Climate change by definition is a long-term shift in temperatures and weather patterns. Despite some efforts to stop it, climate change seems to be getting worse.

   The second week in November was unusually cold. Some days temperatures barely reached the mid 20’s, while temperatures in Illinois in November are typically anywhere between 43 and 56 degrees.

   Climate change is affecting people in more ways than people might think. “Climate change is affecting me by worsening the air and water quality needed to survive.  This worsening of air and water quality increases the chance of disease by worsening our health and our ability to fight off illness,” said science teacher Victoria Siwak. 

   These intense changes in weather can lead to issues maintaining temperatures inside a household. “I see impacts from many perspectives. As a homeowner, I find it harder to maintain our indoor temperature and our outdoor plants as temperatures rise in the summer and fall in the winter,” stated Spanish teacher Caroline Gully. 

   Along with maintaining things in the house, these drastic temperatures and changes can harm the environment and animals as well. 

   “As a Lake County Forest Preserve volunteer, I see the value of our native habitats such as prairies, savannas, and wetlands, as our state experiences periods of extreme drought and intense rainfall. As a sister of an organic farmer, I know that drastic changes in temperature and precipitation impact the health of crops and farm animals,” said Gully. 

   As we enter the winter season in Illinois we all know the snow is going to start falling. Temperatures drop quite a lot in December and January and this year it’s predicted to be worse. Many weather experts from various news channels have said that Chicago and the surrounding area should brace for a harsher winter this year with colder temperatures and more snowfall than in previous years. 

   Some ways the average person can help curb climate change include incorporating carpooling, public transportation, and recycling into their daily lives. When people recycle and reuse products less garbage accumulates in our landfills. Electric cars and solar panels also help alleviate climate change because they release less gas into the air and use less energy.