Unconvinced that Climate Change is an Issue? 

Despite considerable evidence from the world’s leading scientists that identify human activities as catalysts for changes in the earth’s climate, some people are unconvinced that we are affecting any change that is occurring, or may occur in the future.  Even for those that are uncertain regarding the role of human activity in climate change, it should be noted that there are many positive environmental and economic reasons for adopting measures to control greenhouse gas emissions. 

Minimize Air Pollution

Measures taken to combat climate change – the development and adoption of energy-efficient and renewable energy technologies, for instance – not only decrease the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into our air, but also reduce other pollutants like particulates and nitrogen oxides.  Nitrogen oxides emitted by the combustion of fossil fuels are significant contributor to smog.  Also known as ground-level ozone, smog aggravates the symptoms of people with asthma and lung disease, particularly children and the elderly.  We are protecting the health of humans and animals when we adopt energy-efficient and renewable technologies that decrease the amount of pollutants and gases that are emitted into our air.

Improve Water Quality

Improved air quality leads to improved water quality.  Many air-borne pollutants end up in our waterways, degrading the quality of our drinking water and negatively affecting aquatic plants and animals.  For example, over half of our electricity is generated by burning coal.  This process emits mercury which accumulates in our water and soil.  High exposure to mercury has been shown to affect early brain and nervous system development of humans and also affects the health of animals.  In addition, improving water quality helps to protect drinking water supplies, and can also improve economic opportunities associated with recreation, real estate, and tourism.

Reduce Healthcare Costs

There are a number of studies identifying the benefits reducing air and water pollution would have on our healthcare costs.  The U.S. spends millions of dollars treating symptoms related to, and resulting from, exposure to air and water pollution.  Steps we take to reduce pollution can reduce our health care and insurance costs.

Increase Energy Independence

Finally, the U.S. is heavily dependant on foreign oil.  We use it to fuel our cars, heat our homes, as a raw material in many consumer products, and to generate electricity.  At our current rate of consumption, the U.S. oil reserves have a limited life span and will not be able to sustain our country’s economy.  Seeking alternative energy sources and ways to be more energy-efficient will increase the nation’s energy independence by decreasing our dependence on foreign oil, develop new industries, and prepare our nation for the economy of the future.