Climate Change in Pennsylvania
The global climate is changing due, in part, to the increase in emissions and concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHG) over the last century. Gases such as methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) trap radiant heat from the Earth in the atmosphere and cause a greenhouse effect. These gases have a radiative effect causing an imbalance of the heat energy in the atmosphere, producing either a warming or a cooling of the Earth's climate. Most GHGs take decades to break down and leave the atmosphere.
In Pennsylvania, our climate has undergone a long-term warming of more than 1° C (1.8° F) over the past 110 years. Pennsylvania’s climate has also become wetter, with a 10 percent increase in the amount of precipitation, on average. Pennsylvanians can expect to see an additional 8 percent increase in precipitation by 2050. Human activities related to greenhouse gas emissions have been linked to disruption in the global climate.
Learn more about PA Climate Change: Climate Change in PA
Birds and Climate Change
Audubon scientists took advantage of 140 million observations, recorded by birders and scientists, to describe where 604 North American bird species live today—an area known as their “range.” They then used the latest climate models to project how each species’s range will shift as climate change and other human impacts advance across the continent.
The results are clear: Birds will be forced to relocate to find favorable homes. And they may not survive.
Survival by Degrees: 389 Bird Species on the Brink | Audubon
Local Climate Action
Carlisle creates a Climate Action Plan
Carlisle Borough is one of 20 communities participating in the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Local Climate Action Assistance Program. This program provides tools and expertise to help municipalities develop plans to manage the risks of climate change impacts on their communities. The ultimate goal of the program is for the Borough to create its own Climate Action Plan to reduce emissions and manage impacts.
Learn More about Carlisle’s Climate Action Plan
How Can You Help?
You can lessen the impacts of climate change by making choices that help advance solutions and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Many of these actions apply to both individuals and small- and medium-sized businesses. Decisions that we all make today can shape the world for decades and even centuries to come. Not only are these actions good for the environment, but they are also good for personal and community health, equity, environmental justice, quality of life, and our shared futures.
TEN TOOLS TO TAKE CLIMATE ACTION IN PENNSYLVANIA
What You Can Do About Climate Change | US EPA
Local Eco-Friendly Stores & Farmers Markets
Refillism a Refill & Eco-Lifestyle Shop
Down To Earth Cafe | Mechanicsburg, PA (downtoearthcafeco.com)