Global climate change isn’t just about rising temperatures or melting ice caps—it’s reshaping our economy, health, and future. The cost of climate change is increasing and have reached 100 hundreds and hundreds of millions each year. Every fraction of a degree of warming has profound effects on the financial and social systems that sustain us. The urgency to act has never been greater, and the choices we make today will define the world we leave behind for our children.
At Earthshore, we’re not just passionate about saving our oceans—we’re committed to being part of a global movement for meaningful climate action. Let’s explore why fighting global climate change is a shared responsibility we can’t afford to ignore and how YOU can play a vital role in shaping a healthier future for our planet.
1. Economic Costs Accelerate with Global Warming
The cost of global warming rises exponentially with every degree of temperature increase. According to a NOAA report, 2°F of warming causes more than double the economic harm of 1°F. This means that as temperatures climb, the financial burden on governments, businesses, and families skyrockets.
Think about the damage caused by more frequent hurricanes, wildfires, and floods. These disasters don’t just destroy homes—they also disrupt supply chains, increase insurance premiums, and drain public resources. Hurricanes, in particular, have become more destructive.
“Hurricanes have been intensifying more rapidly since the 1980s and causing heavier rainfall and higher storm surges due to climate change,” NOAA officials stated in their report. Although there hasn’t been a long-term trend in the frequency of U.S. landfalling hurricanes since the late 19th century, there has been an increase in hurricane activity in the North Atlantic since the early 1970s.
Every degree matters. Each increment we allow global warming to climb translates into greater strain on our global economy and the resources we all rely on.
2. The Impact on Global GDP Growth
Global GDP growth—a measure of economic health—isn’t immune to climate change. High annual temperatures and extreme weather events like tropical cyclones are already slowing down economic progress. The NOAA study links rising temperatures directly to lower productivity, decreased agricultural output, and disruption in industries like tourism and energy.
When a major storm hits a coastal region, for instance, it doesn’t just wipe out homes. It devastates local businesses, halts production, and forces people to start over. That kind of instability slows global GDP growth, making it harder for nations to recover and for families to thrive.
The ripple effects are significant. Farmers in the Western U.S., for example, are facing unprecedented challenges. Less snowpack means less water recharging wells and reservoirs, leading to severe droughts. During California’s 2021 drought, farmers were forced to plow under entire orchards due to a lack of water.
These challenges extend beyond agriculture. Just last month, a drought-triggered marsh fire near New Orleans created super fog, resulting in a devastating 168-vehicle pileup that killed seven people. This highlights the interconnected ways climate change is affecting daily life and economic stability.
3. The Urgency for Climate Action
If there’s one takeaway from these facts, it’s this: we can’t wait to act. Every delay allows the problem to grow, making it more expensive and challenging to fix. The financial and social stakes are simply too high.
At Earthshore, we believe in tackling climate change from the ground up. That’s why we focus on cleaning beaches and rivers around the world. These efforts not only restore ecosystems but also combat some of the pollution contributing to the warming of our planet.
Saving our oceans for our children is not just about preserving marine life; it’s about ensuring a stable climate for future generations. When we protect our environment, we’re also protecting our economies and the communities that depend on them.
The Hidden Health Crisis of Climate Change
The financial impact of global climate change is staggering, but it’s not the only crisis we’re facing. Health experts warn that warming temperatures and more frequent wildfires are creating a public health emergency.
Doctors are concerned that as global temperatures rise, the frequency of wildfires will increase, putting more lives at risk. This adds another layer of urgency to climate action—it’s not just about preserving the planet, but also safeguarding human health.
During wildfire season, smoke can travel hundreds of miles, worsening air quality for millions of people. For example, New York City residents experienced orange skies and unhealthy air this year, caused by smoke from Canadian wildfires. Prolonged exposure to such air can lead to increased respiratory problems, including asthma and bronchitis, especially in vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.
Why Hurricanes Deserve Attention
Hurricanes have always been a force of nature, but climate change is making them more dangerous. NOAA officials report that since the 1980s, hurricanes have been intensifying more quickly. This rapid strengthening leads to heavier rainfall and higher storm surges, causing catastrophic damage to coastal areas.
While there hasn’t been a clear increase in how many hurricanes hit U.S. shores since the late 19th century, hurricane activity in the North Atlantic has been on the rise since the 1970s. This uptick aligns with rising sea surface temperatures, which fuel stronger and wetter storms.
The implications are clear: Coastal communities, which are already vulnerable, will need to adapt quickly to the new reality of more destructive storms. Infrastructure, emergency services, and economic systems all face growing risks.
What Can YOU Do to Help?
The challenges of global climate change might feel overwhelming, but every action counts. Here’s how YOU can make a difference:
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint:
Small changes like using energy-efficient appliances, reducing single-use plastics, and supporting renewable energy can add up to significant impact.
Join the Global Earthshore Movement: By volunteering for beach and river cleanups, donating to organizations like Earthshore, or spreading awareness, YOU become part of the solution.
Advocate for Climate Policies:
Encourage leaders in your community to adopt sustainable practices and policies that prioritize reducing carbon emissions.
Educate and Empower Others: Talk to your friends and family about why climate action matters and what they can do to help.
The Bigger Picture: Why Our Oceans Matter
Our oceans are the heart of our planet. They regulate temperatures, produce the oxygen we breathe, and provide food and livelihoods for millions of people. When we allow pollution and warming to spiral out of control, we’re not just damaging ecosystems—we’re jeopardizing the future of our children.
Less water in reservoirs, super fogs causing deadly accidents, and orange skies over cities are warning signs we can no longer ignore. Add to that the growing threat of rapidly intensifying hurricanes, and it’s clear that urgent action is needed.
But it’s not too late to turn things around. Every bottle removed from a beach, every policy changed, and every person educated moves us closer to a healthier, more sustainable world.
Join Us in Saving Our Oceans
At Earthshore, we believe in the power of community. Together, we can fight back against the devastating effects of global climate change and build a brighter, more sustainable future.
Join the global Earthshore movement today. Whether you volunteer for a cleanup, donate to support our efforts, or share this message with others, YOU are making a difference.
Let’s save our oceans for our children. Let’s protect our planet for generations to come. Act now—because every degree of effort today means a better tomorrow.
By working together, we can create a ripple effect of positive change. Will YOU take the first step?
Help by donating: https://earthshore.org/donate/
References: Climate change impacts cost $150 billion per year. Fox Weather. https://www.foxweather.com/extreme-weather/climate-change-impacts-cost-150-billion-year