"It is possible to renew the energy economy and stem the tide of climate change."
— Sabrina McCormick, Ph.D., M.A., Milken Institute School of Public Health associate professor at the George Washington
University
Climate change is a reality, but disastrous storms and compromised health are not forgone conclusions. You can make a difference.
There are simple choices and changes, from large to small, expensive to free, that can meaningfully reduce carbon emissions
that are insulating and warming our planet.
"It can be overwhelming. You feel like you have to change every aspect of your
life, but I like to tell folks to take it bit by bit," said associate professor Peter LaPuma, Ph.D., P.E., C.I.H., of the
Milken Institute School of Public Health at the George Washington University.
People and Climate Change
Earth has experienced many cycles of warming and cooling across the millennia, but there has been an unprecedented spike
in temperature over the past 100 years.1 This planetary shift affects the long-term weather patterns that we see in today's
global climate.
“Everyone has heard of climate change but now we are all experiencing the horrific consequences with much more intense storms, droughts, wildfires and heat waves,” LaPuma said. “We need a moonshot mentality of global action now or these extreme events will only get much worse.”
The change in global surface temperature (relative to 1951-1980 average temperatures) has continued to increase steadily
over the past several decades.
Matching the rise in temperature is the level of carbon dioxide gas present in our atmosphere.2 These elements are paired
for a reason: Carbon dioxide, released from the burning of fossil fuels as well as natural phenomena, allows the sun's light
to penetrate the atmosphere but traps its heat from escaping. Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere acts like the glass in a greenhouse,
giving global warming the alternate name of the "greenhouse effect."
NASA and others in the scientific community have documented a steady rise in CO2 emissions during the last half-century.
We have near-global recognition that our carbon output is a direct cause of global climate change. Strategies going forward
will certainly include adaptations to warming temperatures and rising seas, but undoing the harm we have already caused is
still very much within humanity's reach.
"Good analysis shows that it is possible to renew the energy economy and stem the tide of climate change," said Milken Institute
School of Public Health associate professor Sabrina McCormick, Ph.D., M.A.
While individual actions to reduce carbon emissions can help, global climate change can only be slowed with the commitment and teamwork of nations. The United States has taken some steps toward reducing climate change. Some recent policies and actions include:
New greenhouse gas reduction targets: The United States is aiming to cut 2005 levels of greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030 on the way to net-zero emissions by 2050. Part of this plan includes job creation in the green energy sector.3
The Green New Deal: The Green New Deal4 is a sweeping proposal first introduced to Congress in 2019 that aims to address all aspects of climate change. The nonbinding resolution would encourage the United States to drastically cut carbon emissions, move away from fossil-fuel use and create clean-energy jobs, among other goals.
The Paris Agreement: The international treaty, formed in 2015, puts the United States and other members on a path toward net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.5
Which Habits Fit Your Life?
Air drying clothes
Choosing clean energy from your power provider
Installing efficient windows
Using warm heat instead of hot for dryers
Composting
Using reusable bags
Installing solar panels
Cutting out meat
Becoming vegetarian
Becoming vegan
Reducing use of cars
Installing LED light bulbs
Sorting your recyclables
Buying goods second-hand
Bundling online purchases
Researching companies’ sustainability practices
Renting clothes
Buying fewer, high-quality clothing pieces
Avoiding bracket shopping
Using sustainable menstrual products
Repairing clothes
Avoiding foods with a lot of packaging
Buying reusable water bottles and food storage containers
Planting a garden
Supporting restaurants that use local ingredients
Reducing food waste
Turning off lights
Unplugging idle electric devices
Driving an electric or hybrid vehicle
Making sure your tires are inflated
Using the correct fuel grade and oil weight for cars
Walking or biking short distances
Taking public transportation or carpooling
Flying less
Vacationing close to home
Keeping the same linens at hotels
Staying on trails outdoors
Disposing trash properly during outdoor recreation
Booking tours with local operators
Taking shorter showers
Conserving water
Using fewer paper towels and napkins
Cutting out straws and plastic utensils
Preserving food
Eating mindfully
Improving house insulation
Planting trees
Making your home more airtight
Regulating thermostat temperature
Washing clothes in cold water
Buying fresh, local food
Building a LEED-certified home
Investing in EPA-certified appliances
Using power strips
Using green cleaning products
Installing a low-flush toilet
Upgrading your showerhead
Buying organic textiles
Often, people feel helpless about where to start or are skeptical a single person can make a difference. McCormick regularly talks to her classes about the importance of broad cooperation in reducing emissions.
"What we call collective efficacy is really important," she said. "When people believe that their contribution was accompanied by the contributions of many other people, they feel more confident that their contribution or their efforts will make a difference."
Scientists agree there is time for change, but time is short. An aggressive effort to cut carbon emissions and stabilize atmospheric carbon dioxide is key to avoiding the harshest changes global warming could bring.
Based on the most recent research, there are three high-impact changes individuals can make to decrease their carbon footprint:
Living Car Free
Avoiding Air Travel
Eating a Plant-Based Diet
Each one of these actions could decrease carbon emissions by 5 percent.6 With some commitment to a few lifestyle changes, there can be a sizeable mitigation in the rapid deterioration of Earth's climate.
Climate Change and Health
Climate change has many damaging effects on human health.7,8 It results in:
Heat-related illnesses
Cancer from exposure to the sun's radiation
Respiratory problems because of poor air quality
Compromised irrigation systems, which affect farmland and water sanitation
Nutrition deficits due to crop failures
Vector-borne illnesses
Environmental disasters and population displacement
Led by informed professionals in the health workforce, each one of these challenges can be addressed. Clinicians can provide health education that advises using high SPF sunscreen to protect against the sun’s rays. Air quality warnings serve to alert those with lung and cardiovascular disorders to stay indoors. Vector-borne illnesses are monitored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for scope and impact, and clinicians can educate patients on the importance of preventing and treating insect bites.
A stronger public health infrastructure can help prepare the public for health risks associated with climate change.
Climate Change and Public Health Policy
Large-scale environmental hazards are best managed by protective policies that reduce risks associated with natural disasters. Building codes, systems of levees and dams, good water management, evacuation routes and a prepared public all contribute to minimizing damage and encouraging quick recovery.
A stronger public health infrastructure can help prepare the public for health risks associated with climate change. Even as people work to combat the worst effects of climate change, they must alsoprepare and adapt to the changes already in motion. Educating the health workforce with the most current science and preventive health strategies empowers their leadership in facing the present and future health challenges of global climate change.
Public health measures should be considered as part of climate change planning.9 And on the flipside, policymakers can also integrate a climate lens within health policy, including assessing health care access, quality and cost.10
“Applying a climate lens means assessing climate change-driven health risks and integrating them into policies and other actions to improve the nation’s health,” according to HealthAffairs. “This lens can be applied to rethinking how to take a more population-based approach to health care delivery, prioritize health care system decarbonization and resilience, adapt data infrastructure, develop a climate-ready workforce, and pay for care.”11
The CDC is among the organizations pushing for health policy action amid climate change. Some of the CDC’s climate and health initiatives include tracking data on environmental conditions and disease related to climate change, partnering with national and international agencies and organizations to address the global health threats of a warming planet, and supporting state and local health departments in preparing to combat the health effects of climate change.12
Becoming an Informed, Eco-friendly Citizen
To learn more about climate change and what you can do to combat it, explore the news sources, podcasts, films and organizations below.
The Center on Race, Poverty & the Environment assists grassroots organizations in marginalized communities with legal, organizational and technical needs around environmental justice.
Climate Science & Policy Watch is a forum of the Government Accountability Project for advocacy and commentary around climate change issues specifically related to policy.
The Environmental Justice Foundation fights international environmental and human rights abuses related to the ocean, climate, biodiversity, cotton and forests.
Food & Water Watch works at the local, state and federal levels to advocate for clean water, safe food and a livable climate.
Intersectional Environmentalist is a media and resource hub for issues at the intersection of environmentalism and social justice.
The National Resources Defense Council works with scientists, lawyers and policy advocates to protect the health of humans and the environment.
The Nature Conservancy is an international organization that works on worldwide conservation issues.
The Sierra Club has grassroots chapters across the country that fight for slowing climate change, protecting nature and wildlife, and advancing social justice.
Slow Food works to protect local food traditions and spark interest in how personal food choices affect the world.
Sustainable GW gives opportunities to writers of various skill levels to contribute to the conversation around climate change, and it serves as a source of news.
World Resources Institute is a global organization that works on issues surrounding the intersection of humans and the environment, including sustainable cities, green energy and forest restoration.
