Approximately 7.8 billion individuals have felt the unwelcome effects of 2020. In the midst of a global pandemic, some have managed to maintain relatively normal lives; others saw their lives changed forever. Over a million people have died from COVID-19. Essential workers have worked long hours, striving to keep others safe and support themselves and their families. Unemployment has soared. In 2020, we saw record-breaking protests against police brutality. We witnessed a rise in natural disasters and began to really feel the effects of climate change. We experienced a divisive presidential election. Conspiracy theories have taken over social media and have even been validated by elected officials, spreading uncertainty and fear.
Alone, each of these experiences is frightening; together, they are overwhelming. Although the Saint Joseph’s University community is a miniscule part of that number, our fears matter and we have the opportunity to make an impact. Our campaign has been informed by the fear of the global pandemic and the reality the world has begun to adjust to. It is also informed by other struggles that are also omnipresent in our lives, including racism, mental health, sexism, homophobia, and many more. Our campaign seeks not only to share these fears, but to search for hope. It is our responsibility as members of the SJU community to share and address these fears and, by starting that conversation, to help make individuals feel more safe and welcome. Join us.
Fear of Social Implications of Climate Change
Saint Joseph’s sports marketing major - class of 2021 shares his experience of becoming aware of the seriousness of the climate change issue, as well as what could happen to humanity in the future.
