what is climate change?
Here to help
Welcome to our climate change awareness hub!
Over the past five decades, climate change has evolved from a distant concern to a pressing global issue that impacts us all. You've likely heard about it from scientists, celebrities, and activists across various media platforms, and it's undeniable: climate change is real, and human actions are accelerating it.
Where do you start? The climate crisis is a formidable challenge, and it can feel insurmountable. However, you don't need to tackle everything at once, or even everything. Small actions in your daily life can make a significant difference, whether it's altering your eating habits, changing your transportation choices, or revaluating your financial decisions.
To help you take those crucial first steps and discover new information, we've compiled a selection of resources below. While we may not be experts in these matters, these resources have assisted us on our journey towards understanding and addressing climate change. Together, we can all play a part in combating this critical issue and making a positive impact on our world.
FAQs
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What is Climate Change? Climate change is like a long-term makeover for the planet's weather and temperature. We usually talk about it on a global scale, but not every place experiences it the same way. Around the world, we're noticing big shifts in weather patterns.
When we say "climate change," we're mostly talking about the warming of the Earth that started in the mid-20th century and continues today. Since 1880, our planet has warmed up by a little over 1°C, but most of this warming happened after 1975.
Why did this happen? Well, there was a big boost in global warming after World War II, thanks to the increased use of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas. And it's still happening. In fact, 16 of the 17 warmest years on record have occurred in the 21st century!
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Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty of how global warming works. Imagine our Earth has a natural blanket called the "greenhouse effect." This blanket keeps our planet cosy by trapping some of the sun's heat. Without it, our average temperature would be a chilly -20°C!
But here's the twist: we're adding too many greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. The main culprits are carbon dioxide (from burning fossil fuels), methane (from farming), and nitrogen oxide (from various agricultural sources).
This greenhouse effect is vital, but too much of a good thing can be bad. With all these extra gases, we're trapping more heat than we need, and that's making our planet warmer than it should be. It's like cranking up the thermostat in a room until it gets too hot.
So, when we talk about climate change, we're really talking about how we're messing with the Earth's natural temperature control. But don't worry, there's a lot we can do to help fix it!
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The climate on Earth has been changing since it formed 4.5 billion years ago. Until recently, natural factors have been the cause of these changes. Natural influences on the climate include volcanic eruptions, changes in the orbit of the Earth, and shifts in the Earth's crust (known as plate tectonics).
Over the past one million years, the Earth has experienced a series of ice ages, including cooler periods (glacials) and warmer periods (interglacials). Glacial and interglacial periods cycle roughly every 100,000 years, caused by changes in Earth's orbit around the sun. For the past few thousand years, Earth has been in an interglacial period with a constant temperature.
However, since the Industrial Revolution in the 1800s, the global temperature has increased at a much faster rate. By burning fossil fuels and changing how we use the land, human activity has quickly become the leading cause of changes to our climate.
what can we do?
The key takeaway here is that we all have a role to play in protecting our planet and finding climate change solutions. To make this task less overwhelming, we've gathered some practical tips to help you take achievable steps in the fight against climate change.
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Switch to Renewable Energy Sources Harnessing the power of nature has been a part of human history, and today, we have exciting options for using clean, renewable energy. These sources are virtually limitless, reduce reliance on foreign energy supplies, create jobs, and have minimal environmental impact compared to fossil fuels. In our blog post on renewable energy, we explore various options like wind, solar, hydroelectric, geothermal, biomass, tidal, and nuclear energy. While not all may be suitable for your location, this information can inspire you to explore your choices.
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Sustainability means taking actions that don't harm the environment or living creatures, including our fellow humans. It's about meeting our needs without compromising future generations. In our blog post on sustainable living, we cover the three pillars of sustainability, the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, and ways to adopt sustainable practices in food, fashion, technology, and transportation. You'll discover that your individual choices have a more significant impact than you might think.
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Reduce Your Carbon Footprint Your carbon footprint measures the total greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere due to your actions. Even though some major companies are responsible for a significant portion of emissions, your choices still matter. Here are some tips to reduce your carbon footprint:
. Insulate your home. Choose energy-efficient appliances
. Conserve water
. Opt for cycling to work
. Start composting
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You can make a significant impact by advocating for climate action and volunteering your time with organizations dedicated to making a difference. The NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) offers valuable tips for immediate action on their website. Here are a few suggestions:
. Join a local activism group or conservation committee. Work to make your hometown more environmentally friendly
. Engage with your elected officials through calls, emails, petitions, and social media
. Start conversations about climate change with friends, family, colleagues, or in your community
How can you use your passion to get involved?
In a world where the stark realities of climate change are becoming increasingly evident, we have found that discovering our passion can be a potent catalyst for gaining a deeper understanding of our planet's transformation and actively engaging in the fight against climate change. One such passion that has led us on this enlightening journey is ski mountaineering. This exhilarating activity has not only connected us with nature in its purest form but has also offered us a unique perspective on the environmental challenges our planet faces today.
Connecting with Nature: Ski mountaineering has taken us to remote and pristine landscapes that remain largely untouched by human presence. It's an activity that immerses us in the natural world, allowing us to witness firsthand the exquisite beauty and delicate balance of our environment. The serene mountain vistas, the crisp, untainted air, and the untouched snowfields have fostered a profound connection to nature within us. This connection has kindled a deep sense of responsibility for the preservation of these precious places.
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As ski mountaineers, we've become vigilant observers of our surroundings, including the ever-changing climate. Over time, we've noticed significant alterations in snowpack patterns, the retreat of glaciers, and unpredictable shifts in weather conditions. These observable changes have become valuable indicators of the profound impact of climate change on mountain ecosystems.
For instance, the retreat of glaciers serves as stark evidence of rising global temperatures. Witnessing the diminishing ice masses and receding snowlines has provided us with a firsthand understanding of the urgent need to address climate change. This personal experience has transformed us from passive observers into ardent advocates for the preservation of our environment.
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Understanding climate change demands knowledge, and ski mountaineering has offered us the ideal opportunity for continuous learning. As we venture into the mountains, we make it a point to study the ecosystems, delve into snow science, and explore the broader implications of climate change on these fragile environments. We seek guidance from experts in the field and engage with fellow mountaineers who share our passion for preserving these pristine areas.
Numerous organizations and educational institutions offer courses and workshops that delve into the science of climate change, its far-reaching consequences on mountain regions, and effective strategies for mitigating its effects. Actively pursuing this knowledge equips us with the tools to make informed decisions and advocate for meaningful climate action.
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Being advocates for the environment goes beyond mere observation and education; it also entails taking tangible steps toward sustainability. As ski mountaineering enthusiasts, we've been driven to champion eco-friendly practices both on the slopes and in our daily lives. This includes minimizing waste, reducing energy consumption, and actively supporting sustainable brands and initiatives within the outdoor industry.
Furthermore, ski mountaineering has provided us with a platform to raise awareness about climate change within our peer group and the broader community. Sharing our experiences and insights through social media, blogs, or public speaking engagements has allowed us to inspire others to take action and contribute to the collective effort against climate change.
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Beyond individual actions, getting involved in organized efforts to combat climate change is paramount. Numerous environmental organizations, such as Protect Our Winters (POW), focus on mobilizing the outdoor community to advocate for climate policies and engage in climate action initiatives. Joining such organizations has allowed us to connect with like-minded individuals and amplify our impact.
Participating in events and campaigns, such as climate marches, tree planting initiatives, or climate lobbying, has enabled us to make a tangible difference. Our passion for ski mountaineering has served as a powerful motivation to engage in these activities, as we recognize that collective action is crucial for forging a sustainable future.
In conclusion, we have found that discovering our passion, such as ski mountaineering, can serve as a gateway to understanding our planet's changing climate and becoming active participants in the fight against climate change. By immersing ourselves in nature, observing climate change's effects, educating ourselves, promoting sustainability, and actively engaging in advocacy, we have transformed our passion into a formidable force for positive change.
Ski mountaineering isn't merely a thrilling adventure; it's a journey toward a more sustainable and resilient planet that we are honoured to be a part of.