This summer is set to be the hottest summer in two thousand years. This shows global warming is still at large. Greenhouse gases, while invisible, still affect everyday life in a big way. Not only do these greenhouse gasses affect environments all around the world, they also affect schools.
A study by the Harvard Kennedy School shows each degree of heat reduces how much the students have learned in the year. This study took data from 10 million PSAT participants.
Another Harvard study shows that test scores taken on a 72-degree day are much better than test scores taken on a 90-degree day. This study also tells us that extreme heat affects mathematics three times more than it affects English or Language Arts.
Lastly, climate change affects sleep. Sleep is crucial when it comes to taking tests, and is especially important in the lives of young boys. It is imperative to use this summer to get much-needed rest, to set students up for success.
Schools around the country, Haverford included, can take actions to support students in this unprecedented time in their lives. Schools can use the summer to upgrade their air conditioning. Also, schools should also have the student opinions in mind when setting the air conditioning. A possible email every month asking the students whether the temperature is comfortable would be a great start.
Nonetheless, Haverford provides an environment where the students can succeed. Studies also show that heat does not affect students in the summer nearly as much as it does in the school year. However, the heat during the summer will be a factor in completing sumer work. However, it is important to be diligent and act accordingly with the environment students will be working in. In addition, as Fords, it is our responsibility to fight and tackle problems in the world. It’s never too early to start.
Students and teachers should set aside extra time to prepare for the school year next year because of the learning curve heat imposes. For the health of our students and peers, the school should also be careful if more wildfires are a health problem. In June, 2023, the Canadian wildfires made the sky orange, and brought a big health problem. Being outside for more than one hour at the time of those wildfires could cause serious damage to your wellbeing.
Global warming is just one of the problems facing our generation. Throughout the summer, make sure to throw out all your trash, use energy wisely, and be mindful of how you are treating the planet.
