What is climate change?

Climate change is the term that refers to the change in the temperature and rainfall on the planet.

Global warming is the gradual rise in temperature of the atmosphere. It is often talked about using the greenhouse effect. Global warming happens mainly because of all the fossil fuels we burn like oil, coal, and gas. But it also happens because of other reasons:

  • Deforestation
  • Large livestock farming (cows and sheep produce a lot of methane when they digest their food)
  • Many commercial and organic fertilizers (especially ones that have nitrogen)
  • Decomposition of waste in landfills

Do my actions affect climate change?

It’s important to note that more than a third of ALL carbon emissions come from big corporations, mainly fossil fuel companies. Petitioning to hold these companies responsible is hugely important in preserving the future of humanity, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t also do what we can to reduce our own carbon footprints.

Each person has a carbon footprint. A carbon footprint is the amount of greenhouse gases caused by an individual. The average American emits 20 metric tons or around 44,000 pounds of carbon dioxide each year. This is in comparison to the 480 billion tons emitted by corporations. According to the International Energy Agency, America contributes 15% of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions.

How does it affect the environment?

Watch this illustration to understand the greenhouse effect:

https://www.environment.gov.au/climate-change/climate-science-data/climate-science/greenhouse-effect

Our climate is always changing (warming and cooling) because of the slight changes in the earth’s orbit. This effects the amount of solar energy the earth is getting. However, since the 1950s there has been a drastic spike in temperature. It is considered abnormal because of it’s rapidity. Scientists say this warming trend is 95-100% due to human causes.

What can I do?

There is a wide range of personal changes you can make to act on climate change:

  • Compost
    Remove the term “throw away” from your vocabulary – it downplays the very real fact that everything you choose to dispose of is ending up in a landfill where it emits greenhouse gas. Saying “throw into a landfill” might make you think twice about what you’re doing. Composting is one of the easiest and most effective things you can do reduce how much trash you produce and cut down on your carbon footprint.
  • Change your diet
    It can be hard to switch to a fully vegetarian or vegan diet, but it is a very efficient way to cut down your carbon footprint. If you do decide to go vegan, you can reduce your carbon footprint from food by up to 73%. If that is not attainable for you, cutting out red meat or choosing a couple days of the week to go vegetarian will help too.
  • Change the way you travel
    Try to bicycle or walk to places that are relatively close to you and limit your air travel.
  • Switch your home to clean energy
    Switch to a clean energy company such as Viridian, First Solar, NextEra Energy, and many more. If that’s not an option for you, start by reducing your energy consumption; turn off lights, unplug items when not in use, choose appliances that are more energy efficient, etc.
  • Shop sustainably
    Try to buy locally grown produce and meat! Not only will you support your local farmer and reduce your carbon footprint, but you’ll also have quality grown goods! Avoid fast fashion and choose to buy from companies that package consciously – zero single use plastic is the goal!

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