Frequently Asked Questions
What is climate change?
Climate change is any long-term significant change in the weather patterns of an area. It can be caused naturally (such as the ice age) or by human activities like greenhouse gases.
What's the difference between climate change and global warming?
The term "global warming" is simply an inaccurate one. It implies that the entire world is warming up, and only warming up, which is not the case. The correct term is "climate change" which means that climates (weather patterns, recorded over a long period of time, for example, years, instead of days) are steadily changing over time. It does not necessarily mean that climates are getting warmer; they could even be getting colder, or simply have harsher storms or droughts. However, this does not mean climate change is not dangerous.
Is climate change really an issue right now?
Yes, climate change is upon us already. It is apparent in the recent abnormal weather patterns. For example, the hot weather of summer 2012, hurricane Sandy and the even larger issue of the melting of the polar ice caps. These freak storms and heat waves can and will be debated by experts on both sides, but the evidence of climate change is becoming harder and harder to ignore.
Why should I help?
Many events are currently happening that are detrimental to the environment, such as climate change, deforestation, and pollution. Most of these things stem from human activities and needs such as coal burning for electricity, unhealthy transportation, and our use of lumber. The people who can do the most change are the everyday people. Anything can help, whether it's a protest or a rally, or just a signature on a petition.
What can I do in my everyday life to help out?
There are many things you can do day-to-day. We've got lots of tips for helping the environment on our own website! Check out our Fast Facts page and our Works Cited to find some things to do that save energy and water (and cash!), and many other helpful bits of info!
Where can I go to learn more?
There are many websites and places that contain lots of useful information. They organize petitions and awareness functions in the real world as well. We have some links to the websites of some of these groups on our page called "Important Links". Also on this page are links to the websites of other environmentally aware companies, who sell environmentally friendly products. Each link has a brief description of who the organization does.
Are there courses that I can take to study this cause?
Universities, colleges, and some high schools often have courses on this subject, such as environmental science. For example, the University of Ottawa has bilingual majors and degrees in Environmental Studies, and Environmental Studies and Geography.
How can I join an organization and how can I get involved?
Most organizations have a donation or a "What You Can Do" area of their website. Multiple options for giving money are usually given, and most of the time there are pages outlining potential volunteer work. Sign up by giving your information or sending an email, simple as that!
There are no environmental organizations close to where I live. What can I do?
If there are no organizations that operate close to you, you can get people together in your area and do your own community projects. Organize a litter pick up day in your town on Earth Day, or host fundraisers like 5k runs, bake sales, or concerts whose profits are donated to an environmental organization. You can also circulate a petition, or write to your local MP. These are just a few suggestions of things you can do, but if you have other ideas, feel free to contact us at [email protected].
Climate change is any long-term significant change in the weather patterns of an area. It can be caused naturally (such as the ice age) or by human activities like greenhouse gases.
What's the difference between climate change and global warming?
The term "global warming" is simply an inaccurate one. It implies that the entire world is warming up, and only warming up, which is not the case. The correct term is "climate change" which means that climates (weather patterns, recorded over a long period of time, for example, years, instead of days) are steadily changing over time. It does not necessarily mean that climates are getting warmer; they could even be getting colder, or simply have harsher storms or droughts. However, this does not mean climate change is not dangerous.
Is climate change really an issue right now?
Yes, climate change is upon us already. It is apparent in the recent abnormal weather patterns. For example, the hot weather of summer 2012, hurricane Sandy and the even larger issue of the melting of the polar ice caps. These freak storms and heat waves can and will be debated by experts on both sides, but the evidence of climate change is becoming harder and harder to ignore.
Why should I help?
Many events are currently happening that are detrimental to the environment, such as climate change, deforestation, and pollution. Most of these things stem from human activities and needs such as coal burning for electricity, unhealthy transportation, and our use of lumber. The people who can do the most change are the everyday people. Anything can help, whether it's a protest or a rally, or just a signature on a petition.
What can I do in my everyday life to help out?
There are many things you can do day-to-day. We've got lots of tips for helping the environment on our own website! Check out our Fast Facts page and our Works Cited to find some things to do that save energy and water (and cash!), and many other helpful bits of info!
Where can I go to learn more?
There are many websites and places that contain lots of useful information. They organize petitions and awareness functions in the real world as well. We have some links to the websites of some of these groups on our page called "Important Links". Also on this page are links to the websites of other environmentally aware companies, who sell environmentally friendly products. Each link has a brief description of who the organization does.
Are there courses that I can take to study this cause?
Universities, colleges, and some high schools often have courses on this subject, such as environmental science. For example, the University of Ottawa has bilingual majors and degrees in Environmental Studies, and Environmental Studies and Geography.
How can I join an organization and how can I get involved?
Most organizations have a donation or a "What You Can Do" area of their website. Multiple options for giving money are usually given, and most of the time there are pages outlining potential volunteer work. Sign up by giving your information or sending an email, simple as that!
There are no environmental organizations close to where I live. What can I do?
If there are no organizations that operate close to you, you can get people together in your area and do your own community projects. Organize a litter pick up day in your town on Earth Day, or host fundraisers like 5k runs, bake sales, or concerts whose profits are donated to an environmental organization. You can also circulate a petition, or write to your local MP. These are just a few suggestions of things you can do, but if you have other ideas, feel free to contact us at [email protected].