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What is climate change?

Climate change is a long term shift in temperature and weather patterns, either regionally or globally. In recent history, increases in greenhouse gas emissions have driven climate change, causing Earth’s average temperature to increase.

What are greenhouse gases?

These are gases in the Earth’s atmosphere which trap solar radiation that would otherwise escape into space. They include water vapor, methane, nitrous oxide and CO2, among others.

What is the greenhouse effect?

The radiation trapped by greenhouse gases remains in Earth’s atmosphere in the form of heat. With more greenhouse gases filling the atmosphere, more heat is being trapped, thus raising the Earth’s temperature. Watch the embedded video to learn more.

Why does CO2 play such a large role?

Carbon dioxide is the second most prevalent greenhouse gas after water vapor. CO2 is the greatest man-made contribution to the greenhouse effect. It is also the gas we have the most control over and thus offers the greatest opportunity for reduction.

What are the leading sources of man-made CO2 emissions?

Buildings are the number one source by a wide margin. Globally, it is estimated that they are responsible for around half of all greenhouse gas emissions. By comparison, all emissions from cars, SUVs, trucks, airplanes, trains and ships combined would not even equal half the emissions from buildings.

How will rising temperatures affect the world?

Rising temperatures will lead to warmer ocean temperatures and further melting of the polar ice caps. In turn, sea levels will continue to rise. This has put low-lying coastal areas in jeopardy of being washed away. Some island nations, like the Maldives, are already experiencing this.

Isn’t warmer air and water better?

No. Warmer oceans and atmosphere also mean more violent and unpredictable weather patterns and the associated flooding, drought and wildfires. Animal, insect and microbe habitats will be altered — sometimes to the detriment of the relocated species or to humans.

How can we slow climate change?

By significantly decreasing the emission of CO2 and other greenhouse gases, climate change should stabilize. This will require reducing fossil fuel dependence and burning what we do use in a much more efficient manner. It will involve implementing renewable energy (wind, wave, solar, etc.) on a wide scale. Most importantly, it will require all of us to increase our energy awareness and change the way we use energy in our day-to-day activities.

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