2023 was the hottest year ever recorded. This year is on track to be even hotter. What’s more is this trend is likely to continue. Why? Thanks to greenhouse gasses, the emissions from fossil fuels warming up the planet and the main contributor to climate change. 

While you might be loving the heat, temperatures rising globally have damaging consequences long-term: to our health, economy, and planet. This article offers precautionary measures to prepare yourself and home for climate change, as well as how to minimize your own carbon footprint. 

What rising temps mean for you

Sure, an odd warm day in February can be nice. But consistently warmer temps can wreak havoc on the planet, our health, and our homes in the long run. Here are a few things we can expect to see (and likely have experienced already!) if record-breaking rising temps become our new norm. 

Extreme weather is more likely to become frequent and severe. This includes more frequent heatwaves, devastating hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, drought, and wildfires. Moreover, extreme weather disrupts every aspect of our everyday lives: from business and school closings, road closures, and property damage to heat-related health complications, injury, and even death. 

Being informed and making efforts to reduce your carbon impact can protect yourself and the earth yourself when wild weather calls. 

How to protect yourself (& the earth) from climate change

Talking about the effects of climate change and warming temperatures can be overwhelming. Below are some steps you can take to prepare for these changes and minimize your carbon footprint. 

1- Be prepared for extreme weather in your area

The kind of weather you might experience depends on where you live. Stay tuned to local weather reports for extreme weather warnings. You can also check the air quality in your area before heading outdoors. If going for a swim in the lake or ocean, check for poor water quality updates, especially after heavy rainfall. 

You should also consider how your home might be affected by climate change in the future. For example, installing blinds or external awnings where your home faces the sun can keep your house cool during a heatwave and conserve energy. 

2- Conserve energy at home

Chances are your electricity and heat are fueled by gas or coal, contributors to rising temps. Minimize your impact by switching to LED light bulbs and energy-efficient appliances. Conserve energy where you can by using cold water for laundry, hanging clothes instead of running the dryer, and turning off the AC or heat when leaving your home. 

3- Eat and choose local

Choosing local food is good for you and the environment. Not only are local foods fresh and less likely to have preservatives, eating local also cuts down on emissions used to transport foods from outside areas. 

4- Consider your mode of transportation 

Cars are one of the biggest greenhouse gas culprits. When able, walking or biking instead of driving can reduce greenhouse gasses and improve your health, which can reduce your risk of heat-related health complications. For longer distances, consider taking a train or car pooling with someone also headed that way. 

5- Reduce, reuse, repair, recycle 

Everything we buy- food, clothes, furniture, electronics- causes carbon emissions and contributes to climate change. You can reduce your carbon footprint by simply making do. Buy only what you need, shop second-hand, recycle, start a compost, use what you already have, and repair what you can. When you do buy something new, shop from green brands with sustainability initiatives. 

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