Climate change and energy

The dramatic effects of global warming have devastated parts of the world in the past decade and the trend does not appear to be changing. There has been a worldwide movement toward renewable energy, but fossil fuels continue to be burned at an alarming rate. Over the last two hundred years, industrial activities, and the burning of fossil fuels have released high concentrations of heat-trapping emissions called greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the atmosphere. These higher concentrations are warming the Earth’s surface to temperatures that threaten life on our planet. Carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane are two GHGs that have increased significantly due to human activity.
 
Why climate change matters

The top ten warmest years on the planet since record-keeping began in 1880 have all been since 1998. By the year 2100, the temperature could rise as much as 12F if intensive, efforts to control emissions are not enacted. The summer of 2018 shows some of the obvious effects of climate change, from drought in Texas and wildfires and drought in California to rising sea levels in our coastal communities, climate change is here now. 

Environmental effects

Rising temperatures caused by GHGs are responsible for elevated sea levels (from melting glaciers and ice shelves), melting permafrost, alterations in the distribution of plants and animals, and the lengthening of seasons. Scientists are also increasingly sure in linking climate change to the catastrophic storms, droughts, wildfires, and hurricanes we’ve experienced in the last few years.

Human impacts of climate change

Climate change has already impacted our health by compromising respiratory function. But some infectious diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever, and encephalitis have become more prevalent. The United States Department of Defense has stated  that climate change has a dramatic impact on national security: "Global climate change will aggravate problems such as poverty, social tensions, environmental degradation, ineffectual leadership and weak political institutions that threaten stability in a number of countries.." -- from a report provided to Congress in 2015 by the Defense Department.

Individuals must analyze their energy usage
 
The more we learn about what is actually happening to the environment, the more we have a responsibility to make personal changes. Through our common efforts, we can make the world a better place now and for future generations. Solar power is here to stay, and the sooner you explore how much you can save, the sooner you can enjoy the benefits of residential solar power. Go to HahaSmart.com and try our price checker tool. It tells you how much solar power you need, and how much you can save.

Please visit our solar blog to find out more about the benefits of going solar.