The Climate Crisis

Written by: Keya Gambhir

Climate change is a term used to describe major changes in the Earth’s environment, associated with many of its horrible effects. Today, climate change is majorly seen in the form of Global Warming, or the overheating of the Earth. A record high of billions of tons of carbon dioxide are released into the air in human greenhouse gas emissions and show no signs of stopping anytime soon. So why does this issue exist and what catapults its negative effects globally? Let’s find out!

Causes of Climate Change

Climate change has many contributors, many being human-made. Electricity and energy generated using the burning of fossil fuels is a large reason for this crisis. According to the United Nations, “Most electricity is still generated by burning coal, oil, or gas.” This then produces harmful gases such as carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide which create a covering around the Earth, similar to a blanket, trapping the sun's heat in our atmosphere, and heating up the planet. This issue is also aggravated by manufacturing, as fossil fuels are burnt for this industry as well. 

Another aspect of climate change is deforestation, which triggers the release of lots of carbon dioxide, which happens when a tree is cut down. This is bad for the environment for several reasons, as less oxygen is produced, and more carbon dioxide exists in our environment. 

Effects of Climate Change

Climate change has shown many negative effects on our environment ever since its acceleration during the Industrial Revolution. Something that is extremely concerning is that we are encroaching on what is warned to be “an unacceptable risk” by scientists, according to the United Nations. This risks extreme damage to our ecosystems, not only now but in the future. By 2100, we may be 3 degrees Celsius above safe conditions. This is scary to think about because of the implications it has on Earth and human safety.

When glaciers and ice sheets feel the impacts of climate change, they melt, raising sea levels. This risks many coastal regions, such as New York, Shanghai, Rio de Janeiro, and others, going underwater, which is dangerous and another risk to human safety.

Climate change can also be bad for our food and water supplies. It is a major cause of soil degradation, which is when the quality of soil declines due to factors related to physical, chemical, and biological elements. This can cause up to 30% of loss of food supply. Without enough food, the human future seems dystopian.

What Can You and I Do?

Climate change is an extremely serious issue that will affect generations to come. The question is how can you make it better for them and help the Earth? Here are some ways that you and your family can go about helping with the climate change crisis, as suggested by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

1. Use energy and water-efficient appliances at home, and power the house with renewable energy (ex: solar panels)

2. Recycle efficiently

3. Turn off all the lights when you leave a room

4. Support organizations that plant trees/ plant them yourself!

5. So much more!

It’s time to invest in change and contribute to making the world a better place. If you enjoyed this week’s article or have any questions about how to get involved in your local community, feel free to reach out using our contact forms!