What is climate change?
Climate change is a large-scale, long-term shift in the planet's weather patterns & average temperatures
The Earth's climate is changing. Countless evidence show changes in our weather, oceans, ecosystems, and more. The average global temperature has already increased by 1°C (1.8°F) above pre-industrial levels. Some regions of the world have warmed by more than twice this amount. While this may seem like not that much, the impact of global warming is tremendous.
Natural causes alone cannot explain all of these changes. In fact, 97% of scientists agree that human activities are contributing to climate change, primarily by releasing billions of tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other heat-trapping gases, known as greenhouse gases, into the atmosphere every year. The gases trap heat within the atmosphere, which can have a range of effects, such as:
Changing temperaturesand precipitation patterns
Sea level increasesand rise in ocean temperatures and acidity
Melting of glaciersand sea ice turning liquid
Extreme weather eventshappen more frequently and intense
Ecosystem shiftssuch as length of the growing season
Human health threatas a result of heat and disease spread
Why does it matter?
Climate change is a serious problem that affects each and every one of us
Rising levels of carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases in the atmosphere have warmed the Earth and are causing wide-ranging impacts, including rising sea levels; melting snow and ice; more extreme heat events, fires and drought; and more extreme storms, rainfall and floods. Scientists project that these trends will continue and in some cases accelerate, posing significant risks to human health, biodiversity, our forests, agriculture, freshwater supplies, coastlines, and other natural resources that are vital to our global economy, the environment, and our quality of life.
The effects of climate change
Why climate change matters becomes very visible in this video. Simply click Play and find out how climate change is affecting your life and that of billions of other people.
What can I do?
Your actions can already have a huge impact!
That's right. Though you might feel like your lifestyle is insignificant, the choices you make in your day-to-day life play a major role in fighting climate change. In fact, by doing so you not only contribute to saving our planet, but also save money. Here is a list of nine ways you can make an impact. Start today!
Green your commute
Walk, cycle or take public transport whenever you can. You will save money and get into better shape. If you can't go car-free, try carpooling or car sharing, and if you purchase a car: buy an electric vehicle that does not run on gasoline but on electricity instead.
Electric vehiclesBe energy-efficient
Switch lights and airconditioning off whenever you can. Change light bulbs to LED lights, and unplug electronic devices such as televisions and computers when not in use. When purchasing a fridge, dryer, or washing machine, buy those that have energy-efficiency labels.
Smart appliancesChoose clean energy
Purchase energy from a provider or utility company that gets its energy from clean, renewable sources. For example: wind and solar energy. Solar power is the conversion of sunlight into electricity. Wind power is extracted from air flow using wind turbines or sails.
Wind & solarUse less water
It takes lots of energy to pump, treat, and heat water, so saving water reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Reduce the amount of waste you generate and the water you consume whenever possible, and you will see this also saves you quite a bit of money.
Water saving tipsEat healthy & wisely
Buy organic and locally grown foods. Avoid processed items. Grow some of your own food. Eating less meat is a good step in the right direction as well, considering that 18 percent of greenhouse gas emissions come from meat and dairy production.
Change in dietTrim your waste
Keep stuff out of landfills by composting kitchen scraps and garden trimmings, and recycling & reuse paper, plastic, metal and glass. Try to repair a broken product before simply buying a new one , and demand minimal or recyclable materials & packaging.
Recycle and reuseLet polluters pay
Demand a commitment to carbon taxes from your (local) government and politicians. Carbon taxes make polluting activities more expensive and green solutions more affordable, allowing energy-efficient businesses and households to save money.
Carbon taxesDemand divestment
Fossil fuel divestment is the removal of investment assets including stocks, bonds, and investment funds from companies involved in extracting fossil fuels, in order to reduce climate change. Demand divestment from businesses, schools, banks and governments.
Fossil divestmentSpread the word
Tell others about climate change, how their everyday actions are affecting our planet and how they can help. Your voice is a powerful weapon that you should not underestimate. Engage others to join you on the path towards a more sustainable future.
Share this site