A Practical Guide To Climate Change In Alabama
Climate change is a global issue that affects all of us, and Alabama is no exception. As temperatures increase, sea levels rise, and extreme weather events become more frequent, Alabama’s citizens and local businesses are feeling the effects. To help address this challenge, this guide provides an overview of climate change in Alabama, its impacts, and practical steps that can be taken to reduce the risks and prepare for the future.
What is Climate Change?
Climate change is defined as the long-term alteration of average climate conditions. This includes changes in temperature, precipitation, and other weather patterns. In the past century, the average global temperature has increased by 1.8°F and is expected to continue rising due to human-caused emissions of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane. These gases trap heat in the atmosphere, causing global temperatures to rise.
Climate Change Impacts in Alabama
The impacts of climate change are already being felt in Alabama. Warmer temperatures increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, worsen air quality, and harm crops and livestock. Sea-level rise and increased storm intensity are also causing flooding and coastal erosion. In addition, climate change is expected to lead to longer and more intense droughts, which can have a dramatic effect on agriculture and water supplies.
What Can Be Done?
Although climate change is a global issue, there are ways that individuals and businesses in Alabama can help reduce its impacts. To start, reducing energy consumption and switching to renewable sources of energy can help reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. Other options include planting trees to store carbon dioxide and adopting sustainable land management practices to reduce soil erosion and preserve water resources.
Conclusion
Climate change is a global issue with local implications, and Alabama is no exception. To help mitigate the impacts of climate change, citizens and businesses in Alabama should consider reducing their energy consumption, switching to renewable energy sources, and taking other steps to reduce emissions and prepare for a changing climate.
Kyle Whyte is a notable scholar and professor at the University of Michigan, holding positions such as the George Willis Pack Professor in the School for Environment and Sustainability and Professor of Philosophy. Specializing in environmental justice, his work critically examines climate policy and Indigenous peoples’ ethics, emphasizing the nexus between cooperative scientific endeavors and Indigenous justice. As an enrolled Citizen Potawatomi Nation member, he brings a vital perspective to his roles as a U.S. Science Envoy and member of the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council. His influential research is supported by various prestigious organizations including the National Science Foundation, and disseminated through publications in high-impact journals. Kyle actively contributes to global Indigenous research methodologies and education, with affiliations to numerous institutes and societies dedicated to traditional knowledge and sustainability. Recognized for his academic and community engagement, Kyle has earned multiple awards and served in various visiting professorships. His efforts extend to leadership positions on boards and committees focused on environmental justice nationwide.