MIT Student Reflects on Greta Thunberg, Trump, and Climate Change
By Julia Mattera
Scientists maintain that climate change is due to the human use of fossil fuels, which is causing carbon dioxide and other gases to be released into the air. The gases trap heat into the atmosphere, which can affect ecosystems including rising sea levels, severe weather events, and droughts. Climate change is a global problem and must be addressed.
During our conversation, Max Peeters, an MIT international student from Belgium, expressed his concern for governments to address this global problem aggressively, and his pride in the reaction to this problem from youth across the globe.
Q: When did you first become aware of climate change?
A: I’m not sure exactly when I became aware of climate change, but I’m guessing I was around age 10. I have always been interested in science, especially the environment, and I was an avid reader. Whenever I heard of anything that sparked my interest, I would begin to do some research to learn more about the subject.
Q: Do your studies at MIT involve climate change at all?
A: Of course climate change comes into play, because I am enrolled in a program on Earth Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences. At this point in my program, I will be spending some time in Germany to focus specifically on the study of rocks.
Q: What do you think Belgium’s role is in climate change?
A: I think that Belgium, like other countries, has an equal share in the responsibility for climate change. In order to prevent dangerous climate change, Belgium needs to focus on reducing green house gas emissions between now and 2050. These efforts would include industry, electricity, production, households, and transport. If Belgium fails to reduce gas emissions, then they will be unable to fulfill their obligations within the framework of the United Nations Convention on climate change.
Q: What role do you think individuals play when it comes to climate change?
A: We all have a personal responsibility. If nothing else, people should be aware of the dangers of climate change. Everyone should be using their voting power to elect leaders that will take climate change seriously and work to reduce carbon emissions over time.
Q: What are your thoughts on Greta Thunberg, Swedish activist, who has taken action to fight climate change? Are you familiar with her?
A: Yes, I’m super proud of her and the strides she has made in bringing awareness to climate change. She’s pretty amazing for a sixteen year old. Because of her, student climate strikes are happening all over the world. The youth should be involved and concerned for their future. Thunberg and youth in general should be frustrated and fearful, because policymakers aren’t taking climate change seriously.
Q: Do you have any thoughts on President Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Treaty?
A: I disagree with President Trump’s decision to withdraw. I think that this is a global issue and that all countries are equally responsible to fight climate change. The plan was to protect the world that we are leaving to our children, and he backed out on that commitment. President Trump should listen to science and be responsible enough to deal with climate change. The United States has a big responsibility in this and an important role to play. A lot of other countries also see the United States as a role model.
Q: Any final thoughts on climate change?
A: I’m hopeful that we can make a difference as far as climate change is concerned. I think that we are taking the right steps to bring awareness, as people are coming together across the world to address this. Climate change affects all of us. It is a global problem that needs to be addressed by all.
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