“People protect what they love.”
Jacques Cousteau
Valentine’s Day is in the rearview mirror, but take a second to think about the things you love. Do family and friends top your list? What about hobbies, favorite foods, or financial security? Getting a handle on climate change is really about protecting what we love.
People
Unheating was born out of love for my kids. I learned enough to realize that if we don’t get things figured out, their future is at stake. But one doesn’t need to be a parent or grandparent to care about coming generations. With unchecked climate change, young people are certain to face a harder life.
The fact is, this isn’t just a tomorrow problem. The people we love may already be feeling the effects of a warmer planet. Many have lost lives, livelihoods, and property because of increasing natural disasters. Excessive heat also endangers the health of millions.
Outdoor hobbies
Activities we love are already threatened, or will be, by a warming world. Here is a sampling of some popular outdoor hobbies on that list:
Skiing and snowboarding
Ski resorts around the country (and the world) are seeing shifts in snow and temperature patterns that are reducing the length and quality of ski season. Other winter activities like snowmobiling and ice skating are in the same boat.
Golfing
Golf hotspots like Arizona, Florida, and the Carolinas have a more and more days where it’s uncomfortable to play because of the oppressive heat. Higher temperatures, drought, and excessive rainfall are already creating turf management challenges, and experts expect those to grow. Additionally, coastal courses are dealing with erosion problems from stronger storms and sea level rise, including some of the fabled Scottish links.
Fishing
Warmer water and evolving weather patterns are causing fish and waterfowl to change migration timing and location.
Scuba diving and snorkeling
Coral reefs are experiencing unprecedented bleaching events, and are at risk of dying because the water is so warm. Oceans absorb much of the C02 we emit, causing ocean temperatures to rise even faster than the air. This spells trouble for not only coral, but for all marine life.
Travel
How does climate change impact travel? Some destinations we love are harder to visit during certain times of the year as a result of high heat and storms. Disney in July? No, thanks. Transportation itself can also be disrupted. On top of that, natural locations are changing because of extreme weather; for example, beaches are eroding in many locations.
Food
Drought, wildfires, storms, and excessive rainfall affect crops throughout the world. Weather extremes are already impacting prices and availability of some favorite foods like:
- Chocolate
- Coffee
- Wine
- Seafood
- Olive oil
Financial security
For most people, their biggest investment is their home. Floods, wildfires, and hurricanes can put that investment at risk. Many who lived through last year’s flooding in western NC or wildfires in CA found themselves without insurance coverage for their losses. This is one resource to help you understand your property risk.
What can we do
Do you know someone who doesn’t think climate change affects them? Talk with them about the things they love and how a warming world comes into play.
What else can we do?
- Understand our risk of natural disasters and get prepared
- Review insurance policies for coverage specifics
- Talk about the tangible impacts of climate change
- Volunteer with, or donate to, an organization working to protect what you love
Let’s do something about climate change. Learn about it. Talk about it. Help solve it.