The impacts of climate change have become unimaginable. Sea level rise, changes in weather patterns, and so much more repercussions have affected our daily lives. Find out more about how we can stop climate change with this article.
Unprecedented damage caused by climate change highlights the urgency of taking action.
The Impacts of Climate Change
Since 1970, global temperatures have been rising at 1.7°C per century. But climate change isn’t just about the increase in temperature. Water, food, and the ecosystem – the things we rely upon and value the most – are experiencing the impacts of climate change.
Changes in ecosystems and the environment
In addition to the rising global temperature and sea levels, melting glaciers and rising carbon dioxide amounts in the atmosphere have become crucial effects of global warming. With this, ecosystems are disrupted and further alter the timing of natural events. These alterations can lead to mismatches between species and can ultimately lead to extinction.
Changes to water resources
Climate change also causes an increase in the frequency and severity of water precipitation and other extreme weather events. The changes to water resources lead to more frequent and severe flooding and longer and more severe droughts.
Effects on food supply
Our food supply relies on climate and weather conditions. The farmers and ranches that produce our food face difficulties with rising temperatures, drought and water stresses, and diseases caused by climate change. Laborers and livestock are also prone to health problems from the heat.
Human health impacts
As climate change causes increased heat stress, air pollution, and the spread of vector-borne diseases, its impact on human health is alarming. Children, the elderly, and people with comorbidities are at a higher risk.
The Sustainable Development Goals
With all the alarming effects of climate change, the United Nations established the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015. This set of 17 global goals aims to achieve a sustainable future for all.
The SDGs cover many issues, including renewable energy, economic growth, and climate action. These global goals also tackle poverty, hunger, and gender equality. You can view the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and their specific targets here.
The SDGs are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that everyone enjoys peace and prosperity. Governments, civil society, businesses, and individuals are encouraged to work together to achieve these goals by 2030.
How to Stop the Impacts of Climate Change
Stopping the impacts of climate change will require a global effort and a sustained commitment from all community sectors. By working together, we can adopt sustainable practices to help create a more sustainable and resilient future.
Educate and raise awareness
The single biggest way we can make an impact is by speaking up! Education and awareness-raising campaigns can help people understand the importance of taking action to reduce the impacts of climate change. Education and awareness can include campaigns on reducing energy use, promoting recycling, and supporting sustainable practices.
Switch to renewable energy
Switching to renewable energy has both environmental and economic benefits. These include stopping greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels, reducing air pollution, and economic development and jobs in manufacturing and installation of these sources.
Invest in energy-efficient appliances
The most affordable way to reduce emissions is through energy efficiency. You can easily contribute to this by using energy-efficient appliances. When shopping, look for the Energy Star label to ensure these appliances are the most efficient. You can also invest in smart devices that will help you track your home performance.
Reduce water waste
It takes tons of energy to pump, heat, and treat water. When you reduce your water waste, you can save carbon pollution too. You can save water and energy through an effective water management system, such as stacked plumbing and low-flow water systems.
BillionBricks on the Impacts of Climate Change
The impacts of climate change are extensive and affect every aspect of our lives. If we continue our harmful practices, the consequences of climate change will only worsen, causing severe and irreversible damage to our planet.
Stopping climate change isn’t only about protecting the environment but also about protecting the future of humanity. We must take action now to promote sustainable practices to mitigate the impact of climate change.
BillionBricks responds to this call to action through sustainable architecture. Our homes can combat climate change. They will achieve carbon neutrality and negativity by producing more resources than they consume. BillionBricks homes will also raise the communal living standards in the future.
You can read more about our story here. You can also email us at hello@billionbricks.org to learn more.
References
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association. (2021, August 13). Climate change impacts. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource-collections/climate/climate-change-impacts
United Nations. (n.d.). THE 17 GOALS | Sustainable Development. Sustainable Development Goals. https://sdgs.un.org/goals
United States Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Local Renewable Energy Benefits and Resources | US EPA. Environmental Protection Agency. https://www.epa.gov/statelocalenergy/local-renewable-energy-benefits-and-resources
United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2016, December 22). Climate Impacts on Ecosystems | Climate Change Impacts | US EPA. US EPA. https://19january2017snapshot.epa.gov/climate-impacts/climate-impacts-ecosystems_.html
