Global average temperatures are rising, bringing new risks to our health and livelihoods. This is why a growing number of people around the world are worried about Climate Change.
Our warming climate is caused by the burning of fossil fuels – coal, oil and gas. Fossil fuels release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which causes the greenhouse effect. The concentration of CO2 is higher than at any time in recent history.
Greenhouse gases trap the Sun’s energy and keep it inside the Earth. This makes it warmer, but also means that we need to find ways to reduce our emissions.
Changing climate is also linked to a wide range of other changes in the planet’s natural systems. These include increased levels of heat-trapping carbon dioxide, rising seas and changes to ocean and land ecosystems.
How to Help
Using less electricity or water, turning off lights and TVs when you leave a room, planting trees, and making your homes more energy efficient can all help. These small changes make a big difference in how much greenhouse gases are emitted.
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If everyone made these changes, we could have a more sustainable future and a healthier planet. But it would take a huge cultural shift.
The most immediate thing we can do to protect our planet is to stop burning fossil fuels and start relying on renewable energies like wind, solar and geothermal power. We can also support governments as they work to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
A Warmer Climate is a Hazard for Our Health
Temperatures are rising, increasing the risk of heat stress and heatstroke. Similarly, air pollution is becoming worse, with more airborne pollutants to harm respiratory health and increase the risk of asthma.
In addition, more frequent and intense heat waves are predicted to occur as the climate warms. These are especially dangerous for young children and the elderly.
A Changing Climate is a Harmful Thing for Our Food
As the climate warms, we are more likely to experience food shortages, especially in the United States. This can lead to a variety of problems, including lowered nutritional quality and more outbreaks of harmful pathogens in our food supply.
Developing nations are particularly vulnerable, as they have little capacity to cope with the impact of climate change and often lack access to clean water or adequate shelter. They will be affected by droughts, floods and rising sea levels, as well as other impacts of climate change.
Human-caused climate change is a serious threat to our economy and society. It increases the costs of living, disrupts business operations, and puts a strain on social services such as healthcare and education.
The impacts of climate change differ widely across regions and sectors. For example, some communities will be more impacted by flooding than others.
Vulnerability to climate change also differs amongst and within countries. This is because of factors such as indigenous population, economics, geography and the availability of resources.