My dad and I walk through our local park daily, which hosts two lakes and a forest. As the heat becomes increasingly worse globally, we see the effects almost everyday:
distressed animals struggling to survive, ducks that use to peruse by the water now dispersing throughout the park to find new habitats, and the biggest sign of all:
the 5-foot tall body of water we once called a lake now consists of mere patches of water atop exposed lakebeds, leading its animals to leave.
What Does This Have To Do With Me?
From a global and national scale (including strong heat waves, a rising ocean, and a loss of animals and species) to your hometown (less food, increased droughts, more severe storms, etc.) climate change is (and has been) affecting our daily lives.
But What Can I Do?
On a Minor Scale:
- Reduce Water Waste: Fixing leaks, using water-saving fixtures, and being mindful of water consumption can reduce waste and preserve water.
- Save Energy: Adjust your heating and cooling systems to save energy: Wash your clothes or shower with cold water, and reduce the use of your heating or cooling devices if possible. You can also look into for energy-efficient appliances and lighting.
- Switch Your Transport: Walking, biking, or carpooling can help reduce carbon emissions, a big leader in climate change issues.
- Mindful Eating: Reducing meat consumption, especially from resource-intensive livestock farming and buying food and produce from local sources can also help mitigate environmental impact.
On a Major Scale:
Collective action is necessary to help climate change on a major scale. Look into local organizations and governmental changes that work to change public policy or create stricter regulations for businesses and organizations to produce less greenhouse gas emissions. Check out your local organizations here.
