Climate change refers to changes in Earth’s atmosphere, oceans and land that are largely caused by humans’ increased emissions of heat-trapping greenhouse gases. These gases amplify the natural greenhouse effect, raising global temperature and contributing to changes in weather patterns like droughts, wildfires and heavy downpours.
The most recent scientific data shows that the current warming is happening much faster than at any time in recorded history. This is because the amount of greenhouse gasses emitted by people are much higher than would occur naturally, and these gases persist in the atmosphere for long periods of time.
For example, as temperatures rise, coral reefs are bleaching, and fish populations are dropping. Warmer weather is also allowing pests like bark beetles to kill large swaths of forest in the American West, which is bad news for wildlife and the people who depend on forests for their livelihoods.
In the US, rising temperatures are affecting us most dramatically in the form of extreme weather events like heat waves, droughts and floods. These are made worse by the loss of snowpack, which reduces water supply and leads to more frequent and intense wildfires. Sea level rise is also a big problem.
Fortunately, solutions are available to sharply reduce our emissions and slow the pace of warming. People of all ages and from every walk of life can take action to help, whether it’s voting for leaders at all levels of government who will make climate action a priority or supporting companies that are taking climate-friendly actions. Individuals can also do simple things to reduce their impact, such as using energy-efficient appliances and heating/cooling systems in their homes, eating a more plant-based diet (which is healthier for them) and planting trees to absorb carbon dioxide.