More than one million species are in danger from the risk of climate change according to a United Nations report. As the earth continues to get warmer, animals such as polar bears, seals, sea turtles and more diminish by numbers.

Climate change is affecting all areas of life. What exactly is Climate change? It’s when there’s a change in the regional climate. According to NASA, the earth “has risen about 2.05 degrees Fahrenheit (1.14 degrees Celsius) since the late 19th century.” Human activity such as transportation, electricity production, agriculture and the burning of fossil fuels all contribute to the large amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere; therefore producing a large amount of carbon dioxide which traps heat within the atmosphere.

“Greenhouse gases warm the Earth absorbing energy and slowing the rate at which the energy escapes to space; they act like a blanket insulating the Earth” according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. As the temperatures rise, animals and sea life are at risk. Due to the rise in temperature which affects the ocean’s temperature; therefore increasing the acidity and sea level which will cause colder climates such as Antarctica to melt. Home for many wildlife creatures such as polar bears, seals, orcas and more.

Luckily for us, there is still a way to help improve climate change. As technology advances over the years, there are more ways to use renewable energy. Solar appliances are one of the best ways to reuse energy, not to mention a smaller electricity bill as well. Another thing to look out for is energy efficient supplies for example, Led bulbs, and the reduction of plugs are the way to go.

“Energy efficiency is the lowest-cost way to reduce emissions,” Aliya Haq, deputy director of NRDC’s Clean Power Plan initiative, said. Energy efficient items are more environmentally friendly according to experts. “Don’t leave fully charged devices plugged into your home’s outlets, unplug rarely used devices or plug them into power strips and timers” according to the Natural Resources Defense Council. The decrease in transportation can help as well, as gas can be costly and cause more pollution. Fuel efficient cars such as teslas, or hybrid cars are more gas efficient and improve the fuel economy.

Some may argue that climate change is “normal” or “natural” and the carbon dioxide levels help increase the growth of crops and plants; however this is a short term effect. Insects and pests also flourish in the warmer season. With too much CO2, plants become overwhelmed, and cannot adapt to the changes.

According to the NRDC, if we do not take action to eliminate carbon by 2040 then there is no turning back. “we’ll need to reduce global carbon emissions by as much as 40 percent by 2030.” Although we cannot do this on our own, but rather unite with each other. Communities build together to help encourage others to help participate and spread awareness of the dangers and risks we may encounter without their help. Climate change is not often heard, but needs to be confronted. In order to save these endangered species we must act together as a whole and spread awareness.