Photo Credit —Marella Moon Albanese / NBC News
The climate crisis is one of the most pressing issues in our lifetime. If you’re reading this you’ve probably experienced the effects of climate change over the past couple of years through rising temperatures in the summer, decreased air quality from forest fires and air pollution, an increase in rainfall in winter months and so much more. What do you do to escape these conditions? Bundle up and carry an umbrella? Blast the air conditioning in your home when temperatures reach the triple digits? Stay inside when the air is harmful? Regardless of how you combat these changes, it is important to recognize the options that you have and resources that are available to you. How different would your life be without those resources?
Climate change is becoming an increasingly dangerous phenomenon for humankind and those who are homeless are far more vulnerable to its effects. Without respite from the hot sun or access to clean drinking water, rising temperatures can cause heat stress and heat stroke or even contribute to deaths among those without shelter. The exposure to poor air quality can cause respiratory issues and drops in temperature can lead to hypothermia. Aside from the exacerbation of problems that those without shelter face, climate change is actually contributing to the homeless population through the destruction caused by natural disasters. Floods, hurricanes, heatwaves, droughts and fires can destroy homes, neighborhoods, and even entire cities. Not to mention that this is all happening while we are facing an affordable-housing crisis.
What can be done? Educate yourself on the climate crisis. Donate to food banks and housing shelters. Vote for local representatives who care about these issues. Volunteer. Whether the action is big or small, it is an acknowledgement of the issue and it will lead to change.
Resources
Information on the Climate Crisis
Where to Donate and Volunteer in Portland
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