What is Climate Change and Why Is it Happening? What Evidence
Do we have that proves Climate Change is Real?
Climate Change is the change in global or regional climate patterns, in particular a change apparent after the industrial revolution; and which is largely caused by an increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide produced from burning fossil fuels.
Millions of years of paleoclimatic evidence, extended application of fundamental physical, chemical, and biological processes, and the most sophisticated computer modeling ever conducted all point to one conclusion: the current rate of climate change is caused by human activity, and posses a threat to our health, environment, and economy.
Effects
Rising temperatures, more droughts and heatwaves, a rise in sea level, more intense hurricanes, and a decline in artic sea ice are all indicators of global warming. The cause: an overabundance of greenhouse gases that traps more infrared heat than needed, making the surface of the planet warmer. Carbon dioxide, a big contributor, is naturally occuring. The start of the industrial revolution and the use of fossil fuels for energy, however, has spiked the planet’s normal CO2 to levels never seen before.
The excerpt below is taken from a letter signed by directors, presidents, and chairs of 18 different scientific associations.
“…there is strong evidence that ongoing climate change will have broad impacts on society, including the global economy and on the environment. For the United States, climate change impacts include sea level rise for coastal states, greater threats of extreme weather events, and increased risk of regional water scarcity, urban heat waves, western wildfires, and the disturbance of biological systems throughout the country. The severity of climate change impacts is expected to increase substantially in the coming decades.” (2009) Statement on Climate Change from 18 scientific associations
Solutions
Solutions
Our solution at Greenly Wise is to reduce our carbon footprint by making changes to our buying patterns, transportation choices, food choices, and homes. Check out our guides and our Green Challenge to become part of larger movement for our planet!
Margaret Mead said, ” Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
Find resources to explore the evidence, causes, effects and scientific consensus in NASA’s Global Climate Change Vital Signs of the Planet.