Understanding the Basics: What is climate change and why does it matter?

Climate change isn’t just about warmer weather. It’s about big shifts in our climate system - weather becoming more extreme, more unpredictable, and changing faster than it used to. These changes happen over long periods of time (30 years or more), but the effects are already showing up in ways that matter. Heatwaves and droughts are lasting longer. Hurricanes are getting stronger. Food is harder to grow in many places. Climate change isn’t a future problem - it’s here now, and it’s already hurting people, especially those who are most at risk.

Climate change is local, too

It’s easy to think of climate change as a global issue, but the effects are right here at home. In Nova Scotia, for example, ticks are now active all year. That didn’t happen when I was growing up. Warmer winters mean fewer deep freezes to keep tick populations in check. This isn’t just about bugs - it’s a sign that natural cycles are being disrupted. And when one part of the ecosystem changes, other parts can break down too.

What’s behind these changes?

One of the big drivers is how we live day to day. We’ve built systems around speed, convenience, and cheap goods. Whether it’s rushing to buy the latest tech or choosing disposable over reusable, our habits feed into systems that use up energy, create waste, and put more carbon into the atmosphere. Big industries like oil and gas play a huge role, but everyday consumer choices also matter. When we question what we really need - and who profits from our choices - we can start to shift things.

Feeling overwhelmed? Start small.

It’s easy to feel stuck. But change doesn’t have to be big or flashy. Start by asking yourself simple questions:
• Do I really need this?
• Can I take the bus instead of driving?
• What’s something new I could learn that helps me use less?

Little steps can lead to bigger changes. Business as usual isn’t working. We don’t have to wait for someone else to fix it.

What have you noticed?

Even if you haven’t thought about climate change much, chances are you’ve felt its effects. Are your grocery bills going up? Are winters warmer than they used to be? In Nova Scotia, it used to snow every Christmas. Now, it’s not unusual to have green grass instead. These patterns aren’t random - they’re part of a larger shift.

Waiting only makes it worse

One of the challenges with climate change is that it doesn’t always feel urgent. It creeps in slowly, and we can still go about our daily lives - for now. But the longer we delay, the more damage we’ll see. In Nova Scotia, we’re already facing warmer temperatures, stronger storms, and pressure on our food systems. If we don’t act, it’s only going to get harder to manage.

Local governments play a big role here. They make decisions about waste, buildings, transportation, and land use. These choices affect our lives every day. When people speak up - whether it’s about better transit or less plastic waste - governments can respond. But without that public pressure, change is slow.

Speak up. Get involved.

Start by getting involved where you live. That could mean talking to your local councillor, MLA or MP. You could write a letter, join a community group, or help plan an event. You can also support policies that move us toward cleaner, more fair systems—whether that’s better transit, greener buildings, or stronger protections for the environment.

And remember, this isn’t a fight we can win or lose. Climate change isn’t something we’ll defeat - it’s something we’ll need to live with and adapt to. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s progress, and it starts with everyday people taking part in the change.

We can change how we live

More and more people are learning or returning to skills like gardening, mending clothes, or preserving food. These aren’t just practical - they encourage others to take on small actions, themselves. Learning (or relearning) these skills, help us build resilience and reduce our dependence on systems that harm the planet.

Even something like knitting can become a form of climate action. I use it to track changes from over 110 years of local climate data and to tell stories that spark conversation. Other people grow food, repair bikes, or teach others about the changes we’re facing. Every small action is part of a much larger shift.

So, why does it matter?

Because climate change affects everything—from the food we eat to the water we drink. The more we understand it, the more power we have to respond. What we do today shapes what life will look like tomorrow - for us and for the generations who come after us.