resources provide efficiency for electricity, heat, and transportation.

For Division II - 3rd Place

example, operating one's vehicle, without the convenience carbon Kaitlyn Greene
dioxide provides, will be difficult. Unfortunately, each automobile that is Hart Ransom Academic Charter Teacher Susan Janis
run is another step closer towards self-destruction, starting with the Seas of No Mercy
coral reefs. Climate change is known to negatively impact all natural
regions found on the planet. The planet is similar to human anatomy,
Almost five thousand miles away, houses are sinking, fertile soil is
where the diverse areas, the organs, operate and provide the resources
being destroyed, and the only source of drinking water becoming
needed to survive. Hence, when one organ fails, the human body will be
contaminated with ocean water. Climate change is progressing at a
in grave condition. Therefore, when the earth's systems such as forests,
concerning rate. As it gets worse, the stress on island communities such
coral reefs, and wetlands, begin to fail they will no longer provide the
as Kiribati increases. Most of the population lives near the capitol in
necessary conditions for life on earth to live. Regardless of the
Tarawa, which lies only three meters above sea level. It is only a matter
conveniences C02 , gives humans, its effects are, overall, negative.
of time before the islands are under the sea and the culture is lost. The
The planet is what provides us the resources to thrive and
people of Kiribati are needing peace; their culture and livelihood is on
prosper. When putting the environment in danger, humans are not only
the line.
robbing other animals lives that dwell on this planet, but their own.
Kiribati is a group of many islands. The capital city is Tarawa.
Though the planet consists of biomes that are at opposite extremes, they
With many islands, Kiribati has variations in its culture; some thoroughly
are all connected. Moreover, individuals must do the most to promote the
recognized cultural practices in this region are dancing. Dancing in
health of this sick planet, earth. Humans should follow the protocols to
Kiribati is an art. The dances resemble the island's Frigate birds walking
save the ecosystem they have destroyed, the rain forest of the sea, the
and flying. Frigate birds are the island's sea birds. These birds have a
coral reefs.
dark, almost black body with a vibrant red chest. The Frigate birds were
Works Cited
chosen because of their meaning in Kiribati's culture. These birds
Cho, Renee. "Losing Our Coral Reefs." State of the Planet, Columbia
symbolize peace and harmony, the birds gave people weather
Climate School Climate Earth, and Society, 13 June 2011,
information, as well as navigation for fishermen. The locals dance in
https://news.climate.columbia.edu/2011/06/13/losing-our-coral-reefs/.
costumes made of local materials. The culture relies on coconuts. With
waves washing out the coconut plantations, income is hard to obtain.
NOAA. "What Is Occan Acidification?" NOAA's National Ocean
Kiribati's lifestyle focuses on gathering food and tending to the land, not
Service, 1 Aug. 2012,
focusing on money, possessions, or work. The culture consists of
https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/acidification.html.
gratitude and optimism, even through challenging times. -
"Rising Tides, Temperatures and Costs to Reef Communities." Coral
"Sea-level rise is one of the central facts of our time, as real as
Reefs and Global Climate Change: The Coral Reef Alliance, gravity. It will reshape our world in ways most of us can only dimly
https://coral.org/files/pdf/breifs/climatechange.pdf. imagine." (Goodell) Climate change is threatening the existence of this
country as well as its culture. With the climatical changes, the sea levels
*Scientists Pinpoint How Ocean Acidification Weakens Coral Reefs." are rising, meaning that when there are higher, king tides, the water floods
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 29 Jan. 2018, houses and contaminates wells. Because of these destructive tides,
https://www.whoi.edu/press-room/news-release/scientists-identify-how- people are having to move to the inner land. This densely populated area
ocean-acidification-weakens-coral-skeletons/. is stretched thin on necessities. One example of this is South Tarawa. This
crowded area lacks a sewage system. With no functioning sewage
“Technologies." A Student's Guide to Global Climate Change, system, the majority of the population uses a still lagoon that has now
Environmental Protection Agency, 9 May 2017,
collected dangerously high bacteria levels causing disease and worms in
https://archive.epa.gov/climatechange/kids/solutions/technologies/index.h
tml.
the citizens. With problems like this, Kiribati does not have a lot of money
20 to spare on preventing climate change. An example
21
of not having enough money is the islands' water problem. The water is
being contaminated and sometimes it takes months for fresh rainwater;
due to the islands' lack of money, it is extremely difficult to get systems
for clean water. This is just one of many struggles that Kiribati is
experiencing due to climate change.
Kiribati needs ways to keep their water clean, block swells from
flooding houses, and plant new trees to replace those destroyed by the
floods. To help the warming climate, we should eat more produce which
lowers production gas emission, another way to protect the planet is to
travel less. Each plane flight, car ride, or other motorized transportation
emits carbon and greenhouse gases into the air causing the climate to
warm, resulting in glaciers to melting. Glacier melting is responsible for
twenty-one percent of water level increase. The warming climate is
causing water thermal expansion, which continues to raise the water even
more. Helping Kiribati protect their people is the best way to help the
islands, forecasted to be the first submerged. Any change is appreciated.
Even though the effect will not be immediate, nevertheless, the people
are desperate for any help. If nothing is done, they will lose their culture.
Knowing this the Kiribati people hold their traditions close to heart while
staying optimistic. With living on a sinking island of paradise, every
pastime including sailing, customary dance, as well as inherited lands are
held close to heart, as the people worry that these things will not last
forever. But what if they could be spared? To make an effort, try to
reduce, reuse, repair, and recycle.
To provide the people of Kiribiti with peace and the ability to keep
their culture and traditions, it is our duty as inhabitants of the world to
help others. Crashing waves of no mercy are destroying this people's
livelihoods. Kiribati's use of oil is the fourth smallest for any country in
the world as well as its production and use of electricity is the sixth
smallest in the world. With such a minor impact on the climate, they are
suffering the consequences. There is no time to wait; the islands are
forecasted to be uninhabitable by 2050. Kiribati is predicted to be the
first nation submerged, but others are endangered as well. Help is needed
and it is our chance to make a difference. It is time to slow pollution and
greenhouse gasses and lower our carbon footprint. Peace protects, and
protection is what Kiribati needs.
Citations
Blair, Austin, and Casey Beck. “Inundation.” Cultural Survival, Cultural
Survival Quarterly Magazine, 1 June 2008,
https://www.culturalsurvival.org/publications/cultural-survival-
quarterly/inundation,
22
numerous chemical reactions. The growth in hydrogen ions causes
seawater to become more acidic, inducing carbonated ions to become
less abundant, Carbonated ions are the bases for the construction of coral
skeletons, therefore shallow water corals will be unable to calcify.
According to research, led by scientists at Woods Hole Oceanographic
Institution, “Ocean acidification particularly impedes the thickening
process--decreasing the skeletons' density and leaving them (corals]
more vulnerable to breaking” (1). As hydrogen ions continue to increase
via C02, corals will continue to be fragile and die effortlessly. When the
corals are damaged, they will provide less support for the animals that
inhabit them, forcing them to leave. In addition to corals dying due to the
withdraw from carbonated ions, the rise in C02 is adversely impacting the
corals by creating a temperature imbalance. Along with the support of
fluctuations in warmer ocean temperatures, over the past 100 years,
seawater temperatures have increased by 0.1° C, creating a universal
effect of coral bleaching. Coral bleaching is the event of corals turning
white by expelling algae living in their tissues due to the water being too
warm. Researchers found that, "bleaching events have increased from
one every 25 to 30 years in the early 1980s to an average of one every six
years since 2010" (Cho 1). Corals that are victims to bleaching are left
vulnerable to support their
endless biodiverse marine life. Unable to receive the support of their
dead habitat, animals move on elsewhere. All these effects substantiate
that climate change is drastically affecting marine life.
Humans have been negatively impacting coral reefs for over two
hundred years by emitting fossil fuels into the atmosphere causing
climate change, nonetheless climate change is reversible or could be
stalled by adopting proper treatings and enhancing ecosystem services.
Scientists conclude that the reduction of greenhouse gases will stop the
progression of climate change and its effects. Hence, all countries need to
come together and participate in the UN Framework Convention on
Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change (IPCC). With participation in these organizations, countries have
the opportunity to work together and save their vital ecosystems; not to
mention, ecosystems, including forests and wetlands, consume carbon
dioxide, balancing what is emitted into the atmosphere. This strategy is
known as carbon sequestration. The government must enforce these
actions to prevent climate change from getting worse, thus saving the
coral reefs.
Carbon dioxide successfully operates various energy sources
supporting progression in the human population. Nonrenewable
19

Oppenheimer, M., B.C. Glavovic; J. Hinkel; R. van de Wal; A.K.
Magnan; A. Abd-Elgawad; R. Cai; M. Cifuentes-Jara; R.M. DeConto; T.
Ghosh; J. Hay,; F. Isla; B. Marzeion; B. Meyssignac; and Z. Sebesvari.
“2019: Sea Level Rise and Implications for Low-Lying Islands, Coasts
and Communities.” IPCC Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere
in a Changing Climate. 2019.
https://www.ipcc.ch srocc/chapter/chapter-4-sea-level-rise-and-
implications-for-low-lying-islands-coasts-and-communities/
“Sea Level Facts.” NASA Global Climate Change. 13 October, 2021.
https://climate.nasa.gov/vital-signs/sea-level/
“Sea Level Rise” Ocean Find Your Blue. April 2018.
https://ocean.si.edu/through-time ancient-seas/sea-level-rise
Butler, Katherine."14 Islands Threatened by Climate Change."
Treehugger, https://www.treehugger.com/island-nations-threatened-by-
climate-change-48692 75.
"Experiences: Culture and Island Explore." Kiribati For Travellers –
Kiribati National Tourism Office,
https://www.kiribatitourism.gov.ki/kiribati-experiences/culture-island-
explorel,
Gilman, Larry. "." Climate Change: In Context. Encyclopedia.com. 26
Oct. 2021.”Encyclopedia.com, Encyclopedia.com, 3 Nov. 2021,
https://www.encyclopedia.com/environment/energy-government-and-
defense-magazines/small-islands-climate-change-impacts#:-:text=Put
%20simply%2C%20small%20islands%20are.may%20decimate
%20ocean%2Dbased%20economies.

"Sea Level Rise, Climate Change and Health." Public Health Goodell, Jeff. “The Water Will Come Quotes by Jeff Goodell."
Institute/Center for Climate Change and Health. 2016. Goodreads, Goodreads,

https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/59752173-the-water-will-
nd
Division II - 2 Place come-rising-seas-sinking-cities-and-the-remaking-of-th.
Athena Envieh
Pitman HS Teacher Katherine Jeans "Google Earth.” Google Earth, Google, https://earth.google.com/.
The Coral Sabotage
"History of Kiribati." Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia
Britannica, Inc.https://www.britannica.com/place/Kiribati/History.
The admirable Goldman Environmental Prize winning nurse Terri
Swearingen stated, "We are living on this planet as if we had another one
to go to." Since the Industrial Revolution, humans have emitted
Ives, Mike. "A Remote Pacific Nation, Threatened by Rising Seas." The
gargantuan amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere by burning
New York Times, New York Times, 3 July 2016,
fossil fuels to operate machinery. Carbon dioxide has the capability to
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/03/world/asia/climate-change-
warm the earth by trapping the heat emitted into the air and reflecting it
kiribati.html.
back. This phenomenon causes the temperature to rise, impacting the
environment greatly. One environment, in particular, that is being
“Kiribati: a Drowning Paradise in the South Pacific | DW Documentary."
negatively affected are the rain forests of the sea", the coral reefs.
DW Documentary, 8 Nov. 2017,
Although advancements in technology allowed the world to quickly
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZ0J6kr4ZJO. Accessed 7 Oct.
industrialize, the global crisis of climate change negatively impacts coral
2021.
reefs by robbing the diverse marine animals of their lives.
Climate change has forced the ocean temperatures to rise causing a
Kiribati: Battling for Survival (Rising Sea Levels), United Nations, 7
devastating chain of events for marine animals. Oceans absorb
Nov. 2020, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hW9EAkqubay.
approximately thirty percent of carbon dioxide released in the
Accessed 7 Oct. 2021.
atmosphere, hence as atmospheric levels rise, oceans follow. Succeeding
the intensity of C02, hydrogen ion levels increase by
18 23
Lindsey, Rebecca. "Climate Change: Global Sea Level." Climate
Change: Global Sea Level | NOAA Climate.gov, 14 Aug. 2020,
https://www.climate.gov/news-features/understanding- climate/climate-
change-global-sea-level.
Mulhern, Owen. "Sea Level Rise Projection Map - Kiribati: Earth.org –
Past: Present: Future." Earth.Org - Past | Present | Future, 6 Aug. 2020,
https://earth.org/data visualization/sea-level-rise-by-2100-kiribati /
“NASA Sea Level Change Portal.” NASA, NASA, 27 Jan. 2021,
https://sealevel.nasa.gov/understanding-sea-level/global-sea-
level/thermal-expansion.
“Start with These Ten Actions!" United Nations, United Nations,
https://www.un.org/en/actnow/ten-actions#plant-based-food.
Voiland, Adam. “Preparing for Rising Seas in the Maldives." NASA,
NASA, https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/ 148158/preparing-for-
rising-seas-in-the -maldives.
Division III - 1st Place
Rachel Warter
Prescott Jr HS Teacher Jennifer Gorton
Protecting our Coral and Preserving our Peace
Climate change is damaging our planet and its inhabitants.
Climate change is the process of the Earth steadily growing warmer due
to gases that humans release into the atmosphere. One negative impact of
climate change is coral bleaching. This occurs when the ocean water
temperature is too warm for the algae that coral needs to survive. The
coral expels the algae if the algae has not died already, turning the coral
white (NOAA, 2019). Coral bleaching negatively impacts marine life, the
food chain, and the health of the planet, but with the collaboration of
scientists and citizens, we can reverse it.
Coral bleaching affects the entire food chain. Coral is a keystone
ocean species (Scientific American). When coral dies, other marine
species lose their source of food and shelter. This causes them to be easily
hunted by their predators, eliminating even more species. This eventually
leads to humans losing their food supply, and the ocean becoming a
wasteland. Coral reefs also protect coasts from hurricanes
24
carbon dioxide to be released by the degrading material. By reducing the
amount of energy used within our homes, and by trying to preserve as
much energy as possible, we can reduce the amount of carbon dioxide
released from our machines. (25 Wonderful Ways to Reduce Greenhouse
Gases)
Though thousands of communities are at risk, by working together
we can overcome the threat of sea level rising. Protection and
comfortability is a necessity for humans to live their lives freely, and the
pressing disasters caused by the rise of sea level are destroying these
necessities. By helping to stop the rising sea level we can all gain this
freedom of protection as well as comfortability. Whether it is convincing
your government to operate using the least amount of energy possible, or
by taking a bike instead of a fossil fuel car, we can all do our part to
promote well-being and bring peace to our world. Once we can
accomplish this we can move forward to protect the many lives of
innocent individuals at risk of disasters. By preventing the rise of sea
level, we can bring peace to the mind, body, and soul.
Works Cited
“25 Wonderful Ways to Reduce Greenhouse Gases” Conserve Energy
Future. https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/15-wonderful-ways-re-
duce-greenhouse gases.php
“Assessing Climate Change and Coastal Hazards in Kauai" NOAA.
March, 2021. https://coast.noaa.gov/digitalcoast/stories/kauai.html
"Examining Sea level Rise Exposure for Future Populations” NOAA. 11
March, 2021. https://coast.noaa.gov/digitalcoast/stories/population-
risk.html
Hausfather, Zeke. “Explainer: How climate change is accelerating sea
level rise.” Carbon Brief. 23 September, 2019.
https://www.carbonbrief.org/explainer-how-climate-change-is
accelerating-sea-level-rise
Nunez, Christina. “Sea level rise, explained.” National Geographic. 19
February, 2019.
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/sea-level-rise
17

Level Rise, Climate Change and Health)
There are other communities at risk of flooding, due to rising sea
level. To begin, in Florida there are king tides (towering waves) that have
become common due to climate change. King tides are "causing flooding
in Miami and along Florida's coast.” (Sea Level Rise) Clearly the Florida
community suffers from the increase of king tides due to ocean level rise.
Another community being affected are the community of people across
small islands such as Maldives, Kiribati, and Tvalu that suffer massive
damage from sea level rising as well. “As sea level rises, they face
increased flooding and erosion of their shorelines, and sources of fresh
water and agricultural land become unusable when seawater seeps in."
(Sea Level Rise). Clearly there is also the problem of less fresh water due
to salt water making fresh water unstable, causing people to lose their
water resources. "In California 260,000 people and $50 billion in
property are now at risk for a 100-year flood." (Sea Level Rise, Climate
Change and Health). Evidently, even our communities here in California
are at risk of sea changes.
According to NASA scientists, "Sea level rise is caused primarily
by two factors related to global warming: the added water from melting
ice sheets and glaciers, and the expansion of seawater as it warms." (Sea
Level Facts) In addition, the rise in sea levels are "all induced by ongoing
global climate change: Thermal expansion:... Melting glaciers: ... Loss of
Greenland and Antarctica's ice sheets:.” (Nunez, Christina) These factors
are happening because of global warming, causing the sea level to rise.
Scientists believe that as "humans continue to pour greenhouse gases
into the atmosphere, oceans have tempered the effect. The world's seas
have absorbed more than 90 percent of the heat from these gases, but it's
taking a toll on our oceans: 2018 set a new record for ocean heating."
(Nunez, Christina). Clearly, in order to prevent the sea level from rising
we must all work together to help reduce the emission of greenhouse
gases. Although some communities are building sea walls, this is only a
temporary fix until we can all work together to stop global warming. The
first thing to do to help prevent sea level rise is calculate your carbon
imprint. This allows anyone who decides to help to estimate their yearly
greenhouse emissions. By taking care of your car, as well as driving it
less often, you can decrease the amount of greenhouse gases released
from the car. Planes or flight travel use an enormous amount of gas
causing more carbon to be released into the air. If customers buy
more clothes than they need, there will be a major increase in landfill. If
humans recycle more, the landfills will have less trash causing less
16
and other natural disasters (NOAA, 2019). They serve as a natural
breakwater by reducing waves' energy. Without coral reefs, coasts and the
people living on them would be in severe danger. Finally, coral reefs are
tourist attractions (NOAA, 2019). Their beautiful colors influence many
coasts' economies. Without these reefs, the economies of these places will
suffer.
Scientists have been working to find ways to stop coral
bleaching. One method is to bring coral to the brink of death, but no
further. Then it is allowed to fully recover, making it stronger and more
likely to survive in warmer waters (Miami Herald, 2016). Scientists are
also working on developing a thin film made of calcium carbonate that
blocks some of the sunlight from reaching coral, causing the water to be
cooler, and the coral less likely to expel its algae (Agence France-
Presse, 2018). Both of these methods give coral a chance to survive in
warmer waters, but they are still at risk due to the increased climate
temperature. However, we can change this by working together. First,
we need to decrease our carbon footprint, which comes from harmful
gases released by humans. Some ways to help are: carpooling with
others and turning unnecessary lights off (NOAA, 2015). Another thing
we can do is spread the word. Communicating the threat of coral
bleaching and climate change is a crucial step towards protecting our
world.
Coral bleaching, a process caused by climate change, affects the
entire food chain, exacerbates natural disasters, and affects the economy
of coastal regions. However, if scientists and citizens work together to
create ways to strengthen coral and reduce our carbon footprint, we could
save coral reefs. It is important to preserve our world for the well-being
of all of its creatures, including future generations. Our children deserve
to inherit a beautiful and peaceful world that they can enjoy, not one
where they need to repair our damage. We need to care for our world so
that we can live safe and sustainable lives that promote peace around the
globe.
Bibliography
Agence France-Presse. "Scientists Test Ultra-Thin Sun Shield to Protect
Great Barrier Reef.” Newsela, 25 Apr. 2018,
https://newsela.com/read/great-barrier-reef-sun-shield/id/41887/.
Miami Herald. “Toughening Coral Up in Order to Help It Survive in
Warmer Ocean Waters.” Newsela, 26 Apr. 2016,
https://newsela.com/read/benchmark-6-super
corals/id/42265/quiz/question/summary/collection_id=177.
25
NOAA. "How Does Climate Change Affect Coral Reefs?" NOAA
Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, US Department of Commerce, 3
Mar. 2015, https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/coralreef-climate.html.
NOAA. “Tracking and Managing Predicted Massive Coral Bleaching in
Hawai'i." National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, U.S.
Department of Commerce, 10 Sept. 2019,
https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/feature-story/tracking-and-managing-
predicted-massive-cor al-bleaching-hawaii.
Scientific American. "Scientists Study Persian Gulf Reefs for Coral
Survival Clues." Newsela, 9 Mar. 2015,
https://newsela.com/read/persiangulf-coral/id/7776/.
Division III - 2nd Place
Joseph Hajjar
Hart Ransom Academic Charter Teacher Susan Janis
Effect of Climate Change on Typhoons
"There are no passengers on Spaceship Earth. We are all crew."
(Marshall McLuhan) Therefore, we all need to work to keep our earth
clean. Humans are causing climate change, which affects the earth in
many negative ways. Due to climate change, the earth is experiencing
rises in ocean levels, flooding, fires, and an increase in storm strengths
and frequencies. Peace is not possible when typhoons are becoming
stronger and more frequent, and are tearing down homes and buildings,
threatening lives, uprooting trees, and endangering habitats.
Typhoons are tropical storms that form in the Northwest Pacific
Ocean. They form most often over the equator because of warm water
and moist air. Global warming causes water to evaporate, causing heavier
downpours and storms. This also causes storms to occur more frequently.
Climate change has “proven to directly cause individual extreme
environmental events," and "has been shown to make these events more
destructive, and likely happen more frequently, than they normally would
be." (National Geographic Society) According to NASA, research
conducted by Hartmut Aumann and his team found that extreme storms
were formed when the sea surface temperature (SST) was hotter than 82°
Fahrenheit. They also found that for every 1.8o Fahrenheit the SST
increases, the number of extreme storms increases by 21%. By the end of
the century, a typhoon's "maximum
26
Works Cited
Kochi, Sudiksha. "Millions of mussels, clams, and other marine creatures
die from heatwave "catastrophe"” USA Today, 12 July 2021,
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/07/12/heat-wave-
kills-millions-mussels-clams-beachcanada/7930726002/
Laffoley, D., and J.M. Baxter. "Ocean Warming." IUCN, 5 Dec. 2018,
https://www.iucn.org/resources/issues-briefs/ocean-warming.
Division II - 1st Place
Trexlor Porter
Hart Ransom Academic Charter Teacher Susan Janis
Sea Levels Rising Due To Climate Change
“20 million U.S. residents in more than 1,000 communities will be
at risk of permanent flooding” by 2100. (Sea level Rise, Climate Change
and Health) Not only that, but millions of dollars in property are also on
the line. Recently the sea level has begun to rise, swallowing three times
more land than in the past, and increasing the chances of natural disasters
such as hurricanes and flash floods. This increase of disasters will cause
innocent people who had been leading regular lives to be plagued with
the constant worries of weather disaster. These disasters will slowly but
surely take the homes and lives of people as time goes on. Global
warming is causing sea levels to rise, creating a negative impact on our
world, disrupting the peace, and causing multiple people to be at risk of
poverty or death.
To begin, sea levels rising is an immense problem and as they
have begun to rise rapidly due to climate change. This change may not
feel important, but as the sea level rises, more ocean-related disasters will
occur, such as frequent floods, hurricanes, and downpours. As sea levels
rise, natural coastlines erode, causing them to collapse. The surrounding
communities that were once protected by the coastline are now
vulnerable to massive sea and tidal waves. Around the world, certain
communities are more affected than others including Indigenous, and-
low income communities. Indigenous communities that practice
subsistence farming and fishing are vulnerable to saline intrusions,
causing water to be unhealthy for fish and crops. Low-income
communities are facing lack of reliable drinking water during the
intrusion of saline, due to the rising sea level. Not only is it affecting
communities, but poor individuals often lack the amount of money
needed or insurance to pay for the damages of sea related factors. (Sea
15

mussels can stand up to 100-degree weather, much like humans but
when faced with 120-degree weather millions have died. Their deaths
also caused multiple chain reactions. The deaths of the mussels caused
the habitats made by mussel beds to dissipate causing the hundreds of
different types of species that were living there to now be without a
habitat. Mussels also filter the water allowing the sun to reach the plants
growing down below. Lastly, mussels also provide food for many species
that will now have to find other means of surviving. This is also true for
other kinds of marine life as it affects the fishing industries and human
consumers will also have a decline in the amount of fish and mussels we
will be able to purchase spelling trouble for fishers. This could cause
many businesses to go under and cause unrest.
In order to help stop these problems from accelerating and leading
to more issues, we need to take certain steps. Scientists recommend
restoring and protecting coastal and marine ecosystems, this could be
accomplished by human intervention and human adaptation. Human
intervention includes artificial surrogate habitats and assisted breeding
techniques. While human adaptation focuses on regulating the human
activities that could aid environmental degradation. According to IUCN a
way we can limit the effects of climate change is by limiting greenhouse
gas emissions. This will help defend against the irreversible impact
climate change will have on marine life. There will be some dispute
about the decision to intervene and the appropriate reactions to the
marine life being in trouble, which could further harm the animal life
while we fail to take action immediately,
Some may think that the lives of insignificant marine and coastal
creatures are of little importance, but without the small things
contributing to life we ourselves can't continue to live in a comfortable
environment. Each and every individual creature impacts at least one if
not many other lives. The simple death of a mussel can cause an upset to
hundreds of species habitats, affect the food supply, and cause water
pollution. We need to take care of even the small lives in order to keep
the balance of the world. Taking for granted the blessing of nature will
only be detrimental to ourselves and others in the future. If we continue
to fight for change before facing inadvisable consequences we will see a
more balanced world. Changing our lives a little can help impact many
other things, we can no longer be selfish in our quest for contentment and
ignore the problems around us. Fighting for the things that are truly
important will allow everyone to live a more safe and secure life.
14
wind speed will increase 2-11 percent." (National Geographic Society)
Rainfall could also increase by about 20%.
Typhoon In-Fa, also known as Typhoon Fabian, affected multiple
countries. This typhoon began on July 16, 2021, and ended on July 31,
2021. It affected China, Taiwan, Philippines, and North Korea.
Eventually, it landed in China's Zhejiang province, Zhoushan City, and
left behind 24 inches of rain, with wind speeds up to 120 mph. It killed
more than 60 people, and many schools, markets, and businesses had to
close. China had been flooded by record-breaking rainfall when Typhoon
In-Fa hit. This typhoon caused devastation by uprooting about
10,000 trees, causing power outages, landslides, and many ports and
airports to close. More than 330,000 residents of the Fengxian District in
south Shanghai were evacuated because of the high winds.
Humans are affecting climate change in many different ways. The
burning of oils, coal, and gases produce carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide.
Deforestation causes carbon to be released from the chopped trees.
Livestock release large amounts of methane when they digest. (Causes of
climate change) In order to stop global warming from worsening,
everyone should use renewable energy such as wind or solar energy.
People could also buy hybrid cars, electric cars, or use mass transit. We
should reduce their waste, help to plant trees, and also support businesses
that promote climate-smart practices.
Climate change is causing the ocean to rise and warm up, which
causes more powerful typhoons that occur more often, and causes more
disasters around the world. We should take care of our world, because we
only have one world. If we care for our world, there would not be as
many tropical cyclone disasters. We are all a crew that needs to work
together to help stop the spread of climate change on earth, and bring
peace to everyone in affected areas.
Works Cited
Buckingham, Brandon; Robert Richards. "In-fa unleashes slow-motion
disaster in eastern China." AccuWeather. 28 July,2021.
Buis, Alan. "How Climate Change May Be Impacting Storms Over
Earth's Tropical Oceans." NASA Science. 10 March, 2020.
"Causes of climate change" European Commission. 20 October 2021.
"Climate Change: How Do We Know?" NASA Science. 13 October,
2021.
27
Denchak, Melissa. "How You Can Stop Global Warming." NRDC. 17
July, 2021.
"Extreme weather gets a boost from climate change." Environmental
Defense Fund. 13 October, 2021.
Herring, David. "What can we do to slow or stop global warming?"
Climate. 22 September, 2021.
"How Climate Change Is Fueling Extreme Weather" Earthjustice. 1 June,
2021.
"How Do Hurricanes Form?" NASA Science. 6 October, 2021.
Korosec, Marko. "Nearly 200 million people are under the impact of the
catastrophic floods as Typhoon In-fa heads towards Shanghai, China.
Tropical Storm Nepartak turns towards Japan." Severe Weather Europe.
24 July, 2021.
McLuhan, Marshall. There are no passengers on spaceship Earth. We are
all crew. Independently Published. 8 January, 2015
Moraja, Melissa. "5 Reasons Why We Should Teach Our Kids to Take
Care of the Earth." Working Mother. 22 April, 2021.
National Geographic Society
https://www.nationalgeographic.org/article/influence-climate-change-
extreme-environmental-events/, 27 May, 2021
"The Effects of Climate Change." NASA Science. 13 October, 2021.
"Typhoon In-fa forces closure of Shanghai airports." DW News. 25 July,
2021.
"Tropical storms." BBC News. 16 October, 2021.
"Typhoon sweeps into eastern China after flooding chaos." BBC News.
25 July, 2021.
28
temperatures will increase drastically, and water shortages will become
more and more common. If we work towards cleaning our environment,
we will experience many health benefits, physically and mentally. All in
all, we must take action before it's too late. Our grandchildren will thank
us.
Works Cited:
Figueres, Christiana, and Tom Rivett-Carnac. "How the World Will Look
If We Don't Address Climate Change.” Time, Time, 22 Apr.
2020,https://time.com/5824295/climate-change-future-possibilities/.
"IPCC Report: 'Code Red' for Human Driven Global Heating,
Warns UN Chief | | UN News.” United Nations, United Nations, 9
Aug. 2021, https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/08/1097362.
United Nations. “Key Findings." United Nations, United Nations,
https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/science/key-findings#health.
United Nations. “The Paris Agreement." Uncfccc.int,
https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement/the-paris-
agreement.
Division l - 3rd Place
Madalynn Kuprienko
Hughson HS Teacher Karalee Ruelas
Warın Oceans are Killing Billions of Marine Life
Peace and climate change go hand in hand and have affected many
parts of the world. One of the effects of climate change is temperatures
rising in waters where sea life resides. This has caused many deaths in
sea creatures such as mussels, starfish, salmon, and coral reefs. These
deaths and their dwindling numbers also affect the marine life which
feeds off them, causing a chain reaction of death, starvation, and
extinction. Profit loss is also a factor that is changing due to climate
change. Coral reefs supply a lot of money from tourism and since coral
reefs support many other types of marine life it will also affect the fishing
industries. This harms the peace and unity of the world as it could have
an effect on the food industry and cause conflict with people's varying
opinions on the lives of marine animals.
Mussels are one of the groups affected by heatwaves.
According to USA Today, in an article written by Sudiksha Kochi,
13

are the cause of around 13 million deaths. Over 90% of the world
breathes unhealthy levels of toxic air. In 2018 alone, air pollution from
fossil fuels caused $2.9 trillion in health and economic costs. Production,
packaging, and distribution systems for food generate a third of
greenhouse gas emissions. Transportation is responsible for another 20%.
In 2015, the Paris Agreement was formed by the UNFCCC
(United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) in hopes of
limiting global warming to 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius. According to the
UN's official website, “Avoiding the worst climate impacts could help
prevent 250,000 additional climate-related deaths per year from 2030 to
2050, mainly from malnutrition, malaria, and heat stress." Meeting the
Paris Agreement's goal of reducing air pollution could save about a
million lives per year worldwide by 2050. In other words, it's not too late
to save our future!
We can do many things to prevent our health from worsening due
to the global warming crisis. Alternatives to driving such as walking and
cycling are great options. Not only do they reduce CO2 emissions, but
they also lower the risk of many chronic health issues and can improve
our mental health. If you have to commute to work, consider carpooling.
Saving water reduces carbon pollution, too. Take shorter showers
and shut the tap off when brushing your teeth. If at all possible, try
powering your home with renewable energy. Wind and solar energy not
only reduce global warming, but it is also much cheaper than electricity.
According to UN.org, “More sustainable production would
mitigate climate impacts and support more nutritious diets that could
prevent close to 11 million premature deaths a year.” Bring your cans
and plastic bottles to your local recycling plant and support green
businesses that make similar good choices to lessen their ecological
footprint.
Overall, the value of health gains from slowing carbon emissions
would be nearly double the global cost of implementing carbon
mitigation measures. Adopting eco-friendly practices will enhance our
physical health in the long run. We will also be left with peace of mind
knowing that we are working towards building a better tomorrow.
We can not let future generations bear the consequences of our
mistakes. As our fragile planet warms, extreme weather events will only
become worse. Oceans will continue to rise at unsettling rates,
12
Division III - 3rd Place
Sophie Benham
Hickman Charter Elementary Teachers T Kline/B Bergthold
The Western Pine Beetle
The western pine beetle is a small insect causing a big problem.
This species of bark beetle is responsible for the recent massive die off of
Ponderosa Pines in the Sierra Nevadas. Bark beetles are a natural part of
a forest ecosystem, so why are they causing such trouble? Scientists
point to climate change and drought as main reasons for the beetles'
successful assault on our forests.
The western pine beetle burrows into the bark of the Ponderosa
pine and chews on the cambium layer, which produces growth cells
(What Do Bark Beetles Eat? 2018). The pine beetle, and its larvae, feed
on the phloem, which cuts off the trees' ability to transport nutrients.
(What is a Bark Beetle, n.d.) A healthy tree exudes pitch into the holes
burrowed by the beetles to push them out or drown them. (Bark Beetles,
n.d.) In recent years, the health of the Sierra Nevada trees has
deteriorated.
2010 to 2019 was the hottest decade ever recorded. This change in
climate is due to greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, released through
the burning of fossil fuels (Borunda 2020). Climate change has
intensified bark beetle damage in two ways. First, warmer temperatures
have allowed these beetles to mature and lay eggs faster, resulting in two
generations of beetles per season rather than one. (Strain 2012) Larger
numbers of beetles cause larger swaths of ponderosa pine infestation.
Secondly, climate change contributes to and exacerbates droughts.
(Drought and Climate Change 2021) Drought weakens trees by
preventing them from photosynthesizing and mounting an effective
"pitch-out" defense.
A vicious cycle is created in which the beetles' population explosion
is driven by the same drought-causing climate change that stresses the
trees. The beetles prey upon and kill these stressed trees. Large swaths of
deforested land further aggravate climate change, raising temperatures 2-
4 degrees F. (Wiley, n.d.).
This crisis does not only affect the trees and animals, but everyone
has a stake in protecting our forests. "There is strong scientific evidence
that visiting a forest can improve your mood, your attention span, and
even enhance psychological stress recovery. Walking among trees can
reduce levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, while improving mood and
29

lowering anxiety. It also boosts the immune system from breathing in
phytoncides, which trees emit to protect themselves from germs and
insects." (staff reporter, 2019). Forests bring peace to individuals and
whole communities.
Scientists have been studying ways to protect our forests. 30
Insecticides can be applied to trees but it is temporary, sometimes
ineffective, and impractical on a large scale. The real solution lies in
reversing climate change and restoring the health of our forests. An
online search reveals various ways everyone can contribute. However, I
believe corporations hold the majority of responsibility because they are
responsible for the majority of the greenhouse gas emissions. A mere 100
companies are responsible for 71% of global emissions! (Byskov 2019)
Governments should enact legislation regulating sustainable
emissions limits and requiring improvements to energy efficiency and
vehicle fuel economy. Investing in alternative power sources and setting
prices on carbon are all good ways to reduce greenhouse gases. (Nunez,
2019).
These things will lead us away from irreversible climate change,
bring back the health of our forests, and reduce the western pine beetle
population.
Sources Cited
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/the-decade-we-
finally-woke-up-to-climate-change Borunda, Alejandra January 15,
2020
https://www.science.org/content/article/climate-change-sends-beetles-
overdrive Strain, Daniel March 11, 2012
https://www.c2es.org/content/drought-and-climate/change/October
19,2021
https://homeguides.sfgate.com/bark-beetles-affect-people-101063.html
Wiley, Suzanne
https://homeguides.sfgate.com/tree-problems-leaf-holes-41929.html
https://www.fs.fed.us/r3/resources/health/field-guide/bb/index.shtml
Bark beetles, n.d.
30
https://www.businessinsider.com/california-water-shortage-drought-could-
cause-farm-food-prices-rise-2021-6.
Division l - 2nd Place
Sydney Tohara
Oakdale Charter Teacher Jessica Menefee
“The Time For Action Is Now”
Imagine this: The year is 2100. A poor Californian farmer twists a
shriveled grape off a vine. His thin bandana does little to protect him
from the pollution, but he'd rather put food on his family's table than buy
an expensive air filtration mask.
A few cities away, protesters are in an uproar over unequal water
distribution. Bold signs proclaim, "water is a human right.” States with
less water argue that those with more should share their supply, leaving
Congress in a predicament .
On the other side of the country, thousands have been displaced
from a flood. A young mother wades through ankle-deep water in her
home, the child she clutches to her hip coughing from the mildew-
covered walls. Her insurance company has declared bankruptcy, leaving
her with nowhere else to go.
Now, when you thought of all those people, who did you see?
Strangers? Or your grandchildren?
Sometimes it's easy to disregard the future. But it is only a matter
of time before global warming leaves our world in shambles. According
to a recent report from the IPCC, scientists are observing changes in the
Earth's climate everywhere: in the atmosphere, oceans, ice floes, and on
land. IPCC scientists predict that if proper precautions aren't taken,
global warming of 2°C will be exceeded during the 21st century. The
Working Group's report was nothing less than "a code red for humanity"
warns UN Secretary-General António Guterres. “Global heating is
affecting every region on Earth, with many of the changes becoming
irreversible."
There are numerous effects of climate change, such as more
severe storms, increased loss of wildlife, and extreme temperatures, just
to name a few. However, many people forget that global warming
doesn't just affect our environment; it also affects our physical and
mental well-being.
"Climate change is the single biggest health threat facing
humanity” states the United Nations. Each year, environmental factors
11
needed to grow various California crops, shows the extent to which
these drought intolerant crops are harming efforts to curb climate change
and the drought in California. The average pistachio takes 0.75
gallons of water to grow, an almond requires an average of 1.1 gallons of
water each, and the average walnut takes upwards of 4.9 gallons of water
each. With such a large amount of water being used for such a small
yield of sustenance, the current agriculture system in California needs to
drastically shift its current practices to sustain production for the long
term. Possible solutions include utilizing drought resistant or tolerant
plants and crops that would sustain the population through harsh times,
as well as utilizing conservation techniques. Conservation is key to
preserving the livelihoods of so many that depend on the food supply
produced by California farmers.
In the end, we only have one life and one world. The impact we
currently have on the Earth will last forever. By taking steps now, to
mitigate the effects of climate change and the drought impacting so many
in California and the Central Valley, we can have a long lasting impact
beyond ourselves. When we look forward with the hope of creating a
sustainable future, it starts with us now. Coming together to fight against
this threat works to create peace among humanity, working for the well-
being of everyone, and preserving the only planet we have.
Bibliography
Brodwin, Erin, and Samantha Lee. "Chart Shows How Some of Your
Favorite Foods Could Be Making California's Drought Worse." Business
Insider, 12 Nov. 2021, https://www.businessinsider.com/amount-of-
water-needed-to-grow-one-almond-orange-tomato-2015-4.
Fountain, Henry. "The Western Drought Is Bad. Here's What You Should
Know About It." The New York Times, 12 Nov. 2021,
https://www.nytimes.com/article/drought-california-western-united-
states.html.
“Groundwater Reports.” San Joaquin County Flood Control and Water
Conservation District,
http://www.sjwater.org/Groundwater/Groundwater-Reports. 10
Kay, Grace. "A 'Megadrought' in California Is Expected to Lead to Water
Shortages for Production of Everything from Avocados to Almonds, and
Could Cause Prices to Rise." Business Insider, 12 Nov. 2021,
10
https://www.fs.fed.us/r3/resources/health/field-guide/bb/index.shtml Bark
beetles, n.d.
https://blog.davey.com/2018/05/what-trees-do-bark beetles-
attack-and-can-i-get-rid-of-them/What do bark beetles eat, 2018
https://www.worldwildlife.org/threats/effects-of-climate-change Effects
of Climate Change, n.d.
https://theecologist.org/2019/may/17/forest-visits-and-mental-health
Staff reporter May 17, 2019
https://www.fastcompany.com/90290795/focusing-on-how-individuals-
can-stop-climate-change-is-very-convenient-for-corporations Morten
Fibeiger Byskov January 11, 2019
Division IV - 1st Place
Nathan Robinson
Sonoma Elementary Teacher Gina Grgich
How Climate Change Affects The Weather
Tornadoes, rainfall, and hurricanes are becoming more common
and dangerous. The cause? climate change. More active tornadoes, more
and less rainfall in places that need it, and hurricanes are becoming
increasingly more dangerous because of climate change. We need to stop
this if we want to extend our lives on earth.
Scientists have been studying carbon dioxide emissions throughout
history, and the 21st century has the highest amount of carbon waste in
the air ever recorded. It works together with greenhouse gases, traps the
heat that would have regularly been let out of our planet, and makes
temperatures rise. Even though it's just a few degrees of a difference,
which we humans wouldn't notice, it has caused evaporation to happen
faster than normal. Although it seems like nothing should change, it
creates more downpour in places that have natural rainy weather, and
even less in areas that are naturally dry. This causes floods, and droughts
everywhere in places that already have problems with rain filled and dry
weather.
This isn't just affecting the weather and climate. People's lives are
31

being affected by these changes. People in places with common rainfall
will have much more powerful and frequent storms, and people in places
with less will experience droughts, and lots of dry weather. With more
storms and natural weather disasters, it would cause places to have flash
floods, and overfill lakes and rivers, causing water to flood homes and
cities in places such as the Midwest and northeast. On the other hand,
places with dry weather naturally will have lots of droughts in areas in
the southwest and northwest. As heat continues to rise, people would also
be at risk of dehydration, heatstroke, and other things caused by lack of
water and increased heat or extended periods of time.
We need to stop this before it gets worse by reducing our
greenhouse gas emissions. If we can make our carbon footprint
smaller, then these changes can stop, and our earth can get back to
normal. We can reduce our footprint by recycling, using green fuels, and
not using so many fossil fuels. We can also reduce it by limiting the use
of gas powered cars and other vehicles and switching to electric cars and
bikes.
Our lives on earth and all the other living things on our beautiful
planet will become extinct if we continue to destroy it. Tornadoes,
hurricanes, and storms are going to get worse, and our lives are going to
be horrible if we don't stop this. We must reduce our greenhouse
emissions if we want to prolong our stay here. I urge you to reduce your
carbon footprint by switching to an electric or hybrid car, try to recycle so
factories don't overproduce, and use your bike or scooter more often
instead of your regular vehicle. Just one person can make a difference
and you can help stop climate change.
Bibliography
"IPCC Report: 'Code Red' for Human Driven Global Heating, Warns UN
Chief || UN News." United Nations, United Nations,
https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/08/1097362.
Taylor, Matt. “Extreme Weather: What Is It and How Is It Connected to
Climate Change?" BBC News, BBC, 9 Aug. 2021,
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-58073295.
National Geographic Society. “The Influence of Climate Change on
Extreme Environmental Events." National Geographic Society, 21 Jan.
2020, https://www.nationalgeographic.org/article/influence-climate-
change-extreme-environmental-events/.
32
Division l - 1st Place
Ethan Tornberg
James Enochs High School Teacher Andy Hallsteinsson
The Withering Fields
Driving through California's Central Valley, the obvious dryness
in a land known for its rich agriculture growth, is apparent. While
politicians in California and the Central Valley have tried to solve this
climate issue, our water supply continues to diminish at astronomical
rates like never before. Drought is a serious climate issue that has the
greatest impact on people living in the Central Valley.
According to the most recent Spring 2019 Annual Ground Water
Report, published by the San Joaquin Flood Control and Water
Conservation District, 12 of the 26 county wells saw a decreasing trend
in groundwater levels while only 5 saw an increase in this trend. With the
water supply threatened, farmers in the Central Valley have had to adapt
to the changes or face their crops not surviving the harsh dryness. If
progress is not made in slowing the effects of climate change in the
region, an area known for producing over 25% of the nation's food
supply according to Business Insider, then not just California, but all of
the United States could face a food crisis. A food crisis would have a
major negative impact on the health of the American population and on
the livelihoods of farmers and small businesses who depend on
agriculture in the Central Valley. The New York Times author, Henry
Fountain, reports that scientists examining the drought crisis in
California attribute "climate change, in the form of warming
temperatures and shifts in precipitation” (Fountain), as the catalyst for
these harmful conditions. As scientists look at mitigating the impacts of
the drought on California and America, they must also examine the
impacts of climate change on it. Accelerating the already severe situation
of drought is creating an increasingly difficult situation for the producers
of the world's foods. Climate change must be mitigated and adapted to by
agriculture producers in order to maintain food production for the
country.
The greatest impact we can have on climate change and the drought
is conserving the vital water resources we currently have. While the
Central Valley is well known for its production of nuts like almonds,
pistachios, and walnuts, the impact these crops have on our water supply
is great. An info-graphic, published in a Business Insider article
analyzing the amount of water
9
 Division IV ( grades 5 & 6 ) "The Effects of Climate Change." NASA, NASA, 26 Aug. 2021,
https://climate.nasa.gov/effects/.
Name School Teacher
First
"Climate Change Evidence: How Do We Know?" NASA, NASA, 12 Oct.
Nathan Robinson Sonoma Elem Grgich, Gina
2021, https://climate.nasa.gov/evidencel/.
Second
Alivia Morris John Fremont Elem Arnold, Doren
Third
Division IV - 2 ndPlace
Atticus Broglio John Fremont Elem Arnold, Doren
Alivia Morris
Honorable Mentions
Sfirling Soelberg Agnes Baptist Elem Toni David
John Fremont Elementary Teacher Doreen Arnold
Santiago Pinedo Sonoma Elem Grgich, Gina From Cows to Climate Change
Kenna Middleton Lakewood Elem Otilia Anderson
School Winners I remember my family was driving through California. The golden
Sfirling Soelberg Agnes Baptist Elem Toni David meadow swayed and vibrant yellow flowers danced. Rocks as well as
Alivia Morris John Fremont Elem Arnold, Doren trees scattered along the countryside. Hills raised and stood boastfully in
Finalists the distance. This sight was serene until we passed a cattle farm. Cows
Shijoon Alshami Bernard Hughes Elem Katherine Chong crowded in small compact pastures, ground barren and dry. The car
Vivianna Barron-Robles Sonoma Elem Grgich, Gina swiftly filled with a dense, putrid smell. Not only was this an unattractive
Gia Brown John Fremont Elem Hanzel-Sello, Levi sight, but cow farms are devastating to the environment. They are one of
Audrey Brown John Fremont Elem Arnold, Doren the main contributors to global warming, greenhouse gasses, and
Ilana Cohen Sonoma Elem Grgich, Gina deforestation. These results from agriculture are increasing the national
Rajveer Dhillon Agnes Baptist Elem Toni David problem of global warming. Society needs to ponder on solutions and act
Sloane Dingeldein Hickman Charter Elem T Kline/B Bergthold now.
Giles Doud John Fremont Elem Arnold, Doren
One of the main reasons for methane and global temperatures
Elijah Elkins John Fremont Elem Hanzel-Sello, Levi
rising is cattle farming. Cattle are the No. 1 agricultural source of
Charles Griffith John Fremont Elem Hanzel-Sello, Levi
greenhouse gases worldwide. Each year, a single cow will belch about
Advin Li Hart Ransom Acad Chtr Susan Janis
220 pounds of methane. (UC Davis) And that methane goes into the
atmosphere and destroys the ozone layer, causing longer summers and
Nathan Paul John Fremont Elem Arnold, Doren
drought. We can already see this in California: rainfall has come late, Air
Sooraj Toor Agnes Baptist Elem Toni David
quality has dropped, and droughts have a longer duration now. However,
Susan Wong Agnes Baptist Elem Toni David
cows emitting methane into the atmosphere isn't our only problem. Cattle
use 41% of land in the United States (UC Davis). Not only will this
destroy biodiversity in America, but it will destroy fertile soil that could
be used for more sustainable farming. This dilemma will affect
generations to come.
This problem is affecting people already. We can see in Central
California, bad air quality and droughts are becoming increasingly more
common. Not only here but around the world. These high smog levels
can harm everyone, but children – who often spend more time outdoors
8
33
and are more likely to have asthma. (EDF) The reason for this is our way
of producing meat. We need to think of ways to solve this problem. Division III ( grades 7 & 8 )
Perhaps a way we can solve this dilemma is by lessening the
Name School Teacher
amount of meat we eat. Most Americans eat meat almost every dinner,
First
which can be devastating to our environment. Human meat consumption
Rachel Warter Prescott Junior High Gorton, Jennifer 
isn't the only problem farmers also need to change. If farmers change the
Second
number of cows per pasture and move them from place to place. It could
Joseph Hajjar Hart Ransom Acad Chtr Susan Janis
let the grass regenerate and take out Co2 and hold it in the soil, also
Third
adding nutrients and organic matter to the mix. By enhancing this
Sophie Benham Hickman Charter Elem T Kline/B Bergthold
practice compared to standard grazing practices, This solution can
sequester 16.3 gigatons of carbon dioxide by 2050. (Draw Down) This Honorable Mentions
new operation will be a game-changer. If we change our ways, it will lead Ava-Maria Leijten Oakdale Jr HS Hawksworth, Dee
to a brighter future. Akhil Patel Hart Ransom Acad Chtr Susan Janis
On my drive, I wished I saw long green grass in wide-open fields Deetya Thogarucheeti Prescott Junior High Gorton, Jennifer 
and roaming cows. Cattle farming will lead to greater consequences of School Winners
climate change. If we don't act now methane emissions will rise, bad air Rachel Warter Prescott Junior High Gorton, Jennifer 
quality will worsen, and asthma, droughts, and heatwaves will be a Joseph Hajjar Hart Ransom Acad Chtr Susan Janis
regular occurrence. We need to change if we want a hopeful and healthy Mirella Fregoso Torres Yolo MS K Santor/B Decator
future. Ava-Maria Leijten Oakdale Jr HS Hawksworth, Dee
Bibliography: Finalists
Tdus. “Cows and Climate Change.” UC Davis, 6 Oct. 2021, Avery Barcelos Oakdale Jr HS Hawksworth, Dee
https://www.ucdavis.edu/food/news/making-cattle-more-sustainable. Elazar Bengochea Hart Ransom Acad Chtr Susan Janis
Aneel Brar Prescott Junior High Tobin, Maia
Methane Pollution from the Oil & Gas Industry Harms the Zoe Byron Oakdale Jr HS Hawksworth, Dee
Public...https://www.edf.org/sites/default/files/content/methane_rule_heal Jedidiah Chen Hart Ransom Acad Chtr Susan Janis
th_fact_sheet_reboot_final_no citations.pdf. Daniela Duarte Oakdale Jr HS Hawksworth, Dee
Avery Gleason Oakdale Jr HS Hawksworth, Dee
Hawken, Paul. Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed Julia Hartley Hart Ransom Acad Chtr Susan Janis
to Roll Back Global Warming. Penguin Books, 2018. Hasan Modan Prescott Junior High Gorton, Jennifer 
Sergio Mosqueda Oakdale Jr HS Hawksworth, Dee
Olivia Piazza Gratton Elem Rexann Casteel
Division IV - 3rd Place
Derek Sun Prescott Junior High Gorton, Jennifer 
Atticus Broglio
Aidan Suntra Hart Ransom Acad Chtr Susan Janis
John Fremont Elementary Teacher Doren Arnold
From Crops To Crisis: Emmalee Vang Prescott Junior High Gorton, Jennifer 

How Farming Contributes to Global Warming

School Winners are recognized for the top essay from a school
that has submitted 10 or more essays in the Division
Did you know? Meat has the highest emissions of any food. And,
6% of greenhouse emissions globally are from food waste. ( climate
emergency atlas ) That 6% also contributes to global warming. Those
34 7
 greenhouse gases go into the atmosphere which causes global warming
which leads to melting ice caps, warming oceans, wildfires, and coral
reefs dying. But I'm getting ahead of myself. I'm here to tell you how
farming contributes to global warming.
Farmers contribute to global warming with their cattle
practices. Cattle farming is terrible for the environment. The tight
spaces that they put them into result in the waste from the cows just
Division II ( grades 9 & 10 ) piling up releasing carbon dioxide into the air. And how much cattle
Name School Teacher we raise also contributes to how much carbon goes into the
First atmosphere. Cows burp out methane gas which is a greenhouse gas
Trexler Porter Hart Ransom Acad Chtr Susan Janis that contributes to global warming. Brazil has the highest amount of
Second cow burp methane coming in at 13,566,100 tons with India coming
Athena Envieh John H. Pitman HS Jeans, Katherine in at 7,248,800 tons for 2nd, and the US a close 3rd. (climate
Third emergency atlas)
Kaitlyn Greene Hart Ransom Acad Chtr Susan Janis Another reason why farming is harmful to the environment is...
Finalists farming itself! Earth only has 1% of freshwater. Farming will lower that
Asma Al Sumairi Oakdale Charter Jeannette Ves'sells
number yearly until the only freshwater we get is from rain and it's
already raining less. We use about 69% of earth's yearly freshwater for
Jonathan Birmingham Oakdale Charter Jessica Menefee
agriculture while we only get 12% for our households and the industrial
Iris Cortez Oakdale Charter Jessica Menefee
sector gets 19% (www. Global agriculture.org). We are cutting down
Zoie Fischer Oakdale Charter Jeannette Ves'sells forests for farming land which is releasing carbon into the air. Cutting
Melody Hughes Oakdale Charter Jeannette Ves'sells down forests also doesn't help because there are fewer trees to use carbon
Hazel Hunter Oakdale Charter Jeannette Ves'sells for photosynthesis. Farmers overuse water for their crops at an alarming
Wyatt Jones Oakdale Charter Tim Parola rate.
Jaeden Mendez Oakdale Charter Tim Parola One way to prevent global warming is to stop cutting forests down.
Sumer Pannu Modesto HS Pereira, Jennifer We can also start eating more fruits and vegetables which lowers our
Leif Ryun Oakdale Charter Jeannette Ves'sells emissions and uses less electricity which uses less coal. And now for the
biggest contributor of emissions, farming! One way farmers can prevent
global warming is by not using fossil fuel-based energy. Using renewable
energy is something we all can do but farmers especially. Another way
farmers can prevent global warming (cattle farmers) is rotational grazing.
Rotational grazing is when cattle farmers move cows every so often (like
a day or 2) and as the cows move, their hooves break up the soil and mix
it as they go making great fertilizer. In this way, their manure feeds the
soil rather than contributing to more carbon emissions.
I just gave good reasons how farming contributes to global
warming and how we can prevent it. Cows burp out methane which
releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Also, farmers can help by
using less normal energy and switching to renewable energy such as
solar, wind, or water as they are cheaper and don't burn fossil fuels. In

35
6
conclusion, farming is bad for the environment, but farmers can use
more eco-friendly methods and take steps toward preventing global Division I ( grades 11 & 12 )
warming, Name School Teacher
Bibliography: First
Hooke, Dan, and Jamie Margolin, Climate Emergency Atlas: What's Ethan Tornberg James Enochs HS Hallsteinsson, Andy
Happening - What We Can Do. DK Children Imprint, 2020. Second
Home, http://www.globalagriculture.org/. Sydney Tohara Oakdale Charter Jessica Menefee
Third
Madalynn Kuprienko Hughson HS Ruelas, Karalee
School Winners
Madalynn Kuprienko Hughson HS Ruelas, Karalee

Finalists
Alexandro Aguilar Hughson HS Ruelas, Karalee
Isheah Al Sumairi Oakdale Charter Jeannette Ves'sells
Brianna Ceja Modesto HS Jacquemin, Heather
Elena Fisher Hughson HS Ruelas, Karalee
Seth Harcrow Hughson HS Ruelas, Karalee
Isabella Holmes Hughson HS Ruelas, Karalee
Calvin Hunter Oakdale Charter Jeannette Ves'sells
Ethan Jones Hughson HS Ruelas, Karalee
Conner La Rosa Hughson HS Ruelas, Karalee
Luke Mountain Hughson HS Ruelas, Karalee
Xavier Pabon Hughson HS Ruelas, Karalee
Cierra Perez Petersen Altrn Cntr Demitria Etchegary
Ella Peterson Hughson HS Ruelas, Karalee
David Romero Hughson HS Ruelas, Karalee
Jasmine Valencia Oakdale Charter Jeannette Ves'sells
Wyatt Wright Oakdale Charter Jeannette Ves'sells
Nancy Munoz Rodriquez Modesto HS Jacquemin, Heather

36 5
 All Divisions (Grades 5 - 12)

The 2022 Peace Essay Contest invites you to study and

learn about some of the environmental extremes we are
experiencing around the world due to the changes in
our climate. Especially take note of those whose lives
are (or will be) negatively impacted by these changes.
In your essay:

• Identify and describe one of the negative

environmental changes you studied.

• Explain who bears the consequences of the

change and the effect it could have on their lives.
For example, how does or could it affect their
food supply, land, livelihoods or health?

• Tell what scientists believe has caused the

negative change and what needs to happen to
make it better or keep it from getting worse.

• Close by sharing your view about the

importance of caring for our world and helping all
people to live in a safe and sustainable way,
thereby promoting peace and well-being around
the world.

4 37
 Climate Change Challenges
The August 2021 report from the United Nations
says that the changes in climate to date have little
parallel in human history. The impact of these changes
on our planet is causing significant damage to its
habitats and ecosystems. Ocean levels have risen 8
inches on average over the past century. Heat waves
have become hotter and last much longer around the
world. Wildfire weather has worsened across large
areas of the globe. Bursts of extreme heat in the ocean
—which can kill fish, seabirds and coral reefs—have
doubled in frequency since the 1980’s.

While people and ecosystems around the globe are

experiencing the results of these changes in our past
climate patterns, certain populations will be especially
vulnerable as the consequences of these changes
impact their very existence. Due to the impact on food
supplies, livelihoods, lands and health, peace among
peoples around the world could be severely threatened
as people struggle to survive.

When each of us embraces a deep reverence and

gratitude for the earth that sustains us, we must also
encourage others to do the same. "Inclusive and green
economies, prosperity, cleaner air and better health are
possible for all, if we respond to this crisis with
solidarity and courage" says the UN Secretary-General
António Guterres

38 3
 Index To Essays
Division I
First Place Pg 9
SCREENING AND JUDGING OF ESSAYS
Second Place Pg 11

Third Place Pg 13

Selection of essay finalists and winners is a completely blind process.

Division II After all of the essays are submitted in November, each essay is
First Place Pg 15 assigned a unique number, which is written on both the essay and
the submittal form. The submittal forms are removed and given to
Second Place Pg 18
our data base administrator. He logs them into the data base. No
Third Place Pg 21 one else has access to the data base or submittal forms thereafter.
There are no identifying marks on the essays except the assigned
number. The essays go through several rounds of screening, with
Division III 20 of the best essays picked and passed to the next level and
Pg 24 combined with other best essays at that level. Finally at the highest
First Place
screening level, 20 essays are picked in each division as Finalists.
Second Place Pg 26
Finalists essays go to four judges in each division. The judges have
Third Place Pg 29 3 weeks to review and rank their essays. The 16 judges met on the
evenings of February 15 and 16 (two divisions each evening) to
discuss their recommendations and come up with a consensus of
Division IV the winners, honorable mentions and school winners. Only after
Pg 31 the judges have met and submitted their selections (by the code
First Place
number) to the data base administrator, are the winners known.
Second Place Pg 33

Third Place Pg 34

39
2
Special Thanks to Our Donors

Winning Essays

Margaret J. Barker
Yolanda Borland
Sylvan M. Bupp 2019 Peace Essay Contest
Anonymous
Central Valley Democratic Club
Indira Clark
Randy Crimmel
Pat & Leroy Egenberger
Pam & Phil Franklin
Delta Monthly Meeting of Friends
Elaine Gorman
Judy Kropp
Anonymous
John & Lynn Lucas
Jane Manley & Ricardo. Córdova
Mary Menz
Modesto Teachers Association
Tom Myers
Dan & Mary Alice Onorato in honor Sponsored by:
& memory of Shelly Scribner Modesto Peace/Life Center
Bill & Cathie Peck 829 13th Street • P.O. Box 134 • Modesto, CA 95353 and
Maria Potochnik
Division of Literature and Language Arts
Deborah Roberts
David Rockwell & Nancy Smith
Modesto Junior College
Sandy Sample
Mimsie Farrar & Ken Schroeder
Shelly Scribner
Bob Tucker
David Tucker & Linda Lagace
Babette & Gary Wagner, MD