Why you need to care about climate change – now

Around the world, scientists are tracking storms that are bigger, heat that is more intense and droughts that last longer.

It’s climate change at work, and we can curb it. Here are the facts.

Global warming changes climate

Human activity – mainly burning fossil fuels and chopping down forests – has caused temperatures to rise worldwide. That’s global warming.

The warmer atmosphere triggers climate change, or shifts in normal climate patterns. Such deviations can result in more severe weather.

Changes breed intense weather

Hotter air increases ocean evaporation. A warmer atmosphere also can hold more water, which can intensify weather events.

Heatwaves are stronger. Storm surges rise higher. Blizzards bring more snowfall. The number of natural disasters has doubled in the past few decades – 90 percent of them are weather related.

These intensified episodes can cause greater destruction to property and loss of life.

The threat is global and urgent

Such changing conditions have consequences. Coral reefs are dying. Forests are crumbling. Arctic animals, such as polar bears, are losing the sea ice they call home.

We, too, feel the effects. Climate change threatens our agriculture, health, water supply, infrastructure and more.

No part of the world is immune.

Here’s how you can help

We’ve identified 10 solutions that can lessen climate pollution. With your vote, voice and purchasing power, you can help get these strategies on track and keep them there.

Sign up for news and alerts below. We’ll let you know how you can do your part, and we’ll make it easy for you.