Local Climate Impacts

Climate Impacts that Projects will Help Combat:

1. Increasing heat 

Earth is warmer now than in 125,000 years and getting hotter. Scientists say it is no longer possible to hold the warming at the recommended 1.5C. We will go beyond, and it will get hotter. There are ways we can keep our homes and our neighborhoods cooler. Increasing urban tree canopy is one way to reduce temperatures around homes.

2. Increasing drought 

The recent megadrought in the Southwest is now the worst in at least 1,200 years. This prolonged drought, driven by climate change, rapidly decreased our freshwater reserves. While we are  having a brief respite, climate scientists say we still are facing a much drier climate. We all will need to learn to conserve and live with less water. In Redlands, 75% of water is used to keep our grass green so changing to drought-tolerant landscaping is one of the most important things we can do. 

3. Food insecurity 

Increasing heat, droughts, floods, fires, sea rise, collapsing supply chains, and war are affecting the global food supply.  We would be wise to develop a strong local food system.  We can start by learning how to grow some of our own food, support our local farmers, improve our soil, prevent waste, and develop more sustainable eating habits. 

4. Loss of biodiversity 

Loss of biodiversity undermines the ability of ecosystems to function effectively and efficiently and thus undermines nature’s ability to support a healthy environment.  As ecosystems weaken, the risk of emergence or spread of infectious diseases is increased. Destruction of habitat is one of the major factors in the loss of species. Wildlife populations have plummeted more than 70% since 1950. Pollinators are especially important.  Without them, we don’t eat!  Locally, we can work to strengthen our ecosystems and help to protect our wildlife. 

5. Extreme Weather Events 

As the world warms, weather events are becoming more severe, more intense, and longer lasting. All communities need to take action to protect their infrastructure. There are also many things we can do as individuals and neighborhoods to prepare our homes and neighborhood assets and help keep each other safe, such as providing disaster preparedness education.

6. Increasing Health Threats 

Climate change is the biggest health threat facing humanity.  It affects our air, our water, our food supply, and our shelter. Between 2030 and 2050 climate change is expected to cause approximately 250,000 additional deaths per year from malnutrition, malaria, diarrhea, and heat stress.  The direct cost to health per year by 2030 is estimated to be between USD 2-4 billion. 

7. Increasing GHG Emissions 

Carbon emissions have not been this high for 3-5 million years!  Scientists say we need an immediate & drastic end to burning fossil fuels. This means a rapid transition to renewable energy and reducing our use of energy. Ways to contribute to reducing the burning of fossil fuels are transitioning to solar power or utilizing alternate forms of transportation that do not rely on gasoline.