Everybody in the world is affected … because we all live on the same planet • PLASTIC TAKES 20‑600 YEARS TO DEGENERATE • FOOD WASTE generates METHANE (CH4)—a gas 28‑80 times more potent than CO2 • Globally, about 33% of all food is thrown away • THE LAND ‘employs’ 20% of the world’s population. Harming it affects their livelihood. • DEFORESTATION, METAL MINING & processing disrupt ecosystems, consume enormous amount of resources, and release greenhouse gases into the air • ‘LANDSCAPE AMNESIA’ (a.k.a. gradualism) = people perceive climate change as normal if it happens gradually, but would object if it happened suddenly • ULTIMATELY, everything is produced for humans: from consumer goods (e.g. electronics) to infrastructure (e.g. bridges) • WE THE PEOPLE have the power to become climate‑informed, and effect change
Existence of life is possible only within systems • Every year, 400 million tons of heavy metals, toxic sludge & other industrial waste are dumped into the world’s waters • LARGE CORPORATIONS produce because there is DEMAND FOR THEIR PRODUCTS • Microplastics have been found in human livers, kidneys, placentas • WETLANDS = Ecosystems where water covers the soil. The underwater plants within are essential in trapping & storing harmful carbon, away from humans • BUYING long‑term‑use products (instead of disposable ones) protects the environment, helps reduce climate change, helps humans’ ability to have a GOOD LIFE • GOOD NEWS: Because methane (CH4) is so powerful but shorter‑lived, cutting food waste (and therefore, methane generation) can result in meaningful reduction in the growth of climate change • Big difference in attitude: DOING LESS BAD vs DOING MORE GOOD
Everybody in the world is affected • PLASTIC TAKES 20‑600 YEARS TO DEGENERATE • FOOD WASTE generates METHANE gas (CH4) … 28‑80 times more potent than CO2 • Harming THE LAND affects the livelihood of 20% of world population • DEFORESTATION & METAL MINING disrupt ecosystems • ‘LANDSCAPE AMNESIA’ in climate change: People perceive it as normal because it happens gradually, but would object if it happened suddenly •
LARGE CORPORATIONS produce because there is DEMAND FOR THEIR PRODUCTS • Microplastics have been found in human livers, kidneys, placentas • Underwater plants in WETLANDS are essential in trapping & storing harmful carbon, away from humans • BUYING long‑term‑use products (instead of disposable ones) protects the environment, helps reduce climate change, helps humans • Big difference in attitude: DOING LESS BAD vs DOING MORE GOOD
SKY
SEAS
LAND
PEOPLE
THE EARTH & HUMANS
Facts and insights about how the many systems of the Earth connect and work together,
about the forces that trigger changes in the Earth and the climate,
and what we can do to ensure that this planet will continue to enable us to have a life.
THE FUNDAMENTALS
A GENERAL UNDERSTANDING OF CLIMATE CHANGE
In the midst of a myriad of available information, this piece aims to provide a simple explanation of what climate change really is—beyond its usage of being a political football or a hysterical tool—what the causes are, and how it already has a presence in the everyday life … not only in the future. Already. Now.
And, what we as individuals and families can do about it.
A MORE SPECIFIC UNDERSTANDING OF CLIMATE CHANGE:
Causes, Consequences, Who Is Affected
A digestible explanation of the overall details of how the Earth’s natural functions correlate, what climate change involves … and the role humans play in this phenomenon, today.
THE BASICS OF PLASTIC WASTE
Plastic is unique—but, for the wrong reason: It takes 20‑600 years to degenerate. It decomposes into ever‑smaller pieces, and much of the plastic ever produced is still with us.
The meaning of the word PLASTIC: artificial, unnatural. That means, plastic contains chemicals that are harmful to the human body, particularly to the hormone‑, reproductive‑, and neurological systems. So, being mindful of our everyday use of plastic can make a personal impact today—and for future generations.
THE BASICS OF FOOD WASTE:
Who Generates Methane?
We boycott ‘big oil’ and other industrial polluters … but, shouldn’t we also boycott individual consumers? Because human‑activity‑generated methane (such as from food waste) also causes and increases climate change.
Yet, if every person would change the simple everyday habit of wasting food, on a personal basis, there could be a noticeable improvement in the rate of climate change.
THE LAND WE LIVE ON:
Servant or Master?
The land of the Earth has various roles in sustaining human life. Yet, if exploited beyond its capacity by us (the very humans it sustains), then aren’t we shooting ourselves in the foot?
This piece provides a breakdown of the different types of habitats of the Earth, and each of their roles in sustaining our lives … one of those being dead plants in wetlands, providing clean air for us all. But, do we even know what wetlands are? Answers inside …
THE BASICS OF METAL WASTE
Metal is a valuable and finite resource. And, it affects our lives in more ways than just being used as parts for our never-ceasing appetite for electronic gadgets, kitchen appliances, stainless steel water bottles, and other products.
In fact, metal waste and climate change are intertwined. But even we, individuals and households, can do something about it … and even get money for it. Just see how a souvenir fridge magnet from your refrigerator door can help you in that process.
LANDSCAPE AMNESIA:
Pun Intended
Do we allow ‘landscape amnesia’ (i.e. gradualism) to take hold in our minds and in our landscape? Do we allow human exploitation of the Earth’s resources, and climate change to increase … thinking that no big bang will happen in our lifetime?
But, how about our (grand)children’s lifetimes? Is that of any concern for us?
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Anatomy of (most) Insights:
THE ESSENCE
+
THE DETAILS
(expandable to see the nitty‑gritty)
+
WHAT YOU CAN DO
(as an individual against climate change)
THE INSIGHTS
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CHOCOLATE SECURITY OR CHOCOLATE LUXURY?
We have been living in ‘chocolate security.’ But, will this passion become a rare luxury? Without action to preserve the humid climate where the cocoa trees grow, and without steps to stop aridity, cacao production will drastically decline … and prices rise. Do we let it disappear from our sight?
UNPACKED:
PAPER or PLASTIC or METAL?
There is packaging waste galore in a consumerist society. Yet, the extensive use of the various underlying materials has a price much beyond its shipping or purchase price. So, let’s sort them out.
IS CLIMATE CHANGE FASHIONABLE … OR, FASHION CLIMATE‑CHANGEABLE?
Fast fashion equals fast pleasure equals faster climate change. No wonder the fashion industry is the third largest greenhouse gas emitter, and the second largest water user … hence, the facts behind the attractive attires are not quite as pretty.
MULTI‑PACK PALOOZA
ONE OF OUR PALOOZAS: If you bought a multi‑pack of the same product just because it was a good deal, did you actually make a good deal? … Find out!
PERSONAL CONSEQUENCES OF CLIMATE CHANGE
Climate change doesn’t affect me because I live in a developed country. Am I right? … Right? … rigghhht???
CLICK ABOVE!
THE OCEAN & HUMANS
(Part 3)
The Global Conveyor Belt
The ocean has a giant conveyor belt system in the form of ocean currents. It regulates our climate by systematically moving cold water from the poles toward hotter regions of the Earth; then, moving warm water back toward the poles. So, how exactly does this work?
BUGGED FOR LIFE
Without Insects, Humans Might Be Dead
As strange as it may sound, insects are vital for human survival. About 35% of all crops rely on insect pollination, serving as the foundation of the food web. Their extinction would have catastrophic impact on humans. Never mind the fact that they even provide free ‘cleanup services’, worth tens of billions of dollars every year, in fact.
THE OCEAN & HUMANS
(Part 2)
Food Security, Health, and Well‑Being
The ocean plays a critical role in our land‑based food supply … and so, there is much more than meets the eye when it comes to the benefits provided by the ocean in our lives than just our seafood supply or the occasional vacation at the oceanside.
ECOTOURISM
Ecotourism + Sustainability + Responsible Travel = Benefit for All. Ecotourism is more than just being a spectator. It’s being a participant by connecting with nature and the locals, and preserving the marvels of the environment.
VAPING AND THE CLIMATE:
A ‘Breathtaking’ Relationship
Is vaping less harmful than smoking? Only for the user, and only in its immediate effect, but not for the climate and all other humans.
THE OCEAN & HUMANS
(Part 1)
OXYGEN:
Breathing Life Into Humans
The ocean’s roles in the lives of humans: It generates oxygen, supports the land‑based food supply chain, regulates the climate, drives economies & global trade … and more.
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While we believe that climate change is real, the related information is not an exact science in every instance. Therefore, some data or statistics might differ in different sources, even as they point to the same phenomenon of a changing climate. While we make sufficient effort to collect valid information, GlobeMentum is not responsible for the precision (or lack thereof) of data or information published on this site. You are encouraged to do your own research.
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