Can our Planet Survive?

Weather patterns are changing around the globe. We hear reports of extreme heat in France, Italy and much of Europe., widespread flooding in Vermont and the Northeast, and high temperatures in Texas and the Southwest. Recent hurricanes have struck in Illinois and Iowa. Environmentalists say these drastic happenings are the result of climate change.  

Another sign of climate change is the melting ice sheets which are endangering animals and their habitats as well as our quality of life. Ocean temperatures off the coast of Florida reached 91 degrees last week. Evidence of a warming planet can be seen in natural sources, such as rocks and tree rings, as well as through scientific equipment. Polluted streams, coastal erosion, and forest fires are all attributed to our changing climate.

So what can humans do to save our planet and life as we know it? Here’s a start:

Eat locally-grown foods, consume less meat and dairy, and shop at farmer’s markets.

Plant a vegetable garden.

Conserve water and electricity around the house. Avoid bottled water.

Walk or bike rather than drive a car when possible.

Plant a tree in your yard.

Reduce use of oil and embrace green energy.

Reduce waste and single-use plastics. (Take a cloth bag with you when shopping.)

More pollution will cause the Earth’s temperate to rise, causing increased natural disasters, the destruction of habitats, and many other serious problems. It is already happening. Will we care enough to save our planet?