As I’ve mentioned before, the addition of greenhouse gases from beneath our feet into the atmosphere is the basic way to describe how global warming is dramatically altering our climate. Human activities are tipping the scales of the natural carbon balance. This is simple math: There are more carbon dioxide molecules in the air today than there have been in the last 3 million years — give or take a million.
For reference, humans didn’t even exist back then. The ocean is helping by absorbing a lot of these molecules, but we need to address this crazy carbon imbalance ourselves. Living in harmony with planetary stability isn’t just smart; it’s essential to prevent the collapse of humanity and Earth’s ecosystems.
One critical step is to think about how to implement transitional changes quickly. This includes construction of infrastructure, clean energy integration, grid overhauls, land-use reforms and climate-supporting regulations. We must demand these changes from both corporate leaders and governments.
But often, I get the question, “What can I do personally?” This is important because contributing to the larger effort feels empowering. My answer is, what do you want to do? Whether composting, eating less meat and dairy, using public transportation, buying renewable energy for your home, cutting back on unnecessary travel, or supporting conservation efforts in the Amazon rainforest, every action counts. It’s like an exercise program: Pick what you’re passi.
