Week 12- Climate Change introduction

In lab- 

Climate impacts in the midwest: The Midwest has gotten warmer since the 1900's. It is projected to still continue to increase. Heavy downpours are already common, but with climate change it is expected to intensify storms. Climate change is expected to negatively impact human health and increase the health factors already there. These heatwaves can lead to sudden deaths, increase stress, and increased exposure to allergens, 

It is not just heat, it is humidity: Absolute humidity is moisture in the air. It is expected to become the most pervasive factor of climate change across the state. Health is affected, especially allergies due to dust, highten exposure to mold, and humid environments. 

Rainfall ties the 1988 record: They got above average rainfall in Waterloo. At first they were happy because they needed the rain then it quickly became an issue because they were worried about flooding. 

Textbook: 

Climate Change Basics

What is it?: Climate change is a big shift in weather patterns over 30+ years. It’s happening faster now because burning fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases, trapping heat.

Impacts:

Hotter summers and unpredictable cold snaps.

More hurricanes, droughts, and wildfires.

Melting ice and rising sea levels.

Harm to ecosystems like coral reefs.

What’s Being Done?: Countries are reducing emissions (e.g., Paris Climate Accord), and activists like Greta Thunberg push for action.

Key Fact: 97% of scientists agree it’s human-caused. We can act now to make a difference. 🌍