Climate Change 101
What exactly is climate change and what does it mean for me in Northfield?
You are probably aware that….
By burning fossil fuels and emitting CO2, humans are causing the climate to change at an accelerating pace never before seen in human history. Since the industrial revolution, atmospheric levels of heat-trapping CO2 have increased almost 50% to levels higher than any time in the last 2 million years.
Rising global temperatures have large and far-reaching impacts in every corner of the globe, from rising sea levels, to severe weather, to higher species extinction rates, disrupting virtually every ecosystem on the planet to some degree.
The cost of damages from severe weather events in the US has risen 10-fold in 2 decades.
To limit temperature increases to 1.5 degrees Celcius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit), we must make deep reductions in planet-wide CO2 emissions (50% by 2030 and 100% by 2050).
But do you also know the local impact of climate change?
Illinois has experienced two “500-year” floods in the last decade, with average annual precipitation in most of the Midwest having increased by 5 to 10 percent.
Lake Michigan water levels have swung to record lows and highs just since 2013, threatening the area’s drinking water with the potential for the Chicago River to reverse its flow of treated wastewater into the lake instead of away from it.
The Great Lakes are likely to warm up to 7 degrees in the next 50 years, potentially causing algae blooms and degrading water quality.
This graphic from University of IL shows the change in average daily temperature between 1900 and 2020 in each season by county in Illinois.
And what about Northfield?
Our village is a big contributor to climate change! When you calculate each home’s average amount of electricity used to cool, natural gas to heat and cook with, miles driven in gas powered cars, travel taken, and food, clothing, and other goods purchased, Northfield clocks in with one of the highest rates of CO2 emissions on the planet, generating more than 7 times as much as the global average on a per capita basis. Our suburban lifestyle has consequences!
If you are the average household in Northfield, your carbon footprint might look like this:
But there’s good news!
Here are the 5 most impactful steps you can take today, and over the next few years, to cut your household emissions by 50% or more:
Shift your electricity consumption to zero carbon renewable energy. This is can be done by buying renewable electricity (or green power) from the grid or by installing solar panels on your roof and using the renewable electricity you self-generate. ComEd would continue to be responsible for billing, electricity distribution, and service repairs. The only thing that would change is the name of your supplier on your ComEd bill, the supply price, and the fact that your carbon footprint would drop.
Buy an electric car. In many cases EV’s are now lower cost than similar gasoline cars, considering incentives and lower operating costs. Car companies are working quickly to produce affordable models with longer distance capabilities.
Shift your home’s energy-intensive appliances from gas to high-efficiency electric. Look for the Energy Star rating.
Increase the energy efficiency of your home. Do simple things like adjust your thermostat, replace incandescent bulbs with LEDs, maintain your mechanicals, and unplug countertop items when not in use.
Be mindful of your behavior with the goal of a lower carbon, less wasteful lifestyle. Walk more, buy less, eat in season.
You can help drive emissions reduction across the entire community!
Discuss the climate change problem with your family and friends. Raise awareness of the ideas for solutions. Show them how you’ve reduced your own emissions.
Bring your energy and creativity to organizations that push for big and small solutions. Citizens Climate Lobby advocates for legislation that will accelerate emissions reductions across the entire economy and planet.
Use your voice, vote, and purchasing power to encourage community and business leaders to reduce their carbon emissions toward zero. Check whether they have a plan to cut the emissions of their organizations.
Learn more about climate change, its local impact, and what you can do about it:
Cool Climate Calculator for measuring your carbon footprint
A consumer guide to the Inflation Reduction Act offering incentives for energy efficient home projects
Compare 13 suppliers that offer renewable electricity in the ComEd grid
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