It doesn’t take a scientist to notice the changes in our climate. In past years our state has seen some of its largest wildfires coupled with droughts and as a result of water needed further down the Colorado River Basin. In 2018, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released a Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5 Degrees Celsius (2.7 Degrees Fahrenheit) and how the world must work toward carbon neutrality by 2050.
Photo by Marcin Jozwiak. Courtesy of unsplash.com
In the article titled “A Degree of Concern: Why Global Temperatures Matter”, Alan Buis explains why a the small increase of more than 1.5 degrees Celsius could have major impacts for the planet.
These impacts include heatwaves, extreme precipitation, water availability, impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems, forest impacts, ocean impacts, impacts on marine life, coral reef impacts, human impacts, food shortages, economic impacts, and droughts. This may all feel daunting and at times, completely out of one’s control.
Recently the city of Salida adopted a Climate Action Plan which hopes to lay a framework for combating climate change now and in the future.
Chaffee County is also full of environmentally conscious organizations such as GARNA and the Colorado Central Conservancy who work to mitigate, restore and preserve the valley we all call home.
Dawn at Sands Lake. Image by C. Gail Hunter. Courtesy of GARNA.
Lowering Your Carbon Footprint
For many, the climate crisis is overwhelming, but there are many steps that individuals can take to help lower their carbon footprint and reduce the amount of waste they produce.
First: a carbon footprint is defined as “the amount of carbon dioxide and other carbon compounds emitted due to the consumption of fossil fuels by a particular person, group, etc.”
When many of us think of making changes for the environment, it is often focused on big picture ideas such as solar panels or electric vehicles.
Yet small-scale improvements done by many can make a big difference. In this series, Ark Valley Voice will look into local ways to make changes to daily life that won’t break the bank.
As a starting guide to the series, the National Ocean Service (NOAA) compiled a list of ten simple choices for a healthier planet. Many, if not most have been discussed for decades, but it’s always good to remind ourselves of what we can do. The list states the following:
- Reduce, reuse, and recycle. Cut down on what you throw away. Follow the three “R’s” to conserve natural resources and landfill space.
- Volunteer. Volunteer for cleanups in your community. You can get involved in protecting your watershed, too.
- Educate. When you further your own education, you can help others understand the importance and value of our natural resources.
- Conserve water. The less water you use, the less runoff and wastewater that eventually end up in the ocean.
- Choose sustainable. Learn how to make smart seafood choices.
- Shop wisely. Buy less in plastic and bring a reusable shopping bag.
- Use long-lasting light bulbs. Energy efficient light bulbs reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Plant a tree. Trees provide food and oxygen. They help save energy, clean the air, and help combat climate change.
- Don’t send chemicals into our waterways. Choose non-toxic chemicals in the home and office.
- Bike more. Drive less.
As many are beginning to realize: We have one planet and changes need to be made now. Those changes may not be just for your grandkids or your grandkids’ grandkids — but because this is your home too.
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