On March 25, 2017, people all over the world will switch their lights off for one hour to make a  statement about the need for decisive climate change solutions.

The question is, will you be joining too?

(Photo credit: Skreened)

We need to make a stand.

Extreme weather conditions, rising sea levels, shrinking crops and disappearing forests are just some of the effects that climate change is causing. The effect on our livelihoods and security both as individuals and as a community require that we manage and mitigate the unavoidable impacts caused by climate change. This decision can start from something so simple such as an awareness of what is happening to the point where we are motivated to take a concrete action towards a goal of reducing our carbon footprint and living more in harmony with nature.

(Photo credit: Zazzle)

Why it matters.

If we don’t decide to make a stand, we are going to face catastrophic climate change. The United Nations climate talks in Paris on December 2015 acknowledged the growing threat of climate change.  Global warming must remain under 2 deg Celsius to avoid this bleak reality. The consequences of climate change can still be avoided but we need to cut our emissions. According to the World Wide Fund website, extreme weather conditions, health issues, a warm and acidic ocean, rising seas and an imperiled ecosystem are conditions that are the direct result of climate change affecting our health, livelihood and sustenance.

(Photo credit: Home Wise Shopper Kids)

To prevent global warming which causes climate changes, a shift to alternative renewable energy must be made. A conscious decision to recycle and re-use materials where necessary must also be done to create a sustainable environment that does not put a lot of pressure to produce materials that harm the environment.

Finally, working to spread awareness of our situation is vital to the cause of climate change. In order to truly make a difference, we need to understand what is going on and what we can do in order to be truly able to contribute to the needed change to make our world a better place.

Create an impact. Support conservation efforts and join the celebration on March 25, 2017.

However you want to show your support, the earth needs you to make a choice now.

(Photo credit: Cafe Press)