Since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, circa.1850, and the subsequent burning of fossil fuels, global temperatures have been rising. Between 1850 and 1980 temperatures rose an average of 0.13°F every 10 years. Since 1981, however, the rate of increase has more than doubled with temperatures averaging 0.36°F per decade. The last three years have seen the highest recorded temperatures, implying possible acceleration.

Global warming is altering weather systems around the world. Intensifying heatwaves and storms, droughts, floods, and fires have widespread impacts on ecosystems, human health and well-being and social justice. While extreme weather events occur worldwide, their frequency and human toll is greatest in areas of high environmental exposure and limited capacity. These less affluent, vulnerable and marginalized communities suffer a disproportionately higher impact from climate events with much higher fatalities, long-term economic damage, water and food scarcity, disease, displacement, and land degradation. They, however, are least responsible for global warming. It is the wealthiest 10% (US, China, India, EU and Russia) creating 67% of the emissions, causing global warming by their lifestyles and fossil fuel use. This is further compounded by failed insight, political inaction, unsustainable economic systems, and misinformation.

We have reached the point of ecological overshoot, ie. we are releasing more greenhouse gases than can be absorbed by earth’s ecosystem. We have the opportunity to create our future; but, we must align human civilization within the limits of earth natural systems. President Donald Trump has referred to climate change as a “hoax” or a “scam”. As a result his administration has moved aggressively and quickly to dismantle environmental and climate protections that have been in place for decades. His actions are delivering profits to billionaires, and to large oil, gas, coal and timber corporations at the expense of our environment and our health.