Contrary to what we may think, nature does not cease in the face of political turmoil. Climate change has increased the rate of melting in icebergs, and in some cases causes them to flip. Icebergs reside predominantly below sea level, and the often very small visible percentage is coated in dirt, snow, and other debris. However, as the ice below the surface melts away,the balance established shifts. This increase in iceberg flipping has enabled the event to be caught on video. Witnesses were amazed by the newly-visible ice, which is believed to be very old.
This article is not explicitly political, but it relates strongly to climate concern and the danger of global warming. While it places most of its focus upon the surprise of onlookers and the minerals of which the ice is composed, informed readers will pick up on subtle hints to the danger of climate change. This occurrence is difficult to track, and icebergs are flipping increasingly close to where they break from larger ice masses. While the article does not clearly bring up potential dangers, such as disruption of ecosystems and scientific equipment, readers will further consider the dangers of climate change.
In light of recent events, I would like to compel you to click on the link cited below and look at the images of this iceberg. They are beautiful. Icebergs are known on the surface for their frosted peaks and mundane, often abrasive appearance, but they are so much more. In today's society, we find ourselves confronted more with the few harsh actions of others than with the random acts of kindness which surround us. And yet, increasing danger caused this iceberg to flip, revealing a beautiful underside. Since Donald Trump's election, I have been afraid. I have seen hate, and I have seen fear in the eyes and hearts of many, but I have also seen love. I have seen friends comforting friends, and I have received hugs and words of comfort from those I barely know (if you're in my class period you know what I'm talking about). In some confusing way, this upheaval of hate has brought forth the best in many. We are all scared, but we will stand together, because an attack upon one of us is an attack upon all of us. We are beautiful beneath the surface, beneath our rough debris and harsh edges. Humanity still has hope, and I am far from what one would call an optimist, but I will hold onto this hope. I do not hold on for myself; I do not think I would be capable of that. I hold on for all of us, because I cannot bear to see the progress we have made in the past few years lost. Visibility of minorities has been increasing. Transgender people are accepted by western culture more than ever before, and racial minorities are steadily gaining representation as well as justice. We have so many problems, and America is far from perfect, but I do not want our goals to get any further away. These next four years might be hell. The House and Senate have Republican majority, and the 2018 midterm (which is on November 6th, 3 days before I turn 18, so I will not be able to vote) contests the seats of over 20 Democrats and only 8 Republicans who are currently members of Senate. America is not perfect, and these next few years will test us. I am not religious, and if I were, I would claim it was a test of faith in some divine power. I do not believe that. These next few years will be difficult for most (read: everyone who isn't a cisgender, white, straight, christian male of wealthy parentage), but they will bring us together. So don't ignore the sophomore sobbing in the hallway, or the jittery junior who has been standing in the same spot for three minutes. Ask if they are okay. Because we still have one another, and we still have our school. We still have hope.
Source:
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/photographer-captures-stunning-underside-flipped-iceberg-180953951/?no-ist
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