Written by: Nicole Castilla
Our planet is heating up at an alarming rate due to the rise in temperatures around the globe. It is estimated that the Earth’s temperature has risen about 0.36 degrees Fahrenheit per decade since the 1980s. And it continues to rise. This phenomenon known as climate change is affecting the environment in many different ways, from causing sea level rise at 0.13 inches per year to the melting of polar ice caps at 9% per decade according to NASA. Both animals and humans are becoming impacted, with animals experiencing habitat loss and humans enduring severe heat waves which have unfortunately led to around 1,220 deaths in the United States alone. According to the World Economic Forum, 23% of natural habitats around the world could be destroyed by the year 2100 due to climate change.
Climate change is also having a financial impact on society. With the rise in global temperatures comes the rise in energy and utility bills. The hotter the weather, the more people will use their air conditioning. Using the air conditioning more frequently generates greater energy which in turn can be rather costly creating a financial burden for many. A recent estimation by the National Energy Assistance Directors Association projected that air conditioning bills could increase by almost 12% due to the increase in temperature.
Although climate change remains a dire threat to the planet, there is good news. You can help lessen its burden and implement ways in which to help improve the climate crisis! With summer right around the corner, it is good to plan ahead and look for ways in which to minimize the effects of climate change related heat. Read below and discover three strategies that aid climate resilience, which also happen to be ways in which you can help stay cool in the summer!
Live Oak trees are native to Florida and produces an abundance of shade.
Plant native trees and plants. Planting native plants is not only important for wildlife, but it also is a great way to help combat climate change and help the environment as a whole. Carbon dioxide is one of the leading greenhouse gasses that contributes to global warming. Native plants, especially woody trees, have the ability to trap carbon dioxide and keep it stored inside of them. Not only do they store it, but they also release carbon into the soil, which is a positive factor since carbon-rich soil is important for healthy plant growth and overall ecology of the surrounding land. As the trees trap carbon, they also release oxygen into the atmosphere which is beneficial for us since we need a constant source of oxygen in order to breathe. Trees, especially native plants, help keep nutrient levels in check and even add beauty to human habitats. It is a win-win for both the plants and the planet. If you want to make your yard more attractive for wildlife, you can rewild it, which in turn can remove 3.2 tons of CO2 from the air!
Different flowering ground covers native/Florida friendly https://misssmartyplants.com/.
Remove heat-promoting artificial turf and replace it with alternatives. Artificial turf which is created with plastic, might be aesthetically appealing to some, but did you know it is not environmentally friendly? Artificial turf becomes much hotter than natural grass and it actually contributes to the rising levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. By removing artificial turf and replacing it with more eco-conscious grass alternatives such as beach creeper, perennial peanut, or frog fruit, you can help reduce heat and promote a healthier environment.
Green roof located in Florida https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/.
Install green roofs. Did you know the type of roof on a building can directly affect the temperature inside the building? According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, green roofs are an excellent source of heat protection for buildings. You can even plant gardens on your green roof! How cool is that?! When they are installed, green roofs absorb heat from the atmosphere, which in turn, help keep buildings cool. They also serve as insulators and decrease energy costs related to air conditioning. Although green roofs are rather expensive to install, the savings earned in the long run will be worth it to many. According to Forbes Home, installing a green roof can cost anywhere from $10 to $50 per square foot, as opposed to a traditional roof which costs $7 per square foot on average. However, the sustainability benefits are greater with a green roof and your wallet will thank you when the energy costs are reduced thanks to the environmentally friendly option. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average savings from having a green roof come out to be $0.23 per square foot on the roof!
The summer months are always accompanied by the hottest weather, and it is important to be prepared for extreme heat events. Every environmentally conscious action taken, even a tiny one, is a step closer to a healthier Earth. By implementing small changes such as the ones mentioned above, you can make a difference and help protect our planet.
For more ways to protect our planet, search our website www.youthenvironmentalalliance.com, get involved with Youth Environmental Alliance or schedule one of our in-person or virtual classes!
References:
https://www.epa.gov/heatislands/using-green-roofs-reduce-heat-islands#:~:text=In%20addition%2C%20green%20roofs%20can,foot%20of%20the%20roof's%20surface.
留言