Responding to Climate Change

While climate change is a global issue, it is tackled on a local scale. Cities and municipalities are, therefore, at the frontline of adaptation. Reducing climate change involves reducing the flow of heat-trapping greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. How can we achieve this? By reducing the amount of burning of fossil fuels for electricity, heat, and transportation.

Global Rise in Temperature

The planet’s average surface temperature has risen about 1.62 degrees Fahrenheit (0.9 degrees Celsius) since the late 19th century. This change is largely driven by the increase of carbon dioxide and other human-related emissions released into the atmosphere. Most of the warming has occurred in the past 35 years, with the five warmest years on record taking place since 2010.