Climate change has been connected with damaging weather events such as more frequent and more intense hurricanes, floods, downpours, and winter storms. Together with expanding ocean waters due to rising temperatures melting polar ice, the resulting rise in sea level has begun to damage coastlines as a result of increased flooding and erosion. The cause of current climate change is largely human activity, like burning fossil fuels, like natural gas, oil, and coal. Burning these materials releases what are called greenhouse gases into Earth’s atmosphere. There, these gases trap heat from the sun’s rays inside the atmosphere causing Earth’s average temperature to rise.
Here are some things you can do
-Talk to your family and friends about climate change and why it matters
-Write letters or emails to your elected officials asking them to support policies that will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions
-Support businesses and organizations working to combat climate change
-Reduce your own carbon footprint by doing things like carpooling, recycling, composting, make positive buying decisions – choose less plastic packaging and be conscious of how and where things are made, and save energy at home.
Working together to make a difference
Climate change is a huge problem but it’s one we can solve if we all work together. Every little bit helps when it comes to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions. Talk to your friends and family about what you can do to help and take action yourself by supporting businesses working towards solutions and making small changes in your own life. Together we can make a difference!