These days, climate change is talked or written about in almost every aspect of our lives. But how many people understand what climate change is, and how it affects us now and will affect us in the future?
Does anyone read this not know that the temperature of the planet is steadily rising?
This is commonly referred to as “global warming”. The rise in the planet’s temperature is just one way it affects us and changes our climate. When you follow what is happening because of the planet’s temperature increase, you start to pay attention to.
Suddenly, someone notices an effect that follows the cause – The old “cause and effect” strategy. The planet warms up, and the ice on the earth begins to melt, but “cause and effect” don’t stop there. No. The ice melts and sea level begins to rise.
Now we know that climate change affects us by:
(a) Global warming – The planet is warming.
b) The planet’s ice shelves melting, and
c) The sea level of the oceans rising.
But how does all this affect us, you and me?
In addition to weather patterns becoming very unpredictable, and in some cases, too erratic, there is the issue of melting ice. This melting ice is dangerous to us in many ways. -To name just a few:
Many species on the planet are very likely to go extinct because they are losing their habitat.
The loss of every species on the planet is or should be, a significant concern for all of us. Some of these species are hunted by humans for food, and their loss is a loss of a food source in an area where food sources are very scarce. The same species are also hunted for their skins to keep people warm in extremely cold climates.
Some will suggest that the warming climate might be right for these people, so they are not cold. This is an unheard-of thought, and that is why articles like this are so essential to better educate the people of our world. Because again, I point out the “cause and effect”. Nothing changes without a cause and an effect.
Affect: Now we are discussing sea-level rise. Many communities are below sea level, and sea-level rise can cause terrible tragedies all over the world.
Is there anyone reading this article who does not know what happened to a “small” community called “New Orleans”? This is just one example of the tragedies that will occur in the future if we don’t take action.
How does climate change affect us? At this point, I hope my article has given you some idea. For the critical part of this article: what can “we” – me, and you – do about it?
I don’t believe that our climate change effects can be stopped or reversed at this point, but I do think that we can still slow down its impact if we all take action.
If you are still reading and asking yourself “what can I do?” Then, on behalf of my grandchildren – the oldest is two, 6-11-2009 – I want to thank you.
Let’s discuss what you can do to help:
1) accept that you can help, even if you have a limited income. This is the first step to moving forward and helping. Otherwise, you might feel too overwhelmed and think you can’t afford to make a difference. But there are many levels of help you can participate in, and the most important story is the level you experience in.
2) Choose your level of participation:
(a) Doesn’t cost you anything, and will save you money.
Put:
- Turn off those unnecessary lights.
- Turn off the water while brushing your teeth, or washing your hair, or washing yourself in.
- Don’t waste gas by making useless trips to the store.
- Try making a list and limit your visits to the store.
Saves you gasoline and money you would have spent on gas.
Try carpooling with someone who already goes to the store, or even to work. Simple things that won’t cost you anything.
Can we take it one step further that still doesn’t cost you any money? Sure. How about finding your local recycling company. Instead of adding to the problem, take steps now to alleviate it. This is not difficult, and I have shown you how to keep more of the money you already have.
b) Is a level that would require some spending, the amount of the expenditure would be entirely up to you.
Replace those old energy-wasting light bulbs with new energy-saving ones – You don’t have to replace them all at once if your budget doesn’t allow it. You can turn them off when the old bulbs burnout.
Make sure all your faucets and shower heads have water-saving limiters or heads.
Have your car serviced and check the air pressure of your tires. If it’s within your means, see if you can trade in that old car for a newer model, preferably a hybrid.
Now that you know how climate change affects us, and how you can help “influence” climate change. It is better that you do your part when