This summer has been atypical. For us in New York, two recent events hampered normal outdoor activities: the dismal air quality resulting from Canadian wildfires in June and the global average temperature hitting record highs in July.
Staring at apocalyptic-orange skies was haunting. Suddenly the world had f.lux night mode turned on. I had flashbacks to dense Los Angeles smog (which I gladly left behind when I moved cross-country). In this case, we were subjected to airborne particulates from our northern neighbors. Climate change knows no boundaries. I hope folks affected realize our connection to the global environment and open their minds to the benefits that sustainable solutions can have in mitigating occurrences.
While 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) may not feel like much when talking about the weather, we must understand that organisms and entire ecosystems depend on constant temperature ranges. When your internal temperature changes by that much and goes from 98.6F to 101.3F, don’t you find yourself concerned about running a fever? Just as our bodies, as a system, cannot sustain that increased temperature, neither can the environment as a whole.
These extreme weather events are stark reminders that climate change is not a distant threat but a current reality. At these crossroads—where our actions today will determine the state of the future—it is essential to remain optimistic about potential outcomes. More importantly, it is imperative to take action as individuals to shape more sustainable businesses and policies. Together we can create a greener, more resilient world for future generations.
Kevin
