5 Causes of Global Warming and 5 Ways We Can Positively Affect Climate Change

As I looked out on the gloomy day, I wondered where the snow and cold of my childhood had gone. Was it my imagination that there used to be lots of snow?  You never worried if there would be snow on the hills. There just was.

I watched the cars splashing through the puddles and asked myself: “Is this Global Warming?”. And if it is, what can I do to positively affect climate change?

Is Global Warming Changing Our Climate?

The David Suzuki Foundation tells us that “Climate change” describes a change in the average conditions — such as temperature and rainfall — in a region,  over a long period of time.”

Climate has been changing from the dawn of time. But what’s scary now, apparently, is the rate of change today. The climate is changing much faster than it used to.

Climate change is not the same as global warming but is a result of global warming and a lot of global warming today is a result of our way of living. Global warming is the big stuff.

Five Causes of Global Warming

1. Burning of fossil fuels such as coal and oil which release huge amounts of carbon dioxide and other gases into the Earth’s atmosphere.

2. Deforestation which increases the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Trees and other plants absorb carbon dioxide, so when they are cut down, there is less to absorb the gas.

3. Industrial activity, such as manufacturing and mining, also released greenhouse gases. Machines used for these activities burn fuels, and these fuels also release carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.

4. Agricultural activities like farming and ranching also release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Livestock that produces methane, and fertilizers used to grow crops release nitrous oxide.

5. Even natural events like volcanic eruptions can contribute to global warming. When volcanoes erupt, they emit large amounts of carbon dioxide and other gases into the atmosphere.

Global warming can result in many serious alterations to the environment, eventually harming human health. It can also cause a rise in sea level, leading to the loss of coastal land, a change in precipitation patterns, increased risks of droughts and floods, and threats to biodiversity.

Maybe you personally cannot do anything to stop governments from cutting down trees, or using coal to run their industries because it’s the cheapest fuel.  But there are things you can do personally to reduce energy, clean up pollution, and fight for change.

So when someone says: ‘What can we do about it?’, here’s what you say:

5 Ways You Can Personally Contribute to Climate Change

1. Turn off the lights when not in use. Why? Because this will save energy and help to reduce carbon emissions and other greenhouse gases. You can’t see these gasses but they’re there.
2. Use energy-efficient lightbulbs, minimize the use of air conditioning and unplug electronics when not in use. Every kilowatt, every BUT, and every AMP that you save contributes to a cleaner environment.
3. Choose sustainable transportation: Bike, walk, or take public transportation whenever possible.
4. Buy renewable energy: Take advantage of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar. For example, home solar paneling is getting more and more affordable.
5. Get active. Educate yourself and share with others. Support candidates and policies that prioritize environmental protection.

To help you to get active to positively affect climate change, check out the Suzuki Foundation’s information around climate change and global warming.

And if you’re particularly interested in how global warming affects oceans, take a climate quiz and see how much you know!

Then take 365give’s advice on environmental gives and start taking action today – one day, one give at a time.

It’s a lot to take in but all these little things can make a difference.  When we care enough to take action, we can change the world!

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