I am old- so I remember when science brought forward the issue of mankind's' impact on the ozone layer, and the potential disastrous consequences that a depleted ozone would have on life on earth (1979). The ozone recovery shows that collective action, guided by science, is the a powerful way to solve major global challenges. In the ozone case, the majority of the world's population responded by reducing or eliminating our use of chlorofluorocarbon products and we were able to accomplish the impossible- ozone recovery.
During National Polar Bear week (normally when polar bears are heading out to live on the sea ice) these hungry bears were waiting for the ice to come into the Hudson Bay so they can end their fast. No ice in sight. The ice arrived in mid December over a month later. Image Credit: Kasey Mueller Photography
The Science
The consequences of climate warming are now, they are widespread, and costly, according to the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report released earlier this week. There are 3675 pages in the report, I recommend jumping to the technical summary pages for your region if you are not in a report reading mood. While the UN's findings are dire, the basis of the report is not hopeless. We can still choose solutions that put the people and places we love on a path to a promising future.
I know that this is a big ask- addressing climate warming can be overwhelming, but time and time again, humans have joined together to accomplish the impossible. In this case, we already have the answers that we need. Change happens one person at a time- let's start by making simple changes today.
What can you do? Check out these simple steps recommended by the NDRC: https://www.nrdc.org/stories/how-you-can-stop-global-warming