The International Day of Peace is observed each year on September 21. Created by the United Nations in 1981, the day aims to inspire people across the globe to end violence and restore peace on the planet. For the International Day of Peace in 2019, the theme is “Climate Action for Peace.”
The United Nations believes that climate change is by no means a political issue—it’s a human rights issue. The international organization has called upon each one of us to set aside our differences and come together and fight climate change. The Earth can be just as comfortable as our homes with an HVAC system.
How Does Climate Change Affect Everyday Life?
Global warming can prompt significant shifts in our everyday life, including some shifts that you may not have attributed to climate change. Some of the most common social effects of climate change include:
Population shifts due to hurricanes and tropical storms. Due to rising water temperatures, storm systems are starting to increase in size, severity, and frequency. As a result, families in states, such as Hawaii, Florida, and North Carolina, are choosing to relocate to move out of harm’s way, which has lead to a modest decline in each state’s population.- A rise in the use of artificial climate systems. Temperatures are becoming more unpredictable in the summer and winter months due to rising global temperatures. To combat the effects of record-breaking heatwaves and cold spells, Americans are relying on heating and air conditioning now more than ever.
- An increase in electricity usage. The use of heating and cooling is on the rise, but what about electricity in general? It’s become clear that climate change will continue to have a significant effect on peak electricity consumption.
Climate change continues to affect each and every one of us.
We’ve come up with a few things that you can do on #PeaceDay — and everyday — to make the world a better place for the future.
Should I Invest in a Programmable Thermostat?
Do you hate coming home to a house that’s too hot or too cold? You’re not alone. But you can’t just leave your air conditioner or heating system on all day. Not unless you want to increase your energy bill and carbon footprint.
With a programmable thermostat, you can adjust your home’s temperature based on your schedule. Personally, we recommend finding a unit with:
- Separate weekday and weekend scheduling
- Digital indicators to tell you when to change your air filters
- Remote smartphone controls
There are plenty of options on the market for programmable thermostats to meet your routine. When used correctly, you can save money and save the planet — it’s a win-win.
Consider Planting a Tree to Combat Climate Change
Fighting climate change starts on the ground level — literally. Planting trees help combat climate change, as trees absorb increased levels of atmospheric carbon (CO2), the main culprit of climate change.
For Peace Day, take initiative and encourage members of your community to plant trees, either at an organized event or just in their free time. Not only is tree planting a fun activity, but it is also a simple way to fight back against the effects of climate change.
What else can you do to combat climate change?
By making a few small changes, you can help mitigate climate change. Maybe you could start carpooling with a coworker or invest in a reusable water bottle. You could switch out all of the lightbulbs in your home to compact fluorescent light bulbs or turn the water off while you’re brushing your teeth. A few small changes to your routine can make a big difference.
