Everyone is hearing about or reading about climate change. But how do we understand the real impacts. Here are the top 3 visible effects of climate change. Plus here are two things that you can do to reduce your impact.
The glaciers are melting. But here's the thing, they don't just melt from the top. According to this article from National Geographic, some are melting 100 times faster than previously thought due to the warming of the ocean.
Rising sea levels. Yes we are losing land, everywhere. Three islands in Tuvalu have already disappeared. Coastal and low lying cities are experiencing flooding that extends destruction to greater distances than ever before during a storm surge.
What is the population of your city? Your country? Imagine if 30% was without water. Imagine if 2.4 billion people were facing a drought. Sadly that is the case today. Affecting parts of Canada, USA, Europe, not just Africa, Pakistan and India. This map shows a surprising reality.
What can be done?
Don't be quiet. Tell people what you are concerned about. Share your conservation ideas with others. Join groups of like minded individuals and take action. If there is no such organization in your area, start one. Reach out to your government and local representatives. Make it clear that you have a choice. I have to admit I was a bit of a naysayer for Social Media. But I was shocked at how helpful people are when you ask for information. Sure there are some real idiots out there, trolls. However, now that I have crawled out from under my rock and rejoined the world, I have found that there is generally an answer for most any question. This FB Group is just one example. But I joined a local chapter and it has helped me find resources and solutions in my area.
There are hundreds of things that each of us can do. Choose reusable containers, eliminate plastic where you can, conserve water, eat less meat, choose wisely when making or building anything. Recycle everything possible. This list is a good start. I especially like the Reduce of the 3 R's Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. I have seen that some countries do a pretty good job of recycling i.e. Canada, Germany, Czech Republic, The Netherlands really rock it. But are we reducing how much we consume and use as a society?
Here are a few links on where to buy everyday things without the use of packaging;
Post your local zero waste store and share the love with everyone!
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