Live Interview: Dorian Dishman – High School Senior at St Francis De Sales High School
1. What are your thoughts when you hear the claims that the earth is warming, the environment is being destroyed and that humans are the cause?
I think it is true to an extent and it’s a scary thought and it is becoming a very prevalent issue. We need to start taking steps to preserve the earth.
2. In your mind, what are the driving forces of climate change and environmental degradation?
Pollution is certainly one driving force. It is human pollution. We waste, litter, emit carbon with our cars. Thank goodness, there are more and more electric cars and things of that nature coming along.
3. Has your life been affected in any way? If so, how?
At this point, no, but I do think our lives will eventually be affected. After all the air we breathe is being polluted. A few years ago we had severe water problems and I guess everyone was really affected by that. We didn’t have clean water for weeks. Hundreds of thousands of people were suffering with water problems.
4. In your opinion, what needs to be done?
All humans have to be more mindful of what they are doing. We have to stop and think before we do damaging things to the world around us. We buy way too much stuff and then we waste a lot of it. We really don’t need all that stuff. We have to stop and ask ourselves, is this the best thing for our environment? Will doing ‘this’ positively or negatively affect us in the future?
Two years ago we started a recycling club at our school. We created a water bottle with our school logo on it. Now in every classroom and every office we typically have two garbage bags both trash and recycling. We are very big on recycling. We are trying to take steps as a school to save the environment.
Also, we have a father and son clean up day in Ottawa Park. So we are making a beginning.
5. Do you consider yourself part of the problem or part of the solution?
I’m both. I’m a part of the problem and I’m trying to figure out how to contribute to the solution. I believe that everyone is part of the problem. It’s impossible not to be but there are ways to lessen the repercussions. We all have to work to lessen the outcomes.
6. What do you think the long term outcome of climate change and environmental degradation will be?
I’m a very hopeful and optimistic person but our winter this year makes it obvious that there is some kind of climate change going on. Our environment is definitely not doing so well.
I believe our environment is beautiful, our city and State is beautiful place to live. I try to keep it that way. I think that is an important first step. Each person can make a difference. As I get older I’m sure I will do more and learn more about how to save the environment.