WE®: Urgent Need for Action on the Climate Crisis
The climate crisis is the defining challenge of our time.
3 min read
As temperatures rise and extreme weather events become more frequent, it's clear that we must act now to protect our planet and secure a livable future for generations to come.
We believe that everyone has a role to play in combating the climate crisis, and we're here to empower you with the knowledge and tools to make a difference.
Understanding the Climate Crisis
The science is unequivocal - human activities, primarily the burning of fossil fuels, are causing rapid global warming. This warming is leading to rising sea levels threatening coastal communities, more intense hurricanes, floods, and droughts shifting wildlife populations and habitats.
Threats to food and water security
While these impacts can seem overwhelming, there is still time to act. By working together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build resilience, we can limit the worst effects of climate change.
Intensifying Storms and Unnatural Disasters
Climate change is also fueling more powerful storms and extreme weather events all around the world.
Witness, for example, the trend of hurricanes rapidly growing more intense, as waters warm and air temperatures rise with climate change. We saw the phenomenon in action with Hurricane Beryl, which struck Caribbean islands with category 5-force winds before barreling into Texas, taking at least 23 lives and leaving millions without power.
Or the torrential downpours like one that struck Rino Grande do Sul in Brazil in May, unleashing catastrophic floods that took 169 lives and forced 80,000 people from their homes. Or the weeks of rain in Kenya in April and May fueling floods that cost at least 228 lives and displaced 212,000.
Threats to Ecosystems and Biodiversity
Our changing climate is having profound effects on the natural world, from the Great Barrier Reef’s unprecedented coral die-off to the drought and fires of the Western United States. These are signals of the critical need for urgent action to protect our ecosystems.
Unprecedented Heat and Its Consequences
If this summer feels exceptionally hot, it’s not just you. Washington, DC, has been so hot in July that a wax replica of Lincoln's head melted, serving as a stark visual representation of our warming world. Meanwhile, the US West Coast is sweating through a historic heat wave that has led to heat warnings for millions and helped fuel multiple wildfires. Together, these events demonstrate the immediate and tangible impacts of global warming on our communities and daily lives.
Protect our Climate
We’re dedicated to accelerating the transition to a sustainable clean energy future. We work to educate the public about climate science and solutions, advocate for strong climate policies at all levels of government, and support the development and deployment of clean energy technologies.
Climate action starts with informed and engaged citizens. Here are some ways you can join in the fight against global warming:
- Stay informed: Visit our website regularly for the latest climate news, science updates, and action alerts.
- Spread awareness: Share climate information with your friends, family, and social networks.
- Support climate-friendly policies: Contact your leaders and encourage them to take climate action.
- Donate or volunteer: Consider supporting our work through financial contributions or by volunteering your time and skills.
The Power of Collective Action
While individual actions are important, systemic change is crucial to address the climate crisis effectively. By joining the Climate Reality Leadership Corps at one of our exclusive training events, you become part of a powerful movement pushing for transformative solutions.
From youth activists leading global climate education and actions to innovative climate-focused entrepreneurs developing cutting-edge technologies, people around the world are stepping up to meet this challenge. Your voice and actions, combined with millions of others, can create the momentum needed for meaningful change.
A Call to Action
The time for climate action is now. As we face this global crisis, remember that every effort counts. By staying informed, making sustainable choices, and supporting organizations taking the fight to the climate crisis, you're contributing to a more resilient and sustainable future. Learn more about our work and how you can get involved. Together, we can turn the tide on climate change and create a cleaner, healthier planet for all.