Learn the Issues: Climate Change
Climate change is a problem that is affecting people and the environment. Climate change refers to any significant change in measures of climate (such as temperature, precipitation, or wind) lasting for an extended period (decades or longer). Greater energy efficiency and new technologies hold promise for reducing greenhouse gases and solving this global challenge.
Greenhouse Gases
Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and certain synthetic chemicals, trap some of the Earth’s outgoing energy, thus retaining heat in the atmosphere.
- Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions
- Causes of Climate Change
- Vehicle Technologies
- Climate Change Facts: Answers to Common Questions
What you can do:
- Why is Fuel Economy Important?
- Fuel Economy (MPG) Guide
- Environmental Benefits Of Smart Growth
- Burn Wise: Cleaner burning woodstoves
Health Effects of Climate Change
The prevalence of some diseases and other threats to human health depend largely on local climate. Extreme temperatures can lead directly to loss of life, while climate-related disturbances in ecological systems, such as changes in the range of infective parasites, can indirectly impact the incidence of serious infectious diseases. In addition, warm temperatures can increase air and water pollution, which in turn harm human health.
- Health Effects
- Climate Change and Health Effects on Older Adults
- Climate Change and the Health of Children
Environmental Impacts of Climate Change
Many elements of human society and the environment are sensitive to climate variability and change, such as agriculture, natural ecosystems, and coastal areas.
What you can do:
- Buy Energy Star Products
- GreenScapes: Easy Way to a Greener, Healthier Yard
- Waste: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Climate Change Indicators
Environmental indicators play a critical role in our understanding of climate change and its causes. Examples of climate change indicators include temperature, precipitation, sea level, and greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere.
Top Questions: Climate Change
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