Our Climate
Our climate is changing. The continued burning and reliance on fossil fuels and high carbon resources has contaminated our environment and has caused changes in our atmosphere. We can all take steps now that will ensure a healthier and more sustainable Tennessee for the future. Climate change is bringing unpredictable weather patterns, changes in our seasons, and increased risk of flooding; among others.
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Tennessee's Carbon Footprint
According to the Energy Information Administration, the average Tennessean contributes about 15.5 metric tons of Carbon Dioxide to the atmosphere each year, through energy-related means. Over 20 acres of forests are needed in order to absorb the CO2 emitted per person per year. You can start decreasing your carbon footprint today! Although there is always work to do to decrease our carboon footprint, Tennessee is trending in the right direction. Per capita energy-related carbon dioxide emissions was at 20.9 in 2005, and now sits at 15.5 metric tons per person. Tennessee is also consuming less coal to generate electricity, as well as for industrial consumption; when we decrease the amount of coal we are burning we can help make our communities and economies more green.
[ In Tennessee the ] Average annual rainfall is increasing, and a rising percentage of that rain is falling on the four wettest days of the year. In the coming decades, the changing climate is likely to reduce crop yields, threaten some aquatic ecosystems, and increase some risks to human health. - Environmental Protection Agency
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Get Involved
Changes in big and small ways can help mitigate the effects of climate change; there are countless ways to get started: you can start composting, consuming less meat and biking more often. You can also get involved in the work that organizations are doing across the state.
- Join our Come, Post Your Compost program Come Post Your Compost
- Brush up on your recycling IQ
- Join the Sunrise Movement to push for a Green New Deal
- Sierra Club of Tennessee