Guests Ella King and Jordan King: Simple actions can help everyone make a big difference

I'm Jordan, a senior. I must admit, I hadn't really given a thought to the issue of climate change until this year. During winter of last year, we had days that were unusually warm, while the next day, we had inches of snow. I downplayed the effects of climate change not because I didn't think it was important, but because it wasn't affecting my daily life … not until now.

Of course, I save energy at home and recycle, but what about fossil fuels? What about the effects of air travel? As much as we need to get rid of them, fossil fuels will be here a little longer as well as airplanes, both of which poorly affect the environment.

At the same time, I also feel like I'm somewhat uneducated on the issue of climate change. We rarely talk about climate change in school, and it's not something that is brought up in any type of conversation with my friends. I feel that there needs to be more academic curriculum regarding climate change as well as more acknowledgement of NGOs and other organizations dedicated to solving this issue.

One thing I can attest to, however, is the environmental awareness I've gained from being a Girl Scout. During camping trips, my troop was always very adamant about the saying "Leave No Trace," meaning to always leave a site clear of food, litter or anything else that could potentially endanger the environment.

In addition to that, my troop helped to clean up a park cluttered with trash in order to complete one of our awards. Looking back on it now, it feels good to know that I was chipping in to help out our environment. It also makes me realize how easy it is to take the initiative to help with climate change in small ways, which in turn makes a huge difference. I hope that in the future, more people will be mindful of climate change, its effects, and how they can take the initiative to make change.

I'm Ella, a freshman. I think that climate change is a real problem in our world, and it is something that is overlooked because of how minimal the effects may seem to a common person living their daily life. However, in the big scheme of things, I think that we could all chip in to help our environment, and help slow the effects of climate change. Simple things such as turning off lights you may not be using or bringing a reusable water bottle. Or, riding your bike to an after-school practice instead of driving.

A lot of people look at climate change and they apply it to their own life and how it may affect them in negative ways. But, I think that we should stop thinking so much about ourselves and start thinking more about how climate change will actually affect our future. Future families, wildlife, food production and more.

If I were in charge, I think that I would try to limit the production of many different plastic items because the production of different plastic products is a big threat to our environment. Also, I would probably make it a priority to teach students more about the effects of climate change, because it's something that is not brought up often in schools, and so many people don't realize how serious it is for our future.

I think this winter was a good example of how climate change is real: 70 degree weather in November is not normal. Different changes in our weather and many other things will continue to worsen if there is not a change.

I have taken action to help climate change through Girl Scouts. Some of the different projects we've done are making small reusable bags for our lunch, picking up trash at the park, and learning how to clean ponds. Doing these projects has made me feel better on how the environment around us is being treated and it shows me how simple tasks can make a big difference in helping climate change.

• Jordan and Ella King are sisters who attend Naperville North High School.