Environmental Problems & the Countdown to Climate Change

According to a climate change clock recently put on display in New York City, we have just over seven years before the effects of climate change become irreversible. Until then, the resulting environmental problems will only get worse, and it’s up to us to fix them.

Climate change is a daunting adversary, but we can still stop it. Everyone has a role to play in the fight for our planet. Learn what you can do and you’ll help make the world a greener place for future generations.

Here’s everything you need to know about environmental problems and how you can combat climate change from home!

Environmental Problems Plaguing the Planet

The world is filled with beautiful natural wonders, and climate change threatens to destroy nearly all of them. The environmental problems that plague our rich planet are many, but the first step to fixing them is learning about them.

Rampant Deforestation

According to National Geographic, forests cover about 30% of the earth’s land area. However, lumber is in high demand, and as a result, loggers strip forests bare at a dangerously quick rate.

Forests are important for a variety of reasons. Not the least of which is that they absorb the carbon dioxide we exhale and produce the oxygen we desperately need to survive. Additionally, forests also house wildlife, protect soil from erosion, and ensure water security.

We cannot overstate the importance of forests. Unfortunately due to deforestation and other environmental problems, they’re disappearing before our eyes.

Warming Temperatures

As the name global warming implies, temperatures have dramatically increased in recent history. Not only has this resulted in higher land temperatures — we saw Death Valley record the hottest temperature on earth this summer — but it’s warming the oceans as well.

“Oceans rise, empires fall” — Hamilton

As the oceans get warmer, polar ice begins to melt which — due to the ice’s albedo, or ability to reflect the sun’s heat — causes the earth to get even warmer.

Furthermore, polar ice melt results in rising sea levels which threaten coastlines. If sea levels keep rising unchecked, coastal neighborhoods will be swallowed by the ocean.

Dangerous Water Scarcity

Although the world is largely comprised of water, the majority of it is not drinkable. Scarcity and contamination of fresh water is one of the most dangerous environmental problems we face.

Weather patterns have become more violent and less predictable as a result of climate change. Hotter temperatures and more droughts mean less rainfall and less available water. More frequent hurricanes and flooding can contaminate water supplies rendering them undrinkable.

According to the United Nations, water scarcity has a significant negative impact on general health and food security. The most vulnerable communities will be devastated without clean water.

How You Can Combat Climate Change

With less than a decade to solve the environmental problems created by climate change, it’s more important than ever to do your part. Luckily, that’s fairly easy to do. From using eco-friendly cleaning products to lowering your electric bill, there’s no shortage of ways to help the planet.

We’ll even help you get started! We’ve come up with a list of ways you can go green at home!

• Use green apps to supplement your green lifestyle.
• Choose sustainable clothing and reduce textile waste.
• Start a garden and reduce your food mileage to zero.
• Furnish your kitchen to maximize flavor and sustainability!
• Opt for eco-friendly alternatives to everyday items
• Choose green decor to spice up your space.
• Use bamboo paper products and make the sustainable switch!

Going green isn’t really that hard. In fact, it’s much easier than most people think. Give one or more of these a try, and you’ll see how big of an impact little actions can have!

Let’s Solve Environmental Problems... Together

Suffering from a plethora of environmental problems, our beautiful planet is in dire need of assistance. Although climate change may be a daunting opponent, we still have the power to stop it.

By making small, everyday changes to your lifestyle, you can give the earth the support it needs. If millions of people make those changes, then we can shift the course of climate change.

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