Understanding Climate Change and Its Impact
WHAT IS CLIMATE CHANGE?
Climate change is the shift in global temperature and weather patterns that has been happening for hundreds of years. While some causes in these global shifts are natural, they are hardly measurable against man-made causes. Most contributors to climate change are a direct result of human activity such as burning fossil fuels. The emissions from burning fossil fuels, mainly carbon dioxide and methane, encompass the earth in a layer that traps the sun’s heat and causes the planet’s temperature to rise. The combination of increased use of fossil fuels along with the clearing of trees and plantings is having an impact on climate change due to the earth’s reduced natural ability to filter carbon dioxide. All parts of the world are susceptible to the consequences of climate change, including dangerous effects such as droughts, wildfires, rising sea levels, polar ice melting, and a decline in ecosystem diversity.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE AWARE?
Put simply, knowledge is power. Being aware of the real and dangerous outcomes of climate change can encourage people to become invested in the wellbeing of our planet and find motivation to help mitigate impacts. While the threats that climate change present are serious, there is recourse that can help slow its progression.
The United States is one of the biggest producers one of greenhouse gases in the world. There is research to support that limiting an increase in global temperature to roughly 1.5°C could avoid the harshest effects of climate change, but research currently projects a rise of over 3.1°C by the year 2100. Being aware of these risks and understanding actions you can take to help slow the effects can contribute to a global effort to preserve our planet.
There are a number of socioeconomic solutions that will contribute to climate health, some at an individual level and some at a governmental and large-scale level. Some examples of things we can do as individuals to help slow climate change include:
- Promoting education and awareness
- Use of renewable energy sources like solar and wind
- Decrease use of fossil fuels wherever possible/alternate transportation
- Reduce consumption and food waste
- Recycle all qualified materials
- Plant native species to support your local ecosystem
- Participate in local clean-up efforts
HOW DOES LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE PLAY A ROLE IN COMBATING CLIMATE CHANGE?
Landscape Architecture is the practice of designing outdoor spaces that are functional, aesthetically pleasing, and consider the natural environment. The ability to blend the technical detail of site engineering with the creative art of landscape architecture is what makes the practice so valuable to project development, and it offers a variety of ways to incorporate sustainable design.
Generally speaking, sustainable design plays an important role is preserving our natural environment. The goal of sustainable design is to improve water and air quality, and therefore protect human and environmental health. Incorporating green infrastructure is a meaningful way to nurture and enhance the earth’s natural processes and support local ecosystems. There are many methods of incorporating sustainable design, many of which involve natural and ecological techniques for managing stormwater. Another element of sustainable design is preserving natural features wherever possible, including mature trees, wetlands, and green space.