The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is the leading international body for the assessment of climate change. Here’s what they found:
Human activities have caused the planet to be about 1.8°F warmer than in the early 1800s.
This number is likely increase to 2.7°F by the year 2052.
The severity of future climate-related impacts to humans depends on how much the planet warms as well as the geographical location and ability to adapt and mitigate.
These climate-related impacts include risks to health, jobs, food security, water supply, and economic growth. Some populations are at higher risk to these climate-related impacts such as disadvantaged communities, some indigenous peoples, and communities that depend on agriculture or the coast for their livelihood.
Thankfully, the effects of a 1.8°F increase in temperature is less severe than the effects of a 3.6°F in temperature.
The severity of future climate-related impacts to biodiversity and ecosystems are also expected to be lower at a 1.8 °F increase in temperature than a 3.6°F increase in temperature.
So, what can we do to help?
The IPCC recommends that to reduce climate-related impacts, we can:
Reduce our demand for energy.
Check out our Energy Audit Activity to learn how you can reduce your use of energy at school or in your community.
Reduce our consumption of materials.
How can you lower your material consumption? Check out our Trash Free Lunches and Used Goods Supplies Activities to see how you can reduce your consumption of materials at school or in your community.
Reduce our consumption of foods that create a lot of greenhouse gases.
Did you know beef production releases a total of 30kg of greenhouse gas per kg of food while fresh produce only releases 0.42 kg of greenhouse gases per kg of food? Check out how lower the amount of greenhouse gases in your foods in our Meatless Meals Activity!
Do you want your school or community to join the movement to help reduce climate change? Join Grades of Green’s Waste Campaign to research local waste issues, develop innovative solutions, and share those solutions with your school or community. Click here to sign up today or learn more!