In September, the United Nations Environment Programme declared that the global temperature was set to bypass the internationally agreed-upon global warming threshold of 1.5°C or 2.7˚F.”

This number is not arbitrary. Bypassing this goal puts humans at risk of more frequent and intense drought, heatwaves and rainfall, which puts pressure on global food systems and infrastructure. Countless lives could be – and have already been – lost.

When so much is at stake, addressing climate change shouldn’t be a political issue. But it is. In addition to making individual lifestyle modifications, students must advocate for pro-environment legislation to enact meaningful change.

Ariana Zakaria, a second-year neuroscience student, said she recycles and uses compostable or reusable utensils, a reusable water bottle and public transportation. She also drives an electric vehicle. Still, she feels like her personal contributions aren’t enough.

Zakaria is right. A 2017 report found that from 1988 to 2017, 100 companies were responsible for more than 70% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions.

While this is true, Bruins’ small-scale, sustainable choices, paired with legislative advocacy, still can contribute to significant change.

The time to act is now. Americans voted President Donald Trump into office for a second term in 2024, despite his decidedly anti-climate stance. It is clear that, to many Americans, addressing climate change is still not a political priority. Whether a voter prioritized climate change issues at the ballot box or not, they can’t opt out of the consequences.

“It’s almost this kind of great equalizer,” said Orion Mena, a fourth-year art student and member of climate and migrant justice organization Rising Tides. “Everyone’s gonna feel climate change, whether they have the money to attempt to escape it or not.”

Mena added that they think students should turn their anger into action by participating in local strikes or organizations.

Shenandoah Waugh, a UCLA campus organizer for the California Public Research Interest Group, said the organization remains optimistic about the future.

Waugh added that CALPIRG is currently organizing campaigns for multiple initiatives, including a plastic-free Olympics and the protection of public lands.

Opportunities to get involved are plentiful, especially at UCLA. Unfortunately, ignoring global warming won’t make the problem vanish.

March, boycott, research and vote.

Students should advocate now before they regret it later.