TeensCurrent

Currently, we possess a massive problem: we lack a substitute for fossil fuels. Even when the world is running out of non-renewable energy sources, nations are not willing to change direction and focus on the future’s reality. Even though climate activists like Greta Thunberg are striving to be the first to act, it almost seems like nobody cares about the long-term consequences. Therefore, it is almost impossible for countries to move away from fossil fuels because of financial constraints, technological development, and poorer countries’ downsides. 

Firstly, the possibility of 193 countries across the world coming to an agreement is unlikely. Since the world cannot move away from fossil fuels even if one country uses them, every nation needs to participate and acknowledge the deal. Countries like Saudi Arabia generate most of their revenue by selling oil and gas, and if these countries agree to move away from fossil fuels that means their main money source, or coal, is now useless. This can lead up to the country going broke or facing severe financial challenges, causing an economic drawback.

Secondly, technological development demonstrates that vehicles powered by fossil fuels will eliminate fossil fuel dependency. Even though cars like Tesla rely on electrical energy, only a tiny fraction of the world’s people own them. Besides, planes, helicopters, and other vehicles don’t have an energy source to rely on if fossil fuels are gone. To move away from fossil fuels, we need to confirm that our technology is more developed before moving away from fossil fuels.

Lastly, developing countries will face massive amounts of debt to others if we stop using fossil fuels abruptly.  Poorer countries might not be able to pay, or afford the costs to be green yet like the other richer countries. Even though solar panels are considered cheap, most poor countries have significant amounts of debt to others. For example, according to the International Institute for Sustainable Development, South Africa owes about 20 billion dollars, which were used to build coal plants in the nation. If the world moves away from fossil fuels, these countries won’t be able to repay their debts unless they keep burning coal to generate a profit.

In conclusion, moving away from fossil fuels completely is nearly impossible in the current world. Leaders are unlikely to reach an agreement, the technology has not yet been satisfied to reach the goal, and developing nations will suffer with massive debts that can only be earned by continuing fossil fuels. Therefore, even though global warming is affecting the world massively, it is not yet the time to move away from fossil fuels. 

Author: Youone Song

Low-income families who struggle to survive, especially the poorest, often have no choice but to stay on the streets, begging for money. However, with universal basic income, everyone could receive up to $1000 every month. While some argue that UBI reduces motivation to work and doesn’t solve all problems, this perspective appears to be mistaken. Therefore, supporting universal basic income, it reduces poverty, provides financial security, and supports small businesses and encourages risks.

To begin with, when UBI is implemented by the government, it can reduce poverty in many nations. As over 600 million people experience extreme poverty, “[it] is defined as living on less than $2.15 per day. UBI aims to provide these people with a basic level of income that can help them meet their basic needs and improve their standards of living” (Khan). This is important because poverty often traps families where they cannot afford food, shelter, or even education, which makes it harder to break off their situation. Even if someone doesn’t have a job, they can still receive money to buy essentials such as food, rent a shelter, and pay for other monthly needs. Low-income families wouldn’t have to depend on unstable jobs or charity after, because UBI would give them an income every month. With this support, people can focus on their lives instead of worrying about survival. Therefore, UBI helps reduce poverty, because everyone can earn up to a thousand dollars a month, giving struggling families a chance to live with more security and dignity.

UBI can also prevent families from losing all their money in a single day during emergencies. This provides people with financial security, enabling them to handle emergencies, payments, or even a sudden job loss. People can take risks, start businesses, study, or pursue jobs they like without worrying about what to eat next month. For example, when California’s SEED program gave $500 a month for two years to low income families, receivers showed less anxiety and depression and could handle sudden bills without stress. Many economically disadvantaged families with limited resources can receive huge amounts of stress even with a small payment. With a government-guaranteed monthly income, people would no longer have to choose between paying for rent, buying groceries, or covering other essential needs. This money can provide stability and reduce the worry of financial hardship. As this evidence shows, governments should introduce UBI because it can lessen the amount of people from losing all of their money in a single day.

The final reason for supporting UBI is that people can take risks such as starting a small business or learning new skills, without worrying about immediate survival. If the government guarantees a monthly payment, citizens will most likely “enjoy” their life without panicking when their business goes wrong. UBI can convince people to “bolster small businesses, encourage entrepreneurship, and contribute to job creation, especially in communities that often experience economic stagnation” (cogent). When conditions become tighter, people feel more confident about taking smart risks. When people have an income every month for free, they are more likely to start businesses or take on projects that might fail because they don’t have to worry about losing everything. Studies from the UBI experiment conducted in rural Kenya by the organization GiveDirectly showed that a stable income provides a foundation for more resilient local economies. UBI also helps communities grow, since new businesses create jobs that were not available before. Overall, UBI gives people a chance to try new things, improve their lives, and support their communities.

In conclusion, UBI allows people to walk their own paths without any stress or worry. By providing a monthly income, UBI can reduce poverty, give financial security during emergencies, and allow people to take risks like starting businesses or learning new skills. While others argue that UBI might reduce motivation to work, the benefits of financial stability, economic growth, and improved quality of life outweigh those concerns. Overall, introducing UBI can give people the freedom and support they need to live with dignity, encourage taking risks, and strengthen their communities.

Author: Youone Song