Climate Change By Sara Sanchez

What is Climate Change?

• A change in global or regional climate patterns, in particular a change apparent from the mid to late 20th century onwards and attributed largely to the increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide produced by the use of fossil fuels.

What is the reason for Climate Change?

When fossil fuels - coal, oil and natural gas - are burnt they release CO2 into the atmosphere. Because of this the layer of greenhouse gas is getting thicker, which is in turn making the Earth warmer. Thus the ongoing unlimited burning of fossil fuels is the reason for climate change.

What are the effects of Climate Change?

Can affect people and the environment in many ways. Some of these impacts, like stronger hurricanes and severe heat waves, could be life threatening. Others, like spreading weeds, will be less serious. And some affect, like longer growing seasons for crops, might even be good.

Why is Climate Change an issue?

After decades of denial, most of us now realize we are addicted to fossil fuels that create vast quantities of carbon dioxide, and that this addiction also extends to a wide variety of industrial and agricultural practices that create a whole host of other global warming gases. We are fundamentally changing the planet we live on.

What are some solutions for Climate Change

Many and varied solutions to climate change have been proposed, including individual frugality, energy conservation measures, renewable energy, and carbon sequestration. Which is the solution? Most likely, all of them. There are champions for each, but in the end we may need to use every trick we know to get us out of this one. Because carbon dioxide is mostly emitted from the consumption of energy from fossil fuels (for lighting, transportation, manufacturing, etc.), changing the way we produce and use energy is our starting point in trying to reduce emissions

There are many ways that you can make a difference, such as driving less, insulating your house better, changing your voting priorities, buying organic food, eating less meat, buying fuel efficient appliances and vehicles... consult our guide to reducing your greenhouse gas emissions, which includes links to a number of other resources