Climate Change. What is it? Is it real? Should you be concerned? So many questions, so little time. A simple breakdown of facts, misconceptions, and solutions ahead!
The climate is always evolving, right? So, humans aren’t responsible for climate change, right? This is a common argument that people use when faced with this topic. And it’s just one of many misconceptions when it comes to climate change. Unfortunately, “global warming” and “climate change” have earned a bad name in society, and there are some facts that need to be straightened out. It is such a big topic that the average person just doesn’t have the time to research. If you’re like me, you probably find yourself basing your opinions on hearsay. As someone who isn’t a scientist, I know I have much to learn about environmental concerns.
I hope you’ll come along with me on this journey of exploration. It’s a privilege to get to research scientific findings and share them in an easy-to-read format for you! And don’t think this is just about saving the polar bears and the whales! Addressing climate change affects our whole world and future generations. Let’s walk through some common questions and misconceptions. By the end, I hope to know more about climate change, how it affects us, and what I can do to help. So, let’s get started before another iceberg melts (just kidding…or am I?).
The Greenhouse Effect
Time to head back to science class where you may remember learning about something called the “greenhouse effect.” If you weren’t the kid in the front row who always had the answer, this probably rings a very distant bell, but you may not be able to give a textbook definition. I certainly couldn’t. Instead of failing this science test, how about a kid-friendly definition for the greenhouse effect? Here it goes:
The greenhouse effect is the process by which gases in the earth’s atmosphere trap heat from the Sun, making the earth warm.
Of course, we need heat in order to survive comfortably on the earth, so these greenhouse gases are important. Carbon Dioxide (CO2), for example, is one of the gases found in our atmosphere that helps trap heat. It’s a pretty amazing system, isn’t it!? Unfortunately, humans are messing with that system.
What’s Causing Climate Change?
It’s not that you and I are personally trying to mess up the greenhouse effect, but it’s the things that we’ve grown dependent on (like fossil fuels) that are creating the trouble. Did you know that since the Industrial Revolution (mid 18th to early 19th century), atmospheric CO2 has increased by 47%? The burning of fossil fuels like oil and coal are largely responsible for the increase of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere. Of course, there are other human activities that are problematic as well, like our ever-growing landfills that produce methane (another greenhouse gas).
As we release more greenhouse gases into our atmosphere, additional heat becomes trapped there which leads to an increase in temperature. Thus, climate change. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the average global temperature increased by 0.85 degrees Celsius (33 degrees Fahrenheit) from 1880 to 2012. For us Northerners, that might seem like a welcome change. However, maybe there are some greater effects that we can’t see beyond our less-icy doorstep.
Climate Change Effects
This seems like a good time to break into song and lead a rousing rendition of “Circle of Life.” After all, we are all connected on this earth, reliant on each other and the resources we’ve been given. This means, of course, that climate change will (if it hasn’t already) personally affect you. I’m not here to overwhelm you, so let’s walk through a few of the main areas that climate change is affecting.
Ocean and Marine Life
Sometimes I forget that the oceans cover about 70% of the earth. That’s incredibly significant! It’s also a bit scary when I think about how much we haven’t explored. Anyone else find deep sea creatures very odd (may I remind you of Finding Nemo)? I suppose they might find me odd too if they hold such opinions.
Since so much of the earth is water, of course climate change impacts our oceans. We’re talking increasing ocean temperatures, a growth in water acidity, rising sea levels, and more. Things like water acidity make it much more difficult for marine animals to survive. In addition, coastal flooding is an increasing problem as sea levels rise.
Continued Temperature Increases
Temperature increases are not just a problem in our oceans, but around the world. The phrase “global warming” is such a loaded phrase and a turn-off for many people. Needless to say, environmental scientists from the IPCC predict a temperature increase between 2.5 and 10 degrees Fahrenheit over the next century. This could pose a serious threat to human health, agriculture, water supply, and more.
Does Climate Change Cause Natural Disasters?
Of course, climate doesn’t just affect temperatures, but overall weather. Scientists continue to link climate change and natural disasters, though this is an area where much research is still in progress. There seems to be a pattern of heat and drought as temperatures increase, as well as greater hurricane concerns with the rising sea levels.
Arctic Changes
But what about the polar bears? I did joke about them at the beginning, and to be fair, there are serious concerns about Arctic climate changes. In the past thirty years, the Arctic has warmed at twice the rate of the rest of the world. Scientists report decreases in ice coverage in the Arctic Ocean, thawing of frozen ground (permafrost), and less overall snow coverage. Changes in the Arctic do affect the rest of the world by contributing to sea levels rising and altering wind currents. Also, let’s be real, nobody wants to make a polar bear mad by destroying its home.
5 Personal Solutions
Honestly, there are many varying opinions on climate change out there. And, it’s not untrue that climate patterns cycle over time. However, there seems to be a pretty solid consensus within the scientific community that human activities are having an impact on climate change. To what extent? That’s where it starts to get a bit hazy. Regardless of the extent, it’s obvious that we need to make some changes for the good of our environment. While scientists and governments struggle through what to do on a larger scale, how about a few simple ideas that are attainable for us as individuals and families?
Beep Beep for Climate Change
What are you driving these days? I recognize that not all of us (myself included) have much say in car choice. Many of us are just lucky to have transportation. However, if you do have the choice, a car with the best fuel economy possible is best for the environment. Did you know that each gallon of gas you use leads to twenty-five additional pounds of gases in the atmosphere? A car with better fuel economy means fewer emissions and better savings at the gas pump for you! Better yet, consider biking or walking to support your local business or check out public transit if it’s available to you.
Dispose Properly
So much of what we throw away ends up rotting away (or never decomposing) in landfills. In 2016, landfills were the third largest producer of methane gases. This is not only a smelly situation, but also a bad situation for the environment. If we all started recycling and composting, we could sure help clean up the landfill problem. Fun fact, researchers estimate that if the United States increased to a 75% recycling rate, it would generate roughly 1.5 million new jobs in the United States!
Eat Less Meat
I know, I know. There are some raving hamburger fans out there, but I’ve just got to give the facts. The truth is that the meat and dairy industry are responsible for roughly 14.5% of greenhouse gas emissions. I don’t think we can ignore that. Animal-based foods tend to have a much larger carbon footprint. I’m not here to tell you to be vegan (at least not in this post), but emissions from plant-based foods are anywhere from ten to fifty times less than those of animal products. You might consider at least not eating a burger every day!
Energy Efficiency & Conservation
Simply put, less energy used equals fewer emissions. So, weatherize your home, purchase energy efficient appliances where possible, use power strips, and choose LED lightbulbs. Even easier and cheaper, conserve what you already have. It could be as easy as choosing to air dry laundry, turning off lights when not in use, wearing more clothing when heat isn’t truly necessary. Moment of pure honesty: I just got up from writing this post to turn off a light I had left on mindlessly.
Plant Trees
“Plant a tree” seems to be the call to action of most environmentalists, doesn’t it? But I couldn’t call myself a true tree hugger if I didn’t give it a mention. In all seriousness, trees do improve our environment. In fact, when strategically placed around your house, they can help reduce your air conditioning and heating costs by up to thirty percent! Even better news for the environment is that a mature tree can absorb up to forty-eight pounds of CO2 every year. Plus, they give us oxygen in exchange!
Climate Change: In Conclusion
While there is still much we don’t know about the human impact on climate change, it’s still worth a conversation and some conservation. It’s clear that our consumerism and behavioral patterns are negatively impacting our environment. How much? It’s hard to say with certainty, but isn’t it worth making some changes to make sure that future generations have a clean and safe home?
If you made it this far, thanks for reading and learning along with me! Knowledge is power and action is even better.
Be Well. With Love.
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merridee benham says
Now I finally have a little understanding of climate change, gas emissions, and what I can do personally to help this situation.Thank you for such a well-written and interesting discourse .
Maggie says
I know I certainly needed to do the research, so I’m glad this was helpful!
~ Maggie