Climate change and global warming are often used interchangeably, but each one has a different meaning. Climate change is a long-term change in the normal weather patterns which defines local, regional, and global climates. Some of the key indicators of climate change may include land and ocean temperatures; rising sea levels; melting of glaciers; and the frequency and severity of weather phenomena such as hurricanes, heatwaves, wildfires, droughts, and precipitation. Global warming, on the other hand, is the long-term heating of Earth’s surface due to human activities. This includes burning of fossil fuel, use of refrigerants, and any other activities that emits carbon dioxide to the air. Carbon dioxide is the primary greenhouse gas that traps heat in the Earth’s atmosphere causing global average temperature to rise by about one degree Celsius. Since the 1950’s, because of our indiscriminate use of fossil fuel, clearing of vast virgin forest land, and slash and burn, the current warming trend is proceeding at an unprecedented rate over the millennia. Today, we are paying the price of our actions while facing the consequences of climate change and global warming. Wildfires, drought, pandemic, floods, severe storms are now what we are seeing, hearing, and experiencing.
The impact of climate change is presently being felt significantly. In fact, it is affecting our mental health as well, particularly those who are dealing with climate-related hazards and natural disaster. A report published by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) revealed that rapidly increasing climate change poses a rising threat to mental health and psychosocial well being, from emotional distress to anxiety, depression, grief, and suicidal behavior.
Indeed, we can do our part and help as an individual to mitigate climate crisis, but that is not enough. We need policy change and actions to avert the extreme consequences of climate change. Policies like carbon pricing that incentivize the use of cleaner fuels; provide subsidies that support electric vehicles; and other important policies that enables people and businesses to shift to climate-friendly alternatives. As an individual, you can make a greater impact and difference by supporting the Fight Climate Change with Policy Fund. To learn more, visit their Unite for Change website at uniteforchange.com.
