Vilma VillalobosPOSC 199Policy Research PaperClimate Policy/EnvironmentHuman beings have played an active role in the deterioration of the environment over the years. Despite the efforts made by politicians and environmentalists, there is still much to be done to reduce, if not stop, harmful activities that in turn damage the environment. It may seem that the environment is vast and self-restoring, but this is not the case. Indeed, climate change and a rapidly changing environment raise concerns about what the future holds, particularly for California. Because the environment provides many natural resources essential to human survival, California should establish and enforce policies that regulate toxic waste disposal, help clean up water bodies, reduce carbon dioxide inputs that contribute to global warming, plant more trees and offer rewards to people who actively protect the environment in order to gain citizen involvement. Toxic waste and waste containing chemicals pose a great threat to the environment for many reasons. Unfortunately, California, among other coastal states in the United States, is one of the most industrially polluted regions in the United States (Cooper, 1996). It is therefore not surprising that it was discovered that improper waste disposal by industrial companies soon began to affect both wildlife and humans. People had to evacuate their homes due to companies burying their waste illegally, resulting in contamination of water sources (Cooper, 1996). Animals ingest chemicals and toxins that leach through the soil, and while efforts have been made to regulate waste through the global environmental response, Com...... middle of paper ...... should reward people who invest time, money and commitment to help the environment. In conclusion, the environment is extremely delicate and the fate of humanity depends on how balanced the environment is; therefore California should implement and enforce policies that help maintain a good balance. Even though people may not believe it, the environment plays a huge role in everyday life and determines what the future holds. It is best to address the problem before the consequences of mistreatment of the environment become completely irreversible. Therefore, regulating waste disposal, cleaning beaches, reducing carbon dioxide emissions, planting trees and involving citizens are all crucial to improving the environment. California is a beautiful state, and the goal should be to keep it that way, so that the future can be brighter.