There is no doubt that climate change exists as its effects permeate our ecosystems and environment. As climate change continues to rise, there is an increased urgency to care for our planet. Protecting nature today can help progress the planet for future generations. One of the best ways to make an impact is to become aware of what's happening in the world around us. Here are 10 climate change facts in 2021 you need to know in order to make a difference. 

1. The concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2)​​​​​​​ in our atmosphere, as of May 2021, is the highest it has been in human history. CO2 emissions rose to 417 parts per million. The last time CO2 levels exceeded 400 parts per million was around four million years ago (Pliocene era). 
2. 2021 was hot! The average global temperature in 2021 was 0.93 degrees C above the average temperature in the 20th century (often used as a global temperature target). Also, global temperatures are nearing 1.5 degrees C, which is when we will start to face extreme - and even disastrous weather patterns. 
3. The arctic ice is melting. The Arctic is heating twice as quickly as the rest of the world, which will eventually cause disruptive weather patterns and a decrease in reflective protection from the sun. 
4. Permafrost is in decline. Permafrost contains a considerable amount of greenhouse gases that releases into the atmosphere as it melts. If permafrost continues to thaw out, it can endanger ecosystems and Indigenous lands in the North. 
5. 11% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions caused by humans are due to deforestation. This statistic is alarming since 45% of all carbon on land is stored in trees and forest soil. 
6. 800 million people worldwide are vulnerable to climate change impacts such as droughts, floods, heatwaves, extreme weather events and sea-level rise. 
7. The impacts of climate change are not equal. The climate crisis disproportionately harms low-income communities and communities of BIPOC. This oppression is generally systemic - causing these individuals to live close to polluted areas, which is a severe health risk. 
8. $140 billion per year is how much humanity needs to adapt to a warming world. It sounds like a lot, but it's less than 0.2% of the global GDP. The cost of this will only increase if we don't act soon. 
9. Fighting climate change won't just help our planet, but it will improve lives. Climate solutions that include restoring degraded forests could create 39 jobs per million dollars spent, which is 6 times higher than the oil and gas industry. 
10. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) claims that there is still time for human actions to change the future of our climate.

To help the current climate crisis, we have partnered with Trees for the Future so that with every purchase made, a tree will be planted across the globe as a way to counter the worldwide issues of deforestation. We're also committed to using eco-friendly packaging to neutralize the impact of our emissions from this small business. We recognize there is no one-size-fits-all solution to climate change but we are doing what we can to help. Here are some ways we can all individually mitigate our current climate crisis. 

1. Make the switch to a climate-smart and sustainable economy (transportation, housing, jobs) 
2. Hold federal affiliates accountable for their actions towards climate change
3. Work and follow environmental advocacy groups such as:

• NRDC for social and environmental justice
• One Tree Panted for conservation and reforestation
• National Audubon Society for wildlife protection
• 5Gyres for ocean conservation 
• 350.org for climate justice 
• Follow and listen to marginalized groups that are at the forefront of climate change

We hope these climate change statistics bring awareness and inspire you to take action. If we missed any essential statistics or solutions towards the climate crisis, let us know here.

Sources:

• https://www.conservation.org/stories/11-climate-change-facts-you-need-to-know 
  
• https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20210108-where-we-are-on-climate-change-in-five-charts
• https://greendreamer.com/journal/environmental-organizations-nonprofits-for-a-sustainable-future