This graph, based on the comparison of atmospheric samples contained in ice cores and more recent direct measurements, provides evidence that atmospheric CO2 has increased since the Industrial Revolution. Luthi, D., et al., 2008; Etheridge, D.M., et al., 2010; Vostok ice core data/J.R. Petit et al.; NOAA Mauna Loa CO2 record.
Tom Cervone, Ph.D., Sister Maureen Houlihan, DC, Nicole Cervone-Gish, and Michael Cervone
Our Planet Earth
Author’s note: This website encourages, inspires, and informs citizens to act now, and to practice ecological principles in our journey “On Care for Our Common Home.”
Introduction
Do you believe in climate change? The National Aeronautics and Space Administration says, the rate of change since the mid-20th century is unprecedented over millennia. Please see graph above. On June 8, 2024, the atmospheric CO2 level was 427.02 ppm.
People do care about climate change and the World Health Organization says:
Climate change is contributing to humanitarian emergencies from heatwaves, wildfires, floods, tropical storms and hurricanes which are increasing in scale, frequency and intensity.
Research shows that 3.6 billion people live in highly susceptible areas to climate change, and between 2030-2050, climate change is expected to cause 250,000 additional deaths per year.
The amount of CO2 in the atmosphere causes climate change. Even though CO2 mixes evenly through the atmosphere, it is most dense near the ground . By polluting the planet and changing global temperatures, we’re melting ice at the poles, causing sea level rise, and we’ve awakened a sleeping giant, the permafrost. The permafrost covers 24% of the surface of land masses in the northern hemisphere and accounts for nearly half of all organic carbon stored within the planet’s soil.
With the permafrost melting, microbes increase and release, through decomposition, greenhouse gases (e.g., methane and CO2 ). These gases are heat absorbing molecules in the atmosphere that cause a greenhouse effect. To make matters worse, we’re cutting down more forests, burning fossil fuels, and not keeping our lands green. Protecting Our Planet Earth is critically important for all generations!
##What Can You Do?
You can make a difference by reading, practicing, and incorporating ways to reduce climate change. To do so, this article focuses on four authors.
Diana Ensign, JD, award-winning Indiana author, offers practical Earth care solutions in her new book, Faith, Hope, Action: Ushering In A New Earth Era, Together (2024). Her book is comprehensive and provides numerous ways to make our Mother Earth healthy. Faith, Hope, Action is not only enjoyable, it also teaches us much about making this world a better place to live. Visit her website at www.dianaensign.com.
Julie Peller, Ph.D. writes a weekly column called Green Junction for Holy Martyrs and Our Lady of Consolation Parishes in Merrillville, Indiana. She reports on many different environmental issues. Being a chemist from Valparaiso University, she has a special interest in micro and nano plastics. Her email is julierpel@gmail.com , and you can send her an email to receive her weekly column.
Tom Cervone, Ph.D. writes articles meant to encourage, inspire, and inform citizens to act now, and practice ecological principles. Our Planet Earth is linked with the websites: Laudato Si’ Action Platform and ArchIndy Care for Creation. Principles offered compliment Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’.
Molly Burhans, founder and executive director of Goodlands , is fighting climate change too. She with others are mapping 177 million acres owned by the Catholic Church in the world, and making the Church’s land work for good. Please visit Molly Burhans.
Short Video on Climate Change:
“Solving the climate crisis is the greatest and most complex challenge that Homo sapiens have ever faced. The main solution, however, is so simple that even a small child can understand it. We have to stop our emissions of greenhouse gases. And either we do that or we don’t.” - Greta Thunberg
Tom Cervone, Ph.D. is a deacon and ecologist in Evansville, Indiana. He graduated from St. Bonaventure, a Franciscan University. Sister Maureen Houlihan D.C. is a member of the “Care of Earth” Committee - St. Louise Province of the Daughters of Charity USA and member of Seton Harvest Farm, a Community Supported Agriculture Farm that grows all natural produce for shareholders and the poor. Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. MS. is an English Language Learner teacher, who lives in Evansville, Indiana with her family, and teaches at Holy Spirit Catholic School. Michael Cervone, BS. is a designer of websites who also lives in Evansville, Indiana. Thank you for reading this article. Comments are welcomed at ourplanetearth.eco@gmail.com