Interactive Maps: Communicating the Threat of Climate Change
Summary
In this article, we discuss the use of interactive maps to communicate the threat of climate change to the public. These maps show the future climate of North American cities and how they will be affected by climate change, including the implications for public health. The article also touches on the challenges of communicating climate change and the importance of speaking in personal terms to make it relatable.
Table of Contents
- The Use of Interactive Maps
- Communicating Climate Change
- Implications for Public Health
- Impact on Precipitation
- Individual Contributions to the Solution
The Use of Interactive Maps
Interactive maps are a powerful tool for communicating the threat of climate change to the public. These maps show the future climate of cities in North America and how they will be affected by climate change. By translating abstract global averages into an actual impact assessment of where people live, the maps can help individuals understand the real consequences of climate change.
Communicating Climate Change
The biggest challenge in communicating climate change is the amount of misinformation out there. To combat this, it is important to speak in personal terms to make it relatable. Interactive maps can help with this by showing the specific impact that climate change will have on people’s lives.
Implications for Public Health
The interactive maps also show the implications for public health. As cities experience higher temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns, public health will be affected. The strongest consistent patterns in the maps were about the eastern half of North America, where cities will experience climates similar to those in the south or southwest. The west is more complicated due to terrain and precipitation patterns, but all places in the west are warming up and becoming more like southern California. The maps can inform public health policy and help cities prepare for heat waves and protect vulnerable populations.
Impact on Precipitation
The interviewee in the article also discusses the impact of climate change on precipitation. The increase in precipitation can lead to more intense storms and affect freshwater resources, which can have significant ecological effects. Climate change can also cause animals to move around, including disease vectors such as mosquitoes, which can directly impact humans. It is important to consider the impact on precipitation alongside temperature change when discussing the effects of climate change.
Individual Contributions to the Solution
The interviewee suggests that individuals can contribute to the solution by choosing renewable energy sources. By reducing our carbon footprint, we can help slow the effects of climate change. It is important for individuals to understand their role in the solution and take action to address climate change.
Conclusion
Interactive maps are a powerful tool for communicating the threat of climate change to the public. By showing the specific impact that climate change will have on people’s lives, these maps can help individuals understand the real consequences of climate change. It is important for individuals to understand their role in the solution and take action to address climate change.
