Climate Change Awareness: Earth Day 2016

Friday April 22, 2016 is Earth Day. Starting in 1970, this day of observance has developed into a global movement, challenging ideas, igniting passions and inspiring people all over the world to take action against the forces of environmental destruction. Throughout the coming years we expect many undesirable changes to occur in our environment, two of which—­air pollution and extreme weather—have the potential to be catastrophic. Becoming informed is the first step in successfully fighting this danger; climate change will be an ongoing struggle, requiring immediate attention in order to protect the Earth for future generations.

AIR QUALITY

Along with Earth Day, 1970 also saw the launch of the Clean Air Act, implemented by the EPA as a tool to combat air pollution. Although air quality has increased over recent years in response to the Act, pollution is still at unhealthy levels, due in part to ground level ozone (O₃) and fine particulate matter (tiny airborne pieces of solid or liquid matter such as soot, dust, fumes, mists, aerosols, haze and smoke.) These conditions can negatively affect both indoor and outdoor environments and cause human respiratory and cardiovascular issues, among other problems. As recent as 2015 the EPA strengthened national air quality standards for ground-level ozone, but regulations alone won’t solve our problems. Everyone can contribute to better air quality through the choices they make; a person can reduce his carbon footprint by driving low-emission vehicles, eating less animal-based food, recycling, reducing waste, and taking part in Spare the Air Days. Another great way to directly improve air quality is also a classic way to celebrate Earth Day: planting trees.

EXTREME WEATHER CONDITIONS

Human health and safety is directly related to our weather and environment, and our bodies can suffer under extreme temperature conditions. Due to global warming, many once-temperate climates are slowly heating up—causing health threats where there were previously none. Those most at risk are people who work outside (field workers, construction) and workers in non-conditioned indoor environments (like warehouses) that can quickly become overheated. A recent Climate and Health Assessment raises awareness on this issue, stating:

“Days that are hotter than the average seasonal temperature in the summer or colder than the average seasonal temperature in the winter cause increased levels of illness and death by compromising the body’s ability to regulate its temperature or by inducing direct or indirect health complications. Loss of internal temperature control can result in a cascade of illnesses, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and hyperthermia in the presence of extreme heat, and hypothermia and frostbite in the presence of extreme cold.”

Devising workplace strategies to guard against rapidly changing weather conditions has the potential to save lives. Employees working in extreme environments should be educated on the best ways to deal with the body temperature regulation, and encouraged to frequently take time to warm up or cool down as required. Being safe requires being aware of the risks.

Extreme weather conditions also manifest themselves as storms, floods and the resulting forest fires that often follow a season later. Climate change appears to be the cause of increased weather instability and the development of more “super storms” than we have seen in the past. Natural disasters are always a major problem for humanity and the environment, so an increase in the number of dangerous weather events will only make matters worse for the inhabitants of Earth. Taking steps to stall and reverse climate change before it can build traction and cause unstoppable harm is an important civic and political issue, and should be at the top of every environmental activist’s list.

While the Earth faces many challenges in regard to pollution and climate, Earth Day also gives us a chance to celebrate the magnificent aspects of our natural world. Raising awareness and taking action against environmental damage is a very important part of observing Earth Day, but learning, teaching, exploring and celebrating are also important.

CP Lab Safety is celebrating Earth Day by making an effort to contribute to a healthier environment through recycling, green business practices (such as low-voltage lighting and using recycled paper) and manufacturing eco-friendly products in the United States. Our patented ECO Funnel is the most eco-friendly way to collect hazardous waste as it eliminates 99.9% of toxic waste container emissions. We must each do our part in saving the planet and CP Lab Safety is proud to be recognized for their involvement in creating a safe and healthy environment. There are many different ways you can also contribute and celebrate Earth Day:

• Get Involved at earthday.org
• Learn and teach others about the environment
• Encourage your company to address environmental risks to employees
• Plan a clean-up day and collect trash your local park
• Help kids plant simple gardens and learn where food comes from
• Make your friends a special Earth Day dinner (using only organic, sustainable ingredients)
• Spread the word about Earth Day

Use this Earth Day to be an environmental hero in your own way.