We hear about climate change as a major issue, but it seems a lot of people don't really understand it.
Beyond understanding, a lot of people simply don't feel like this big issue is something they can do anything about. As long as there are corporations making money off of environmentally unsound practices, a lot of people feel like it doesn't matter what they do. That attitude gets passed along, and before you know it, no one feels responsible toward the planet.
Of course, we can't let that happen. Part of our continuing journey toward greener living needs to be education. We have to really understand the issues, the solutions to them, and the role we play. If you need convincing, here are eight reasons why we need to take climate change seriously.
The continued existence of some truly magnificent animals depends on us caring.
The effects of climate change impact the natural habitats of a lot of animals that are already endangered. From insects to polar bears, many of these animals are at risk as their habitats and food chains are disrupted.
Every type of climate will be impacted.
A lot of times, people think the impacts of climate change only affect the Arctic or very tropical environments. The impacts can be and will be felt everywhere, however, from the increase in extreme weather to having fewer natural spaces to enjoy.
Foods and drinks we love are also being impacted.
Like to start your day with coffee? You'll want to be a little more eco-friendly, then. Coffee — like wine, scallops, peaches, corn, and rice — is becoming harder to produce because of problems introduced by climate change. The list of foods we love that are being affected grows with every day and every bit of inaction.
The ocean is becoming more acidic.
The ocean becoming more acidic is a problem whether you call the place home or are just looking to take a dip. The ocean becomes more acidic, in part, as a result of increased CO2 in the atmosphere.
Insect-borne infections and diseases are becoming more common.
Temperature and precipitation impact insect populations and introduce bacteria and disease that can, under certain circumstances, be transmitted to humans. Mosquito- and tick-borne illnesses have climbed in recent years and stand to continue to do so.
Every adjustment we have to make to account for climate change-related changes is costing us money.
For people motivated by money, you should know that all the changes that will become necessary to mitigate the impacts of climate change on our day-to-day lives are going to cost us. From increased emergency service personnel to federal relief funding to energy conversions and more, every move costs millions, and that bill gets passed on to all of us.
Greener living will boost the economy.
Climate change has impacted many different industries and, as a result, has some deeply struggling. Finding solutions will not only reinvigorate these businesses and industries but create new jobs that will stimulate the economy.
There is still time to change things.
We still have time to make a change and save our planet, but that time is running out. It's for that reason above all that we need to care, before it's too late.
