On the 21st of September each year, people around the world observe an International Day of Peace. On this day, peace is prioritized above all else and participants seek ways to get involved and promote a more unified culture. Each year has a theme, bringing focus to a different area in which peace can be promoted.
This year’s Peace Day theme is “Climate Action for Peace.” We think the chosen theme this year is fitting; Combating climate change is important, in order to keep our Earth as healthy and comfortable outside as it is inside our homes (with an HVAC system).
Making changes and extra effort to reduce the effects of climate change is the responsibility of everyone. Curious about climate change and wondering what you can do for your neighborhood? Read on below!
The Social Effects of Climate Change
Climate change is a real problem. Essentially, the weather is getting warmer and it’s making some pretty big global changes:
Snow is melting sooner, water temperature is warming, and our weather is taking some pretty dramatic turns.
Unfortunately, climate change doesn’t just change our environment - it has social effects, too. Here are a few of the issues that take place:
- Increase in AC Usage - HVAC systems have come a long way in terms of being environmentally friendly, and are generally ok when used within reason. When temperatures become inordinately hot outside, however, this can cause people to use their AC more often than normal. This causes more hot air to be released into the atmosphere, leading to more heating.
- Higher Energy Consumption - When AC’s run more often, it causes more electricity to be consumed from the power grid. This leads to an increase in carbon dioxide and other pollutants being released when coal-fired power plants have to work to keep up.
- Community Location Impacts - With climate change comes extreme weather pattern changes, drought, increased rainfall, flooding, and unexpected rise and fall in temperatures. When this happens with regularity, it can place a heavy strain on resources available, destroy homes and buildings, and negatively impact citizens within communities. The end result can force entire neighborhoods and cities to relocate.
How Programmable Thermostats Can Help
If you’re looking for a great way to moderate your AC usage, programmable thermostats are a great place to start! When your home has a programmable thermostat installed, not only is it more convenient for you, it’s also better for the environment!
This upgraded type of thermostat allows you to set heating and cooling temps to change throughout the day, helps your home’s temperature stay more fluid throughout, and allows you to control usage from anywhere! All of this not only equals greater comfort and less energy usage, but you can save up to 30% on your utility bills.
Do Your Part, Plant a Tree
If you’re looking for a fun and meaningful activity to do in recognition of International Day of Peace, try planting a tree! Trees help to reverse the effects of climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide and filtering the air.
Not only is this a fun activity to do with friends and family, but you can also feel good doing it! When we all do our part, we can make positive changes to our environment and slow down climate change.
Look for ways to make a difference each day - carpool to work, ride a bicycle or walk to nearby places instead of driving, install a programmable thermostat in your home, or weatherize your home to increase energy efficiency. Let’s make a difference this #PeaceDay.
