A Brief Introduction to a Complex Issue
Climate change has been called one of the most serious long-term threats to human society. It is very complex and affects everything from the weather to economics and society. But because climate change is a contentious issue, riddled with misconceptions, progress in addressing this topic has been slow compared to the challenge we face.
How Humans Cause Climate Change: A Quick Overview
Most human-induced greenhouse gas (or GHG) emissions come from the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil and natural gas, gasoline, and diesel fuel. As seen in the figure below, human caused emissions raise atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations (top centre box), which lead to changes in the average state and the extremes of climate (top right box). These changes in climate impact our natural ecosystems, human health, our economy, and our society.
How Can We Respond to the Effects of Climate Change?
In Two Ways:
First, we can reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change and its unwanted impacts.
Example: burning less fossil fuels would reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which would, in turn reduce the rate and ultimate extent of changes in climate. Less climate change would result in reduced negative impacts to humans and ecosystems.
Second, we can prepare responses for changes in climate by taking steps that will help us to cope with likely impacts. This is often referred to as adaptation.
Example: building new structures further back from the shore will lessen our vulnerability to sea level rise.
Who Me??
Attitudes have changed toward drinking and driving, smoking, seat belts, bike helmets, leaded gasoline, and recycling. Social values have changed considerably over the past few decades. Similarly, there is hope for action to reduce the immediate and longer-term threats posed by climate change variability and extreme weather from global warming.
Whose responsibility is climate change from global warming? Everyone has a role to play. Governments react and respond to public concerns. Individuals can make a difference.
Do your part - leave the car at home when you can. HRM has an Active Transportation Plan!
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