It's time to face the reality that is climate change.
Climate Change- The Basics
"Climate" is defined as the "average weather" in a place. If you have ever watched a weather broadcast, you know that "weather" includes lots of variables, things like the temperature, humidity, precipitation. While we used to be able to use historical information to get an idea of what to expect for our weather, this has become unreliable due to erratic weather patterns from climate change. |
"Weather is not the same as climate. Rather, climate is the weather average over a number of years."
What causes climate change?
Climate change is caused by something called the "greenhouse effect."
Certain types of gases released into the atmosphere cause more heat from the sun to stay trapped in the atmosphere, as opposed to the heat escaping out into space (see diagram). Those gases are called "greenhouse gases." While some greenhouse gases exist naturally in our atmosphere, human activity is responsible for the vast majority of greenhouse gases released into our atmosphere in the last century. |
How are humans responsible?
While humans contribute to greenhouse gas emissions in various ways, the primary contributing factor is through burning fossil fuels such as coal. Burning coal releases the most prevalent greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide, into the atmosphere.
In addition to carbon dioxide, methane is another extremely potent greenhouse gas. While methane release is primarily attributed to agriculture, underground coal mining is another significant contributor to methane release. |
Dispelling a myth about global warming
It's easy to think of global warming just in the context of where we live. But it's important to realize that global warming doesn't necessarily mean that everywhere feels warmer.
Instead, think of how overall warming of the planet might affect some areas in different ways than others. Ice in the polar regions is melting, sea levels are rising, there is flooding in some areas and drought in others. This will inevitably result in situations of food and water insecurity, which can in turn create global unrest. |
What is Citizens Coal Council doing to help fight climate change?
Climate change is a GLOBAL problem, but that doesn't mean that there aren't things we can't do right here in our country, states and local areas that can help curb the effects of climate change.
We are helping to educate and empower people to create much-needed change. As an organization that focuses exclusively on coal-related issues, our approach is centered around limiting the effects of coal on climate change. We support efforts to reduce and eliminate carbon emissions from power plants, and we are actively working to educate the public and decision-makers on methane emissions from coal mining, especially from longwall mining.
Looking forward, CCC supports the development and implementation of clean energy alternatives and partnering with organizations with similar objectives, as well as educating homeowners and organizations on ways in which they can increase energy efficiency and reduce their carbon footprint.
We are helping to educate and empower people to create much-needed change. As an organization that focuses exclusively on coal-related issues, our approach is centered around limiting the effects of coal on climate change. We support efforts to reduce and eliminate carbon emissions from power plants, and we are actively working to educate the public and decision-makers on methane emissions from coal mining, especially from longwall mining.
Looking forward, CCC supports the development and implementation of clean energy alternatives and partnering with organizations with similar objectives, as well as educating homeowners and organizations on ways in which they can increase energy efficiency and reduce their carbon footprint.
What can you do to help?
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