Turn on the TV, scroll through social media or glance at a publication and it can feel like we’re moving from one crisis to another in quick succession. However, amid the growing number of crises facing the globe today, one in particular looms large over all others: Climate change.
Climate change results in large part from burning too many fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas). At the corporate level, many businesses understand this, and are integrating renewable energy practices into their daily operations. They understand that the climate change risks they face to their supply chains and profit margins far overshadow any renewable energy risk that could impact their business both now and in the future
For individuals, while it’s both easy and selfish to believe that the true impact of climate change won’t be felt until several generations from now, the societal impact of climate change is already here. The more we acknowledge the many climate change risks we face, the more we’ll be positioned to deal with them. We’ve partnered with Pexapark Risk Management Academy to highlight just three.
Risks to Our Health
Our health and well-being are directly threatened by climate change. Higher temperatures make it easier for disease-carrying mosquitoes to spread dengue fever and malaria, and for ticks to give more people Lyme disease. Poison ivy is getting worse as the leaves and vines get bigger, thicker, and more plentiful. Heat waves kill people with weakened immune systems and are dangerous for seniors, children and pregnant women. More abundant pollen makes life more miserable for people suffering from allergies. People of all ages face anxiety and chronic stress due to worries about pending extreme weather events or just the day-to-day angst of living in a hotter world.
Risks to Our Property
Extreme weather events caused by climate change, like hurricanes, droughts, fires and floods, are literally destroying our homes and communities. As the ice caps and glaciers melt due to the planet heating up, sea levels are rising, devastating coastal towns, cities and homes. Worryingly, it’s often poorer communities who are impacted by this devastation, forcing them to relocate completely as real estate for properties safe from rising sea levels is priced out of reach.
Food Supply and Agriculture
The sight of rolling hills and plentiful fields makes it difficult to believe that our food, nutrition and agriculture are under threat from climate change. In reality, farmers in particular face untold risks from climate change-driven droughts, infestations of destructive pests, extreme weather events that can wash away crops and topsoil, and changing temperatures that can shorten growing seasons in one part of the country or wipe them out altogether in another.
It’s Time to Take Climate Change Risks Seriously – and Switch to Clean Energy ASAP
Every single person on the planet—all 7+ billion of us—is being impacted by climate change one way or the other. As increasing fires, floods, hurricanes, droughts and disease show, we all are at risk, and it is up to all of us to take action.
Start here, with 12 Ways to Save Energy This Fall.
Note: Partnerships enable us to bring you the expertise you need to lead the greener life you want. Our editorial opinions remain our own.
