^Figure 1
According to nwf.org, "Human activity--such as burning fossil fuels--causes more greenhouse gases to build up in the atmosphere"
Though some may deny the facts which we know to be true from years of scientific data, the truth remains true.
Yes, in today's society, it is cheaper to continue using fossil fuels, but a quote comes to mind about this- Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders once said that fossil fuels, due to their lasting damage on the ozone layer, are the most expensive form of energy, because they are ruining something which we cannot replace.
Though the senator is just stating his opinion on the subject, it is important to weigh the importance of the two assets.
*throws shade*
According to ncdc.noaa.org, recent evidence shows that human activity and human waste are the main reasons for recent radical global warming and resulting severe weather. IT also shows that global sea levels rising are a direct result of humans allowing greenhouse gases to become a significant part of the atmosphere.
The graph at left (Figure 1) shows the average global temperature over the course of 100 years. The blue represents the climate change if it had only been caused by natural forces, and the pink/black represent the global average change including the damage humans have done.
Though this information is compelling and certainly proves the first claim, how does this pertain to an average American?
According to davidsuzuki.org, 18% of all carbon emissions come from the meat and dairy industry.
Carbon, a greenhouse gas, makes up for the better part of all human-caused climate change. Eating correctly can potentially save us from a slow and painful demise- both from clogged arteries and from our town melting off of the continent and into the sea.
More ways to combat climate change are to
-Use energy efficient appliances
-Cutting down use of water and electricity in one's house.
-Recycle
-Garden and plant plants
-Bike more, drive less.
How does climate change cause severe weather?
There is a constant gust of wind that separates air in warm areas and air in cooler areas called the Jet Stream.
This rapidly flowing band of air (depicted in Figure 2, (2014 on left, 2013 on right)) has caused some recent severe weather in the USA and Europe. Because it has been moving far from where it should be (due to climate change), warm temperatures have spread further north from the equator. (decodedscience.org)
This is, sadly, one of the many weather phenomena caused by human behavior.
Climate change has also increased activity in the Ring of Fire, caused hurricanes and tornadoes, and increased severity of El Niño.
By that reasoning, one could blame much of the damage on destructive human behavior.
The issue is that the issue isn't solely human caused, though it's a growing problem that, in addition to being caused by our behavior, is caused by humans simply existing on planet earth.
So, yes. We do need to take action and do what we can.
We're still going to melt someday, anyway.
Have a Magical day!