It’s common knowledge that our climate is changing, and not for the better. But what exactly does this mean? What is causing these changes and what can be done to stop them in their tracks (if that is a possibility)?
Climate Change is a broad umbrella that often considers a wide number of elements, from the destruction of nature (e.g., cutting down trees) to the mounting piles of human waste. But scientists agree that, by far, the biggest contributors to climate change are fossil fuels (oil, gas, and coal) and the industries that utilize these resources on a regular basis. Fossil fuels create an atmospheric barrier, trapping the sun’s heat and rapidly warming air and water temperatures. The consequences, as we’re finding, are quite devastating—melting ice caps, rising water levels, changing and unpredictable weather patterns, and food insecurity just to name a few.
So, what’s next?
“Greenhouse gases” can refer to any number of heat-trapping compounds, such as methane and nitrous oxide, but most frequently is used to refer to the harmful gas most present in the atmosphere: Carbon Dioxide (CO2). About 90% of all CO2 emissions come from fossil fuel use in the transportation, electric power, and industrial and manufacturing industries. Other key contributors include commercial and residential use and agriculture.
Scientists have tracked carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere since the early 20th century, and the top five country contributors by percentage of total CO2 output, year-to-date, are:
While scientists estimate that carbon dioxide levels will level out over the next several years, the remaining greenhouse gas levels are expected to rise—increasing by nearly 30% over the next 30 years.
As you can probably guess, something desperately needs to be done about the output of greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide especially) in the atmosphere. To do that, we need to take an approach called climate mitigation. By reducing our electricity usage and switching to clean energy sources, shrinking our “food” footprint, utilizing forms of travel that don’t create emissions, and actively addressing the way industrial and manufacturing companies operate, we can start to make a real difference quickly.
Other nature-focused methods for reducing CO2 include planting more trees, encouraging sustainable agriculture (particularly as it relates to soil health), and pursuing innovative new processes to physically pull carbon from the air.
There is a lot of opportunity to make positive change, particularly in the sectors already mentioned that are leading the contributors list right now. However, in order to make progress, we must unite and be a kind, positive voice for our planet. Check back into the Climate Teams platform monthly for new solutions, suggestions, tips, and tricks to help you become a better environmental advocate.
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Regenerative agriculture is the practice of enriching the land through farming and other agricultural practices; an effort that has been led by Indigenous Communities for thousands of years. Rather than stripping the ground of its nutrients, regenerative practices add to the health and strength of the soil and the overall ecosystem. In essence, it’s a decolonization of agriculture. 1“Regenerative Agriculture 101,” Natural Resources Defense Council ≫; “Native Growers Decolonize Regenerative Agriculture,” Green America ≫
Regenerative agriculture, as noted by One Earth, is “a pathway to an abundant and resilient future . . . shifting from the narrative of human dominion to one of healing our relationship with the Earth.” As a result, farms become more resistant to climate-related threats such as drought, flooding, and extreme shifts in temperature.2“Regenerative Agriculture and Food Systems,” One Earth ≫
Sustainable agriculture is the final step toward achieving regenerative agriculture. This is accomplished, in part, through the introduction of practices to improve environmental health, reduce the use of freshwater and harmful pesticides, and improve carbon storage in the soil.