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Global Warming Explained: An Introduction To Climate Change
Global Warming Explained: An Introduction To Climate Change
Climate change is the single biggest environmental and humanitarian crisis of our time. The Earth's
atmosphere is overloaded with heat-trapping carbon dioxide, which threatens large-scale disruptions in climate
with disastrous consequences. We must act now to spur the adoption of cleaner energ sources at home and
abroad.
An Introduction to Climate Change
What it could mean to you and your family
Climate change is changing our economy, health and communities in diverse ways. Scientists warn that if we do
not aggressively curb climate change now, the results will likely be disastrous.
The Basics
Carbon dioxide and other global warming pollutants are collecting in the atmosphere like a thickening blanket,
trapping the sun's heat and causing the planet to warm up.
Although local temperatures fluctuate naturally, over the past 5 years the average global temperature has
increased at the fastest rate in recorded history. Scientists say that unless we curb the emissions that cause
climate change, average !.S. temperatures could be " to # degrees higher by the end of the century.
What it means to you
Climate change is a complex phenomenon, and its full$scale impacts are hard to predict far in advance. %ut each
year scientists learn more about how climate change is affecting the planet and our communities, and most
agree that certain conse&uences are likely to occur if current trends continue.
'n addition to impacting our water resources, energy supply, transportation, agriculture, and ecosystems, the
!nited States (lobal Change )esearch *rogram concludes that climate change also poses uni&ue challenges to
human health, such as+
Significant increases in the risk of illness and death related to extreme heat and heat waves are very
likely.
Some diseases transmitted by food, water, and insects are likely to increase.
Certain groups, including children, the elderly, and the poor, are most vulnerable to a
range of climate-related health efects.
,hese impacts will result in significant costs to our families and the economy.
Solutions
-ere's the good news+ technologies exist today to make cars that run cleaner and burn less gas, moderni.e
power plants and generate electricity from nonpolluting sources, and cut our electricity use through energy
efficiency. ,he challenge is to be sure these solutions are put to use.
/)0C is tackling global warming on two main fronts 1 cutting pollution and expanding clean energy.
,ransitioning to a clean energy economy will bring new 2obs and reduce air pollution. 3e can4t afford to wait.
Take Action
3e can each play an important role in stopping climate change.
!nfortunately, there is a lot of confusion about climate change. 5ou can help by being a voice for reason and
common$sense. 6or detailed, point$by$point rebuttals to global warming naysayers,
Extreme Weather: Impacts of Climate Change
3hen it comes to connecting the dots between climate change, extreme weather and health, the lines are clear.
,he earth is saying something with record heat, drought, storms and fire. Scientists are telling us this is what
global warming looks like.
It's time to listen and take action! There's plenty "e can do!
Carbon pollution is the main reason our planet is getting hotter, increasing the chances of weather disasters,
drought and flood and hurting our health.
,here are solutions. 6or starters, we can cut carbon pollution by reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and
increasing our use of clean, renewable energy. And we can implement policies that help us prepare for flooding,
drought, storms and other conse&uences of climate change.
%ut first, we need national leadership that will stop ignoring what the earth and scientists are telling us about
climate change $$ and instead start ignoring those who continue to deny it is happening.