these decisions, the Supreme Court has planned to rule on the issue soon, with oral arguments scheduled for Feb. 8.

January 2024 climate report reveals alarming global trends

GLOBAL

Kyra Trifiletti of Heritage High School
30 January 2024

the January newsletter

Since 1938, the world has been grappling with the impending and mostly unknown ramifications of climate change; however, with the January 2024 climate report, more awareness has been brought to the current state of the world. The report, compiled by experts and scientists from around the world, serves as blatant proof of global warming and ultimately emphasizes the urgent need for climate measures.

One of the most daunting findings of the report is the record-breaking global temperatures discovered in January 2024. According to the World Meteorological Organization, WMO, the average global temperature in January 2024 was 1.2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, which is consistent with the ongoing trend of rising temperatures, a clear benchmark of global warming.

However, the repercussions of climate change are not simply numbers; they’re being observed at a community level. Heritage High School senior Sophia Eilersen shares her concerns underlining the real-life need for climate policies. 

“There was the big oil drilling issue last year that Project Climate Change marched against. That project would have adverse effects on our community if it had gone through,” said Eilersen.  

The report also emphasizes the surge in extreme weather events observed across various regions. Heatwaves, storms, hurricanes, floods and wildfires have become more recurrent and severe.

In light of these findings, Eilersen believes the way climate change is presented in the media and society plays a pivotal role in public perceptions and actions. 

“I think the biggest issue in the climate space is the presentation of the problem in the media and society in general; I feel like most people don’t take the issue seriously because of how Hollywood portrays it,” explained Eilersen. Her insights shed light on the significance of narrative, and the necessity for a solution-focused approach, as opposed to pessimism. 

North America has encountered increased winter storms and wildfires, while Europe has faced abnormal temperature fluctuations. Similarly, the Asia-Pacific region has witnessed a larger frequency of cyclones and typhoons, severely affecting countries like the Philippines and Indonesia. Each of these extreme weather events, manifestations of climate change, has far-reaching repercussions, from infrastructure damage to threats to food security, affecting several countries.

In this context, ecosystems–the networks of living organisms, and their environments, are under immense stress. Coral reefs are becoming increasingly threatened by rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification, leading to coral bleaching, and the widespread deterioration of coral reefs, displacing many species.

Similarly, modifications to terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems have been observed due to escalating temperatures and shifts in species diversity. However, these modifications are not isolated, cascading several other environmental impacts. For example, biodiversity loss is also being accelerated, with habitat loss and the disruption of migration patterns, due to events such as forest fires and pollution, further exacerbating climate challenges. 

The socio-economic impacts have also become increasingly evident. Agriculture and food security are at risk as erratic weather patterns lead to crop failures and shifts in growing seasons. As well as health risks due to the increased spread of diseases influenced by changing climate patterns and heat-related illnesses. Water scarcity and access issues are also emerging challenges due to the changing precipitation patterns, leading to the displacement of some communities.

Governments, organizations and communities worldwide have initiated policy responses and actions to address the challenges posed by climate change. Some actions have challenged carbon reduction, with targets being set to achieve net-zero emissions by mid-century, while investments in renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, reforestation and afforestation efforts occur simultaneously, all combating deforestation and supporting biodiversity. 

Eilersen’s path to climate activism was a personal decision spurred by the immediacy and gravity of the issue.

“I just felt that I needed to do more to fix a problem that will affect me my entire life,” she said, 

The January 2024 climate report serves as a powerful conversation starter, highlighting the critical importance of addressing climate change as a global priority. While progress has been made within policy responses and actions, much more is needed. 

The challenges posed by rising temperatures, extreme weather events and ecosystem disruption require collective efforts from governments, industries, communities and individuals. Society as a whole needs to understand the urgency of mitigating and adapting to climate change for the well-being of current and future generations. 

For young advocates feeling overwhelmed by the scale of climate change, “finding a group of like-minded individuals is so important,” said Eilersen. “It’s really easy to get discouraged by an issue that is so large and incomprehensible so it’s helpful to find people to support you and your efforts.”