Climate change alters and destabilizes the temperature equilibrium of the earth.
And…
It has serious effects on the environment and human beings.
Global warming increases the concentration of greenhouse gases. This alters the earth’s energy balance and temperature, eventually impacting the environment and humans.
Scientifically, it’s unfeasible to tie current climate change to specific weather events. However, statistics have shown that global warming heightens the likelihood of extreme weather events.
Climate change, as a result of man’s activities, has caused the following:
- Increased oceanic temperatures
- Rising minimum and maximum temperatures
- Increased oceanic temperatures
- Rising sea levels
- Thawing permafrost
- Shrinking glaciers
- Increased heavy rainfall and hail (precipitation)
Climate change also affects the environment and humans indirectly. The indirect effects of global warming and climate change include:
- Increased spread of pathogens and pests
- Increased water and hunger crises in developing nations
- Increased need for adaptation in all sectors ranging from forestry and agriculture to tourism and infrastructure
- Health risks due to rising heat waves and temperatures
- Biodiversity loss due to the limited speed of adaptability in plants and animals
- Acidification of the ocean as a result of increased HC03 concentrations in water due to heightened C02 concentrations
- Economic effects resulting from secondary climate change damages or effects
The global climate is interconnected and affected by various factors. It has both positive and negative effects, the self-enhancing developments that occur due to specific conditions.
Environmental-friendly goals can help fight the negative effects of climate change. The University of California’s Climate Lab video series explores different themes aimed at attaining zero carbon footprint and how you can take part.
Here’re five greenways you can join in the fight against climate change:
Five Ways to Negate the Effects of Climate Change for Environmental Protection
- Reduction of food waste
In the United States, about 40% of food produced ends up as waste. The wasted food doesn’t just translate to wasted money but also burdens the environment.
Growing food that ends up wasted takes energy in terms of packaging and shipping, including storage. When the food begins to rot, it creates and releases more gas into the air.
Therefore, food wastage would be ranked third after China and the U.S in terms of gas emissions if it were a country.
What’s more, at least one American in every eight has no access to the constant food supply.
But…
You can reduce your food portion, plan meals well, and use a smaller refrigerator to create change. The actions can make a significant difference in altering your behavior in relation to food wastage.
The actions will help your pocket and save the planet.
- Make changes to your diet
A quarter of emissions from greenhouse gases results from the food system. This is almost 10% more than the total gas that trucks, cars, trains, and planes combined to produce.
Minor changes to your diet can massively reduce global warming.
For instance, a beef serving of 6 ounces produces almost 330 grams of carbon. Fish emits about 40 grams, chicken 50 to 60 grams, and 14 for veggies.
Switch to a diet with more fish and vegetables but less meat. Your physical and spiritual health will thank you later.
- Enactment of laws
Laws can be enacted to promote environmental protection. For instance, the Zero Carbon Amendment Bill for Climate Change Response deploys policies against climate change and its effects.
Just like the Second Amendment in support of personal protection using licensed guns, it gives everyone the right to a stable climate. In the former case, you may have to check out the best gun safe reviews to help store your gun safely based on instructions in the act.
- Reduce, reuse and recycle, and stop e-waste
You can reduce your trash to fight climate change.
A resident of New York City, Lauren Singer, fit four years of trash into one mason jar. You can also add up small changes to contribute to huge greenhouse gas reductions in the fight against climate change.
Let Lauren inspire you to reduce, reusing, and recycling your waste to minimize your carbon footprint.
People replace their phones every two years on average. You can easily follow online guides or video tutorials to fix common issues with smartphones and electronics.
This reduces toxic e-waste from ending up in landfills. eCycle your old devices whenever they need replacement.
Recycling 1 million smartphones, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, results in the recovery and reuse of 35274, 772, 75, and 33 pounds of copper, gold, silver, and palladium, respectively.
- Avoid overnight shipping
Eight in ten Americans shop online.
Although online shopping generally reduces carbon footprint (unlike driving to a physical store), consumers and companies need to make better choices with low environmental impact.
Therefore, only pick the fastest delivery option if you need the item being shipped in a couple of days. Another habit of avoiding is the temptation to try on clothes bought online only to return them.
With these minor changes, fewer trucks stay on the road and thus lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
