save the planet

Climate Change (n): a change in global or regional climate patterns, in particular a change apparent from the mid to late 20th century onwards and attributed largely to the increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide produced by the use of fossil fuels.

Today, President Trump is expected to sign an executive order rolling back regulations cutting carbon dioxide pollution from coal- fired power plants. This is a problem. Not only is he mistaken in thinking that this will increase the number of coal production jobs for the American people (it won't), but it will also prevent the US from upholding our end of the deal made through the Paris Agreement, signed with 55 of the world's top greenhouse gas producing countries in 2016, and adapted by a total of 133 countries as of this month. This agreement was reached with a global goal of reducing emissions enough to stave off a planetary warming of 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Although seemingly minimal, this 3.6 degree increase is the level at which, according to experts, the planet will be locked into a future of extreme draught, flooding, and food and water shortages. This rollback of regulations is really just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the Trump administration's outlook on climate change, scientific research and the environment, but it feels like an important jumping off point in bringing awareness to the issues at hand and starting a conversation about what is really happening and what we can do to help.

A self admitted "city girl", a I love the outdoors. Every time I step outside, or off a plane in a new place, I'm reminded of the incredible beauty that we're surrounded by. This beauty needs to be protected, and with it, our cities and living spaces and populations will be too.

Here are some climate change facts. It's fucking science.

The Earth's temperature has risen 1.5 degree Fahrenheit over the last century, and is still rising

The weather, including floods, hurricanes, and draughts, is directly related to the warming of the planet. In the 1990's alone, there have been about 600,000 deaths worldwide from weather related natural disasters, 95% of which were in developing countries.

Rising sea levels from glacial melting due to rising temperatures are causing population displacement and flooding. Global sea level has risen 6.7 inches in the last century.

Greenland lost 36 to 60 cubic miles of ice per year between 2002 and 2006. Antarctica lost 36 cubic miles between 2002 and 2005.

15 of the 16 hottest years on record have occurred since 2001.

Here are 10 things you can do today to help.

Bike, walk, or take public transportation

Shop locally and buy sustainable seafood

Turn off the lights when you leave a room

Bring a reusable bag when shopping

Recycle and compost

Go veggie: eat less meat, fish and poultry

Take short showers and air dry your hair

Go paperless, and avoid printing unless necessary

Vote. Vote for representatives that not only believe in climate change, but support legislation to help decrease our emissions and are actively looking for ways to combat it.

Do more research. Learn about it. Talk about it. Go outside and enjoy this planet that is our home.

Here are some pictures to remind you why this is important.