Climate change has been a growing concern throughout the world the past few years. Global temperatures keep rising, and many countries are trying to reduce the temperature changes. In 2015, one hundred ninety-five countries signed an agreement to lower the amount of greenhouse gases used. However, President Donald Trump has decided to pull the United States from the deal and is even planning to increase the amount of coal the U.S. burns.

On Monday, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released a report saying that by 2040, the temperature of the atmosphere will increase by 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature rises this much, then coastlines will flood and there will be an increase in droughts and poverty. In addition, the damage done would cost about $54 trillion. In order to prevent the atmosphere from reaching this temperature, there would have to be a significant decrease in the use of coal and an increase in renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar energy.

Political leaders around the world need to make decisions to lower the amount of greenhouse gases being produced. There are ways the average citizen can help reduce greenhouse gases too. Citizens can start by electing officials who care about the environment and will work towards reducing greenhouse gases. People can also recycle glass, paper, and plastic as well as using less water when showering or brushing their teeth. Simple things people can do to eliminate waste and help the environment are use reusable water bottles, use rechargeable batteries, turn off lights when leaving a room, and reduce the amount of meat eaten.

For more information on the Paris deal, you can visit:

https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/international/negotiations/paris_en

For more information on how to eliminate waste and reduce greenhouse gases, you can visit:

http://www.50waystohelp.com/

https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/ocean/earthday.html

https://www.fastweb.com/student-life/articles/eight-simple-ways-to-help-the-environment