What Causes Climate Change and is there a Solution

Climate change is the long-term shift in weather patterns and the change in temperatures. Most regions are already seeing these changes and experiencing its outcomes. We need to reduce the effects of climate change before it gets worse or before it's too late. There are solutions to fix this problem if everyone participates to do it.

The major effect of climate change is global warming, which is the warming of the average global temperature over a long time. Global warming has increased twice as much since 1981 as it did in 1880. Temperatures have risen by 0.32° F (0.18° C) per decade since 1981. Prior to that, the global temperature increased by .08 degrees Celsius (.14 degrees Fahrenheit) every 10 years. That is double the increase in the average global temperature. Global Warming is an unfortunate effect of climate change. If we do not do something now, we would be doomed. Together, we can find solutions that limit the climate crisis.

* The major causes of climate change include...

• Industrialization - Using fossil fuels and energy that releases petroleum, gas, oil, and coal. These are greenhouse gases.

• Deforestation. Deforestation is the clearing of woodland and forest. This is either done for the wood or to create space for farms or ranches.

• Oil and Gas. Oil and gas are used all the time in almost every industry. Huge emissions of CO2.

• Transport and Vehicles. These vehicles run on fossil fuel, which releases CO2 emissions.

• Waste. This releases greenhouse gases, which in turn, causes additional pollution. Example: Food waste, plastics

• Power Plants emit greenhouse gases, especially CO2.

• Oil Drilling-- The National Resource Defense Institute (NRDC) has reported that offshore drilling adversely affects plants, animals, water quality, as well as the people living around oil rigs or who work on them.

• Agriculture --- The art or practice of producing crops, growing soil, and raising livestock. The farms use harsh chemicals to get these done. Toxic chemicals, such as fertilizers and pesticides can poison the soil, air, fresh-water and marine ecosystems.

• Consumerism---This increases deforestation for land-use, and the manufacturing of goods.

These causes are going to affect the world and make it difficult to adapt. Thus, the effects of climate change vary from region to region. However, the effects continue all around us.

* The Effects of climate change and global warming are as follows:

• Hotter Temperatures, hence, global warming.

• Extreme Heat-Waves or high humidity, increasing the infestation of disease-carrying mosquitoes.

• Severe Storms--- Tornadoes, Tropical storms, hurricanes, winter-storms, heavy rainfall, drought.

• Rising Sea Level - Warming Ocean Rises, towns are becoming underwater.

• Increased Drought - The California Drought, Other Southwestern states, Australia, etc.

• Wildfires - Increase in droughts.

• Loss of Species ---This is due to drought, habitats, wildfires, ocean acidification, etc.

• Loss of Food Chain--- Results in the extinction of marine and wildlife. If not extinction, they definitely are at risk of dying.

• Health Risks- allergy attacks, asthma flare ups, and expanding diseases such as salmonella, dengue fever, malaria, and the West Nile Virus.

• Homelessness - mainly from floods or other natural disaster. Crops, livestock, and fisheries may be become less productive or even destroyed. Heat stress can lessen water supply and the sources for crop growth. This makes it worse for those in poverty.

These affect not just marine ecosystems, crops, and plants, but it affects humans as well. The quality of the air makes it hard to breathe. This is especially true for those who have allergies and asthma, or other preexisting conditions. The poor quality of the water creates ocean acidification, poor drinking water, etc. Our water may contain lead or other harmful toxins. This can cause a spread of illnesses, Salmonella, and long-term health issues, including cancer.

What's more is that weather disasters are becoming more frequent and severe. Some regions get droughts and wildfires, and others get floods or tornadoes. Winter Storms are also frequent this year. We are getting severe temperatures and snow storms, freezing fog, wind chills, whiteouts, etc. These severe weather events will continue to be worse as the years go on.

Taking an effort to reduce climate change and global warming should be a mandatory activity as of now.

* These are helpful climate change solutions you can practice into your daily routine. Here are some steps that you can take to halt the effects of climate change.

• Drive less. Instead take a walk, ride a bicycle, or another form of transit.

• If you really need to drive, consider an Electric Vehicle or maybe a Plug-In Hybrid.

• Limit your consumption of unnecessary food and do not buy what you don't need. Do not buy as much candy and sugary treats.

• Similarly, Reduce your food waste. Food dropped into landfills and oceans release carbon emissions, as well as methane.

• Eat less meat and processed food. Instead, eat more vegetables. Making food based on plants results in fewer greenhouse gas emissions. It also doesn't require much energy, land, or water.

• Use less energy at home. Unplug electronics and appliances when you don't use them, watch less tv, invest in renewable energy, such as a solar panel, etc.

• Limit your air travel. Too much traveling by plane is costs you a fortune anyway.

• When planting, use fewer toxic chemicals such as pesticides. Create a home-made, eco-friendly fertilizer.

• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Practice DIY activities and upcycle.

• Buy eco-friendly products, such as reusable and stainless steel bottles. Quit using plastic cups and straws.

• When shopping, carry a reusable bag. Do not use plastic bags at the store anymore. It is among the worst ingredient that causes carbon emissions to trap heat in our atmosphere, leading to pollution,.

• For manufacturers and builders: Manufacture environmentally-friendly products that does not use fossil fuels to make them. Use clean energy instead.

If we all do something, such as not driving cars that function on gas and oil, and plant more trees on a daily basis, we can possibly clear the atmosphere from man-made fossil fuels. This way, we would be decreasing the effects of climate change and getting rid of global warming, keeping the greenhouse effect and the average global temperature balanced.

To reduce climate change, it is up to you to do something that will make a difference. The list above shows what you can do. I covered this post in the causes and effects of climate change, as well as the actions you can take to lead to a solution.