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Ways that world powers can tackle climate change

  • Jadyn Cohee
  • May 24, 2021
  • 3 min read

Climate change is the event where large masses of heat and gasses are trapped within the earth's atmosphere that causes a long term shift in weather patterns and precipitation. Climate change can be as simple as a small change in climate conditions or extremely dangerous events such as increased heat, increased rain and snow storms, high coastal level, hurricanes, wildfires, droughts, and floods.


There has been a large controversy in recent years on the subject of climate change. What is it? Is it that big of a deal? Can I do anything to help? Is climate change even real?


Large amounts of evidence have been collected that have proven not only the existence of climate change but the severity of it as well. NASA has observed ice cores in Greenland, Antarctica, and tropical glaciers which presents the fact that the Earth's climate responds to the levels and changes in greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere. This includes Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide (N2O), and more.


There are many different causes of climate change but the main cause is human activity such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation. The long term effects of climate change are damaging and unpredictable.


Already several countries have taken the initiative to help heal our earth. In December of 2015, 194 states and the European Union signed the Paris agreement. By signing this act the participants agreed to limit the global increase to 2 degrees celsius above pre industrial levels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. While the participants of the Paris agreement are legally bound it is up to national and local governments to actually ensure the rules and regulations are being followed. While signing this agreement was an important act there is still so much more we can do to tackle this problem.


  1. Protect and restore key ecosystems

In the past 60 years, 60% of the Earth's ecosystems have been degraded. An ecosystem is constantly reproducing and changing. Every little part of an ecosystem is essential to its survival. From the vegetation to the forestation to the organisms that make up that habitat. Poachers and large companies that destroy forests and pollute oceans are the biggest contributors to the destruction of ecosystems. It is estimated 60% more of our coral reefs will be gone in 30 years, and 25% is already gone. Donate to organizations dedicated to protecting our earth and its animals.


Some of the most threatened ecosystems:

  • Carribean coral reefs

  • Alaskan Kelp forest

  • Murray Darling basin wetlands

  • Sydney coastal wetlands

  • South karst springs

  • Coorong lagoon

Organizations to donate and contribute to:

  • Environmental defense club

  • Natural resources defense fund

  • Trust for public land

  • Sierra club foundation


  1. Vote

By not voting you create just as much damage as you would voting for someone you consider to be evil. Voting always starts small, although we focus the majority of our attention on the largest forms of power such as a president or senator others such as mayors, counselors, police chiefs, and governors also matter. What I've observed in politics is that often we spend so much time arguing with each other we don't take an honest look at what is actually important. It is one large domino effect and if you don't choose your cards right the entire row will fall.


  1. Support eco-friendly businesses and companies

Often keeping your business environmentally cautious is easier than it seems and just takes some research and planning. Even the smallest differences in the way people run their businesses matter from where they buy their products to how they spend their energy. Support businesses that make an effort to keep our earth safe instead of corporations that don't care for our environment.


Some businesses to support that are eco-friendly:

  • Patagonia

  • Seventh generation

  • Pela

  • Dr. Bronners

  • Preserve

  • Tata Harper Skincare

  • Necessaire

  • Ilia

  • RMS beauty


Large companies making an effort to become eco-friendly:

  • Ford motor company

  • Disney

  • Johnson Johnson

  • Nike

  • Ebay

  • Starbucks

  • Google

  • Lush

  1. The change starts with you

Turn off the lights and faucets in your house when they are not in use. Recycle the appropriate items. Pick up trash and recycle or throw them away when you see them on the streets, you can even involve your community and create a larger effort. Some ways to help contribute to a cleaner earth begins in your own community.


Some environmentally friendly substance alternatives to plastic:

  • Stainless steel

  • Glass

  • Platinum silicone

  • Beeswax coated cloth

  • Bamboo

  • Pottery or other ceramic materials


  1. Start the conversation

As previously mentioned there are many people who don't believe climate change is a problem in the first place and the problem will only increase unless we come together. Starting a small conversation with your friends, family, and members of your community can have great effects. It is important to present examples and facts from reliable sources and listen to understand instead of listening to respond.


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