Op-ed: How political polarization is affecting the climate crisis

production, while Democratic speakers focus on public health and extreme weather. Republican speech continues to focus on the use of oil, coal and natural gas due to campaign contributions made by fossil fuel companies to candidates following the controversial ruling of Citizens United v. FEC in 2010. Many Democrats have emphasized the opportunities that will accompany a “green” economy and the use of renewable sources instead of fossil fuels.

(57%) or their own political leanings (54%) most of the time.

As Democrats continue to be alarmed by climate change and its harm to all life, several Republicans insist there is a “small likelihood” such events will occur.

question whether this proposal is truly necessary as taxpayer dollars are being spent on foreign nations.

Insufferable heat, the development of new diseases, food shortages and underwater nations seem to be a faraway idea only seen in a science-fiction film about the end of the world. However, these descriptions are slowly becoming a reality for many, as the issue of climate change becomes more prevalent in society. As unprecedented summer heat and increasingly intense natural disasters unfold, social, political and economic chaos will ensue as individuals flee their countries and scramble to fix their situations.

Despite this grim reality, some Americans continue to be hesitant about climate change. Our nation remains divided on the climate crisis in large part due to the political polarization in our government. Without unity, we cannot create impactful climate change policy.

The topic of climate change has been a source of debate since its first discussion in Congress in 1996. In the journal Environmental Politics, recent research discussed the language of the two parties regarding climate change. Republican members devote their attention to cap-andtrade policy, climate change denial, international accords and energy

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In early 2022, a viral TikTok showed fans at Tyler, the Creator’s “Call Me If You Get Lost” tour playing duck-duck-goose during the set of the opener, Vince Staples. This is entitled behavior, and we need to do better as a community if we truly care about music.

This first scenario was an affront to the artist, who was expecting to perform for people who care about his music, not to provide ambiance while they play games and sit in a circle. There have always been rude people in public places and there always will be, but there’s been an uptick in recent memory.

Members of the service industry have spoken up about this rise in rudeness, especially coming out of the pandemic. I’ve felt a similar shift in the live music scene. Boston is a

In 1990, the system of cap-andtrade, which allows the market to determine the price of carbon in order for investment decisions and innovation to occur, was introduced in Congress to regulate the emissions of sulfur dioxide, a prominent component of acid rain. The policy has remained a prominent issue in Congress and in the fight for climate change policy. Many Republicans reject the idea of cap-and-trade, and wish to alter the legislation to “capand-tax.” This proposed change would allow numerous exceptions for large companies and allow for loopholes to avoid adhering to the regulation.

Another issue underlying the divide between the two parties is the belief in science. Some people question the true motives of climate scientists and whether they hold ulterior motives for conducting such research. According to a Pew Research Center poll, 55% of Democrats place their faith in climate scientists and their understanding of the crisis. Democrats are also more likely to believe there will be numerous catastrophes that neither policy nor individual changes can stop. Unlike Democrats, Republicans are more likely to believe that climate change research is influenced by the desire of scientists to advance their careers

It is alarming to see that our own government leaders refuse to acknowledge the facts. Some representatives argue against global warming because their states are too cold, as Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin said. These remarks and alarming statistics display that education on the climate crisis is necessary for our leaders as the issue becomes more prominent in our daily lives.

In April, President Biden pledged more than $500 million to combat deforestation in Brazil and $1 billion to help developing countries move away from using fossil fuels, regions slated to experience the worst effects of climate change as the crisis continues. Through Biden’s proposal, the $500 million will be distributed over the course of five years and aid the Amazon Fund. The Amazon is home to hundreds of species and plays a large role in the water cycle; however, it has sadly seen a rise in deforestation. Though the plan would be beneficial to the country of Brazil, many Republicans are opposed to the idea of foreign climate assistance. According to a 2022 study published in the National Library of Medicine, Republicans often veto climate change legislation. Many lovely musical city that has granted me access to a plethora of opportunities to watch talented people perform. I’ve gotten to experience more shows this past year than any other, like Clairo, Aminé, Steve Lacy and COIN, which I am so grateful for. From basements in Allston to 1,000-plus capacity venues in the city like House of Blues and Roadrunner, I’ve noticed that not everyone feels the same when my favorite artist is performing live. I’ve had too many experiences where fellow concertgoers acted like a bunch of hooligans and made the show unpleasant. I have a long list of grievances, and hopefully, after I address them, we can all become better fans.

As the United States continues to remain polarized and public policy is halted due to constant discourse of the two political parties, we must recognize the imminent effects of climate change. Each day, citizens experience record-breaking temperatures as well as cataclysmic natural disasters. To end this, we, as a nation, must solve the issue of climate change through education.

Lawmakers and citizens should learn of the effects of the climate crisis instead of minimizing its effects by calling it a hoax. Like in all political matters, both parties must reach common ground and recognize the importance of the issue at hand. As a nation, we cannot resolve our issues by avoiding or denying them. We must learn to come together, trust the facts and set aside our differences to protect our nation, its beauty and its citizens. Earth is our home, so let us learn to care for all its beauty.

Elena Hernandez is a second-year psychology and criminal justice combined major. She can be reached at hernandez.e@northeastern.edu.

This entitled behavior stems from the mindset of “I paid for this concert! I’m gonna do what I want!”

I heard a fan yell this at the person in front of her during a bbno$ show when she asked the fan to stop shoving her. To some degree, I think we all feel that if we pay for an experience, then we better have a good time. This is true! But in order for everyone to enjoy themselves, your pleasure can’t come at the expense of other people’s discomfort. Do not raise your phone for the entire concert. Do not push to the front for your favorite songs. Stop talking over the opening artist. And if you are over six feet tall, do not tap average-height me on the shoulder and ask to stand in front of me because I “won’t complain as much as the short girls that are behind me.” People holding up their phones and blocking my view to record the entirety of a song is another major ick I have. I’ve gotten to the point where I only take mine out for a picture in between songs or a snippet of 15 seconds at most. I realized that I’ll never be able to capture what I feel and see in that moment on my phone. If I really want to relive a performance, I’ll find a video online that someone with a steady hand recorded from the mezzanine. That guy will always be there for you.

I like to check on the people around me, both for their safety and mine. You might see someone looking like they’re about to pass out, or they lost a wallet and need the crowd to make space. On multiple occasions, I’ve helped someone find their other shoe in the aftermath of a mosh pit. Specifically during the Steve Lacy show I attended at the Roadrunner, 11 people fainted and the crowd needed to make space for EMTs each time. We must always be on alert for our fellow fans, no matter how mellow the music.

I’ve found that the more aggressive or alternative the music, the kinder the fans tend to be. If you ever attend a DIY music show in an Allston basement, you’ll find a community unlike any other: one that’s inclusive, creative and where the person standing next to you is now your friend. The musicians are talented, the support beams are questionable, admission is cheap and you will have an unparalleled concert experience. Moreover, you can practice being an empathetic concertgoer at the next free show in AfterHours, our on-campus concert venue inside of a Starbucks. Here, you’ll be surrounded by your community of peers, which should motivate the audience members to treat each other with respect.

I should also add that I don’t think rowdy concertgoers are bad people. We’re living in a moment that permits people to crave attention all the time in order to feel gratification, even while in public or at a show, where the attention should never be on you. We’re not conditioned to be empathetic. And while we can only control ourselves, I hope that this inspires you to be a more appreciative fan at your next show. In sum, be kind to others and be kind to yourself, because if you aren’t, that’s really embarrassing.

Jared Haime is a third-year political science and international affairs combined major. He can be reached at haime.j@northeastern.edu.