Saving our Planet

Climate change impacts all of us. We want to know: What issues concern you most, in your community? And are you doing anything to slow climate change? 

Perhaps you’ve seen solar panels lining highways or out in solar fields. Ever more likely, maybe you have a neighbor who has solar panels on their roof. If it’s something you’ve considered, you’ve probably wondered, what are the benefits to me? Will I really be saving money? Is it actually better for the environment?

Urban Heat Island Effect is a big issue in many areas — caused by too much impervious ground cover and not enough green space. Of Detroit’s 139 square miles, 75 of those are impervious, meaning hard, dense surfaces that trap heat and don’t soak up water. It’s a recipe for higher temperatures, which can make people uncomfortable, and can be deadly. Groups are working to counteract the heat by depaving areas., with a mission of targeting unused paved spaces to make them green again.

San Antonio is a sprawling city covered in pavement and impervious surfaces, which absorb the sun’s rays and heat. In a city where temperatures can stay above 100 degrees for unbearably long stretches, this can be dangerous. What’s known as cool top pavement, a topical formula that changes the dark, heat-absorbing surface to a lighter, more reflective finish, is being tested in an area in the city. The topping surface reflects about 40% of the sun’s rays, which can mitigate street heat. However, some have complained that the reflected sunlight creates other issues.

Citizen scientists, who are working with city officials in Roanoke, Virginia, have become data collectors, monitoring temperatures throughout Roanoke in cars and by bicycle. More than 31,000 data points showed a 15-degree differential across the city. The reason for the variation: a lack of green spaces in some of the area’s most vulnerable neighborhoods. The push to add trees, green roofs, and more natural ground coverage to allow rain flow to move at a natural pace is on.

Approximately 95% of Florida’s coral reefs are under attack by a disease known as ‘stony coral tissue loss disease.’ Scientists say warmer water makes it easier for the bacteria to spread. And more than 25% of ocean life depends on coral reefs for shelter and food. Along with volunteer divers, Disney World and SeaWorld have stepped in to help rescue the reefs. They work to preserve coral reefs in contained waters, by nurturing and protecting some of the ocean’s most crucial sealife.

Scientists are concerned how warmer ocean waters are impacting coral reefs, seeing accelerated issues like disease and bleaching below the surface. One solution that started as a passion project for a couple of friends has turned into families being able to bury their loved ones at sea: Eternal Reefs. It is helping to create living legacies while preserving and protecting marine life.

Everything we produce and everything we consume impacts the climate. Are we producing and consuming in climate-friendly ways? In many instances, we are not. What do we need to be aware of and think about to become more environmentally conscious people? Orlando’s director of sustainability, Chris Castro, has some answers to our questions, providing expert insight.