Climate Change Affects Everyone
Impacts on the U.S.
Climate Change
Long term change in the earth’s climate, especially a change due to an increase in the average atmospheric temperature.
How Will Climate Change Affect You?
Health
People at the highest risk: young, old, poor, disabled, those living in coastal areas. Heat waves, severe storms, air pollution, and diseases threaten peoples health.
Water Supply
We need water to survive. Bodies of water will continue to be affected by rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and increasing droughts.
Forests
Forests are homes for plants and animals. They protect some of our important resources. Shifts in weather patterns, wildfires, drought, and spread of pests are affects.
Agriculture
We need food to survive. Crop need certain conditions to grow, including temperature and water. Drought, floods, and pests are all concerns.
Energy
It might be harder to produce certain types of energy, for example hydropower. Energy need will fluctuate. During the summer more energy will be needed for cooling, and during the winter, less energy will be need for heating.
Recreation
Peoples jobs, recreation activities, and hobbies will be affected. Weather for skiing and other winter sports will be threatened. Temperature changes could cause the washing away of beaches.
What Can We Do?
Take Action!
Health: keep cool on hot days, be cautious of ticks and mosquitoes
Water Supply: use less water, find new water sources
Forests: take precautions for fires and be ready to mange them
Agriculture: plant crops are different times during the year
Energy: use less energy, find cleaner energy sources, plant more trees in cities to provide shade, use fans instead of air conditioning
Recreation: winter sports facilities can add other activities, replenish beaches more often