Our planet is naturally insulated by a layer of heat-trapping or
“greenhouse” gases in the atmosphere. These greenhouse gasses trap heat
from the sun, warming Earth to a temperature suitable to support life.
However, this protective layer of greenhouse gases is delicate and
susceptible to changes caused by human activity. Over the course of the
last century, humans have released more and more carbon-dioxide, a
greenhouse gas, into the Earth’s atmosphere as a result of burning
dirty fuels like coal and oil.
Climate Change is the human-made consequence of burning more and more
dirty fossil fuels over the course of the last century. The additional
carbon-dioxide released from burning dirty fuels has upset the delicate
balance of atmospheric gases resulting in too much heat now being
trapped inside the Earth’s atmosphere.
This increased heat is affecting our planet in a number of serious
ways. Changes in global weather patterns, sea level rise, flooding,
draught, disruption of agriculture and the spread of disease are all
consequences of climate change.
Consequences like agricultural disruption and the loss of coastline
from sea rise ensure that states like South Carolina have the most to
lose unless we take action. Fortunately, it is not too late to embrace
policies at the state and national level that will reduce our use and
dependence on dirty fuels responsible for greenhouse gas pollution.
Increasingly, South Carolinians are embracing long-term solutions like
conservation, improved efficiency and renewable energy as our state
first fuels and the best way to solve the climate crisis.