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Honorable Mention
Mountains Beyond Mountains Essay Contest

Essay by Chris Gerbino

      Paul Farmer, of Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder, has spent his life battling diseases in underdeveloped countries.  With those who share his vision, he has triumphed over the most trying of challenges and demonstrates his bravado in undertaking ostensibly unbeatable tasks.  Dr. Farmer preaches the belief that even one person has the ability to impact significant global issues. 

      One of the most pressing issues is global warming and its various effects on the planet.  Once highly debated, global warming has recently been accepted by most scientists, however; it still remains a controversial matter.  Based on the idea that greenhouse gases build up in the atmosphere and destroy the ozone layer. Many of the greenhouse gases directly warm the atmosphere and serve only to exacerbate the situation, known as the greenhouse effect.  With the continued depletion of the ozone layer, exceedingly large amounts of solar radiation are allowed into the atmosphere warming the Earth and its environment.  The warming of the earth has many dire consequences including the following; creating an unstable environment, rapidly increasing temperatures, and extinction of numerous species of animals.  

      Although a monstrous task to undertake, even one person acting alone can make a significant difference.  For example, all people should recycle paper and plastics when possible.  New York State has a very comprehensive recycling program and most states have a somewhat less-encompassing program.  It is becoming increasingly easy for people to become environmentally aware and friendly.  In addition, many companies are “going green” and beginning to sell environmentally friendly materials.  The most notable of which are the major automobile producers which are now producing hybrid, electric, and battery powered vehicles.  Likewise, Zebra, a manufacturer of up-scale pens and writing utensils, has a special “green line” of products.  This merchandise is made from over eighty percent recycled materials and the rest from environmentally friendly ones.  With growing knowledge about the hazards of pesticides on humans and the environment, people have been switching to organic produce in search of a healthier lifestyle.  Public transportation is a growing trend in major cities and urban areas; it reduces carbon dioxide emissions and is healthier for the environment. 

      The quest to cease global warming is not unlike Paul Farmer’s never ending one to halt the spread of disease in third-world countries.  They both center on the ability of the individual and the importance of their impacts, no matter the size or scope.  Most of what can be done to aid the world in our endeavors is rather simple and straightforward, yet they take time and energy which some do not wish to commit for the betterment of humanity. 

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