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Incredible Benefits of Indoor Plants for a Healthier You and a Greener Planet!

Indoor plants benefits for your well-being

Looking to bring a touch of nature into your indoor spaces? Indoor plants are more than just decorations; they offer a myriad of benefits that can improve your well-being and contribute to a healthier planet. Best of all, these benefits are supported by science! Let’s explore the amazing power of indoor plants together.

Air Purification: Nature's Green Cleaners

Did you know that indoor plants act as natural air purifiers? Studies conducted by environmental scientist Bill Wolverton demonstrate that indoor plants can improve air and water quality, remove toxins, and create fresher and cleaner indoor environments. Increasing air circulation around the plants can boost their air-cleaning capacity exponentially. 1

 

Another recent study highlights how indoor plants significantly reduce the abundance of harmful microbes in the air compared to plant-free areas. This makes indoor plants a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution for air purification, benefiting both air quality and our overall health and well-being. 2

httpswww.ncbi.nlm.nih.govpmcarticlesPMC3230460 compressed
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However, it is important to consider that experts have different opinions regarding the effectiveness of indoor plants as air purifiers. For instance, Luz Claudio, a professor of environmental medicine and public health, argues that while plants can remove toxins from the air under laboratory conditions, there is limited scientific support for the idea that having a few plants in homes or offices can significantly improve air quality and health. 3

 

Another perspective, shared by professor emeritus of horticulture studies Stanley Kays, points out that studies conducted in small, sealed environments may not directly apply to real-world settings like houses. The air exchange that naturally occurs in most homes, where indoor air is replaced with outdoor air regularly, has a greater impact on indoor air quality than plants. Moreover, plants used in lab studies often experience optimal conditions and ample light, which may not be the case in typical home environments. 3

 

In conclusion, while experts may disagree on the conclusive evidence of indoor plants as air purifiers, there is an abundance of evidence supporting other well-being benefits that indoor plants offer. So, even if the impact of air purification may vary depending on factors such as plant quantity and home conditions, the positive effects on our overall well-being cannot be denied.

Stress Reduction: A Green Refuge

Indoor plants can create a soothing ambiance that promotes relaxation and reduces stress. Engaging with plants has been found to effectively reduce both psychological and physiological stress, providing a sense of comfort and tranquillity. In today’s fast-paced world, finding moments of calm is essential for our well-being, and indoor plants serve as your secret weapon for finding inner peace. 4



plant benefits supported by science

Improved Air Quality and Respiratory Health

Indoor plants release oxygen through photosynthesis, enhancing air quality, and also increase humidity levels by releasing water vapour into the air. This is especially beneficial during dry winter months when it can alleviate dry skin and improve respiratory health. Spider and Jade Plants are among the best options for increasing indoor humidity. 5

indoor plants as air purifiers and stress reducers

Enhanced Productivity and Focus

Having indoor plants in your work environment can work wonders for productivity. Studies have shown that individuals working amidst greenery have reduced sick days and increased productivity. One study conducted at Exeter University in the U.K. revealed that having indoor plants can boost concentration, productivity, and staff well-being by a significant 47%. Additionally, the research showed that plants can enhance memory by as much as 20%.  6,7



Plants increases productivity and are good for health

Indoor plants offer incredible benefits that go beyond aesthetics. By introducing these green companions into your home or workplace, you can improve air quality, reduce stress, boost productivity, and enhance overall well-being. So, why not start your own green oasis today? Embrace the power of indoor plants and experience the positive impact they can have on both your health and the planet! 💚

Disclaimer: We are a content provider supporting health, wellness and life purpose. Our products or services, while based in psychological sciences, should not be construed as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. That can only be provided by your doctor or another healthcare professional. You are recommended to seek professional advice if you feel you need personalised advice, diagnosis or treatment related to your mental or physical health.

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Citations and References
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Lockney, Dan. “Plants Clean Air and Water for Indoor Environments.” NASA Spinoff, https://spinoff.nasa.gov/Spinoff2007/ps_3.html. Accessed 18 July 2023.

Othman, Leen, et al. “The Role of Indoor Plants in air Purification and Human Health in the Context of COVID-19 Pandemic: A Proposal for a Novel Line of Inquiry. Frontiers, 18 June 2021, https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmolb.2021.709395/full. Accessed 17 July 2023.

Heid, Markham. “You Asked: Can Indoor Plants Really Purify the Air?” Time, 17 January 2018, https://time.com/5105027/indoor-plants-air-quality/. Accessed 20 July 2023.

Anthropol, J Physiol. “Interaction with indoor plants may reduce psychological and physiological stress by suppressing autonomic nervous system activity in young adults: a randomized crossover study.” NCBI, 28 April 2015, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4419447/. Accessed 25 July 2023.

Kerschen, Eric W., et al. “Evapotranspiration from Spider and Jade Plants Can Improve Relative Humidity in an Interior Environment.” 30 August 2022, https://krex.k-state.edu/bitstream/handle/2097/35195/803.full.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y. Accessed 25 July 2023.

Bringslimark, Tina, et al. “Psychological Benefits of Indoor Plants in Workplaces: Putting Experimental Results into Context.” June 2007, https://journals.ashs.org/hortsci/view/journals/hortsci/42/3/article-p581.xml. Accessed 17 July 2023.

 

Griffiths, Sarah. “Houseplants ‘make workers 40% more productive and creative.’” Daily Mail, 6 December 2013, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2519437/Houseplants-make-workers-40-productive-creative.html. Accessed 25 July 2023.

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Category: Blog List

In today’s fast-paced world, stress has become a constant companion for many of us. As we navigate our daily responsibilities and juggle multiple commitments, it is crucial to find effective strategies to manage stress. One such powerful tool is mindfulness—a practice that can help us cultivate a calmer and more peaceful state of mind. In this blog post, we will explore the connection between mindfulness and stress reduction, and how incorporating mindfulness into our lives can bring about positive change. 

Understanding Stress

Stress is a natural response to the demands and pressures we encounter. While some stress can be motivating, chronic stress can have detrimental effects on our mental and physical well-being. It can lead to anxiety, fatigue, decreased productivity, and even impact our relationships. Recognizing the signs of stress and addressing them is essential for maintaining a healthy and balanced life.

Power of Mindfulness

 

Mindfulness, rooted in ancient traditions such as Buddhism, is the practice of paying attention to the present moment with non-judgmental awareness. It involves focusing our attention on the sensations, thoughts, and emotions that arise within us. By cultivating mindfulness, we can develop a greater understanding and acceptance of our experiences, which can lead to reduced stress.

Mindfulness and Stress Reduction

 

Mindfulness helps reduce stress by shifting our perspective and allowing us to respond to situations with clarity and composure. By practicing mindfulness, we learn to observe our thoughts and emotions without getting entangled in them. This non-reactive stance empowers us to make conscious choices rather than succumbing to automatic, stress-inducing reactions. Moreover, mindfulness helps us develop self-compassion and kindness, allowing us to better manage stress and build resilience.

Photo by Lesly Juarez on Unsplash

Incorporating Mindfulness into Daily Life

 

Integrating mindfulness into our daily routine does not require hours of meditation. We can start small by incorporating simple mindfulness exercises into our day. Taking a few minutes to focus on our breath, engage in mindful walking, or practicing gratitude are all effective ways to cultivate mindfulness. Additionally, dedicating regular time for formal meditation can deepen our mindfulness practice and provide long-term benefits.

Summary

 

In our quest for stress reduction, embracing mindfulness offers a powerful and accessible approach. By practicing mindfulness, we can create space for self-reflection, gain insight into our stress triggers, and develop the ability to respond to challenges with greater resilience. Mindfulness is a gift we can give ourselves—a path to finding peace amid the chaos of everyday life.

 

 

 

 

Disclaimer: We are a content provider supporting health, wellness and life purpose. Our products or services, while based in psychological sciences, should not be construed as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. That can only be provided by your doctor or another healthcare professional. You are recommended to seek professional advice if you feel you need personalised advice, diagnosis or treatment related to your mental or physical health.

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Category: Blog List

grounding techniques to calm the mind

Grounding techniques are invaluable when you find yourself in distress or overwhelmed by emotions that can feel debilitating. They provide a quick and effective way to bring calmness to the moment, allowing you to regain control and find relief. What’s more, these techniques can be discreetly practiced without requiring any special tools. Let’s explore the power of grounding and how it can benefit your well-being.

There are three main grounding strategies: physical, soothing and mental. It’s important to try different techniques and see which ones work best for you, as we are all unique individuals. Let your body guide you on this journey of self-discovery!

Here are our top strategies to help you stay grounded and cultivate a deeper connection with yourself, nature, and at the same time others, while embracing the present moment.

physical grounding techniques

Physical Strategies

Physical Strategies engage your senses allowing you to regain a feeling of calm.

1. Focus the Senses. The 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique

Find a comfortable sitting position, close your eyes, and take slow, deep breaths, inhaling through your nose (count to 3) and exhaling through your mouth (to the count of 3) Focus on and feel each breath as it happens.

Open your eyes and name, either aloud or to yourself:

  • Five things you can see
  • Four things you can touch
  • Three things you can hear
  • Two things you can smell
  • One thing you can taste

Alternatively, you can ask yourself the following questions:

  • What can I see?
  • What can I feel?
  • What can I hear?
  • What can I smell?
  • What can I taste?

The key is to remain fully present, noticing the sensations and observations as they unfold. When you’re finished, take a deep breath and allow yourself to relax.

2. Touch an object

Keep a small stone, gem, or any textured or interesting appearance object in your pocket or purse to have on the go if needed. Or simply find and touch an object within arm’s reach. Take a moment to observe it closely—notice its patterns, colors, textures, and weight. Does it sparkle, reflect the light, or cast a shadow? Allow yourself to become immersed in this observation, feeling yourself returning to the present moment.

3. Take a walk outside

Connect to nature by noticing your surroundings and describe them one element at a time—the color of tree leaves, the sky, the flowers on the sidewalk. Pay attention to the sounds around you, the feel of the air on your skin. This conscious effort to focus your senses allows you to appreciate the wonders of nature and restore balance that keeps you grounded in the present moment.

Walking or standing barefoot on the Earth is known as earthing, and can be particularly beneficial. As you stand or walk mindfully, try taking a few deep breaths and imagine sending any negativity down into the Earth to be composted, and drawing up whatever you need to replenish you.

4. Breathing practice

There are many variations of breathing practices for calming and grounding, so experiment with what works for you. A simple one to try is 4-7-8 breathing. Inhale for a count of 4, hold the breath for a count of 7, and exhale for a count of 8. Any breathing practice that focuses on making the exhalation longer than the inhalation, will help to regulate your nervous system and bring you back to calm. Try this for just a few minutes and notice the difference in how you feel.

soothing grounding techniques

Soothing Strategies

Soothing Strategies encourage you to talk to yourself with kindness and compassion allowing you to ground in moments of turmoil.

1. Positive self-talk

Using affirmations or coping statements can help calm racing thoughts. You can prepare a coping statement in advance and carry it with you, or practice saying it out loud or to yourself. Any statement that recognises the temporary nature of lingering negative emotions is helpful, like “Everything shall pass. There will come a time when I can face it without fear and anxious thoughts.”

 

You could simply use positive statement to change your state of mind, in different kind of situations, for example:

– “I am safe and okay in the present moment.”

– “Every experience is an opportunity for growth.”

– “I can always leave if I’m not comfortable.”

– “I acknowledge my underlying emotions, but they are temporary. This moment is just passing.”

– “This is hard, but I know I can cope with hard things”

Inner parenting is a powerful practice that can be used in many ways. To help calm yourself, try talking to your anxious self as if it were a separate part of you – your inner child. You can do this aloud or inside your head. Soothe this part of you and say kind things, acknowledging their emotions and reassuring them that they can cope. You might like to rock yourself a little or give yourself a hug.  

2. Visualise

Visualising a place that brings you comfort, peace, and joy is another soothing technique. Close your eyes and imagine yourself there, using your senses to fully experience the moment. Describe the details you see, the sounds you hear, and the scents you can smell. Are you standing, sitting, or lying down? Allow yourself to feel the textures and immerse in the sensations of that place.

3. Connect with Pets

Pets have a special way of grounding us. Take the time to focus on your pet’s features—notice their unique characteristics, the softness of their fur, the sensation of their tongue on your hand, the colour of their eyes, and their adorable head tilts or ear movements. Devote your attention exclusively to them and feel the calmness and joy returning.

mental grounding techniques

Mental strategies

Mental strategies help shift your focus to higher-level thinking, enabling you to cope with overwhelming emotions.

1. List things you are grateful for

Take a moment to list four things that bring you joy and for which you are grateful. Visualise them and let the positive emotions wash over you.

2. Describe objects and colours

Look around your environment and describe various objects and their colours. For example, a calm blue lake, a red wooden chair, a stormy turquoise sea, a black coffee mug, or a moist brown brownie. This exercise redirects your mind to observe and engage with the world around you.

3. Number subtraction

Subtract 7 from 100 and continue from there! Or choose any other number and keep subtracting.

4. Look into the distance

Subtract 7 from 100 and continue from there! Or choose any other number and keep subtracting.

Summary

Grounding techniques are practical and powerful tools that can help you reconnect with the present moment, getting out of our racing minds and back into our bodies. Through these practices we can enhance our  self-awareness and well-being. The more we practise them, the more we will strengthen our ability to manage our emotions in the longer term. Give them a try and let us know about your experience. Together, we can take care of ourselves while nurturing a healthier planet.

Article co-written with Kath Allen, PhD, and environmental leadership coach. You can connect with her here

Disclaimer: We are a content provider supporting health, wellness and life purpose. Our products or services, while based in psychological sciences, should not be construed as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. That can only be provided by your doctor or another healthcare professional. You are recommended to seek professional advice if you feel you need personalised advice, diagnosis or treatment related to your mental or physical health.

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Category: Blog List

Introducing the ELTC.earth Survey -Examining the Emotional Impacts of Climate Change. As an early-stage business we want to gather a global perspective of people’s emotional reactions to the effects of climate change to inform our product development initiatives and inform society about the mental health challenges of the climate crisis.

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We are committed to making a positive impact on the world. Our goal is to create products and services that will empower people to manage their emotional response and maintain high levels of emotional resilience in the face of climate change. Eco-anxiety is real for many people. [ELTC]

We believe that by helping people to better cope with stress and difficult situations, we can make a real difference in the world. The goal of this survey is to assess levels of climate or eco-anxiety across populations of people to inform what solutions we will provide.

Why Gather Quantitative Data?

Quantitative data is numerical information that can be analysed and used to make data-driven decisions. By conducting surveys and gathering quantitative data, we can gain valuable insights about our customers and their needs.

To achieve our objectives of improving the wellbeing of people suffering eco-anxiety, we are gathering quantitative data to help us understand who are and who are not potential customers. It will show us the depth of emotions felt and what most impacts those emotions for people. It will also inform us about the needs of our customers and enable us to  dig deeper, identifying the capabilities that will deliver the most benefit to them.

What Are the Benefits?

There are many benefits to using quantitative data in product development. For one, it allows us to understand our target market and their preferences in a more concrete and objective way. We can also use the data to measure the effectiveness of our engagement with our potential customers and track the overall performance of our product. Additionally, quantitative data can be used to forecast future trends and make strategic decisions about the direction of our product development.

One of the most important ways we will use the quantitative data we collect is to identify how many people might need our services. We will engage directly with people who are willing to speak with us as an outcome of the data gathering exercise. This will give us the insight to develop a product that truly meets the needs of our customers.

People brainstorming and analysing data

We want you on this journey with us

We understand that your time is valuable and we are grateful for your participation in our survey. Your feedback is important to us and we take it seriously. We use this information to improve our products and services, and create a better experience for you, our valued customer.

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Survey References:

Some questions in this survey have been adapted from those described in The Hogg Eco-Anxiety Scale: Development and validation of a multidimensional scale. [HOGG]
This paper was hugely beneficial in identifying a series of questions that might enable us to align our results with those of academic studies performed around the world since this scale was originally put forward.

Data Protection:

We take our obligation to data privacy and protection very seriously. This survey is anonymous.  We capture and store the absolute minimum of personal  information from you and none of it makes you identifiable.

As a general rule, ELTC.earth does not collect or share personal information. There are a few specific cases (detailed below) where we capture email addresses and a single instance where we collect names.

  • Surveys: ELTC Earth provides two types of surveys: public and managed. Both are anonymous and do not collect data that could tie a person back to their survey results.
  • Public Surveys: Our publicly accessible surveys never collect personal information
  • Managed Surveys: In the provision of managed surveys (surveys that are provided to a specific group of participants, by an employer for example), we are typically provided with a list of email addresses for the participants. In these cases, we do not tie the email addresses to any personal information. They are used to send out digital tokens and/or urls for specific surveys. Participant results are not tied to email addresses and once a managed survey has been completed, we destroy any record of the email addresses that were used.
  • Website / Contact: If you contact us through our website and provide your name and email address, this information goes directly through Google and into our inboxes.
  • Newsletter Subscription: The email addresses of users who subscribe for our newsletter (through the Subscribe page on our website), are stored at mailchimp. We occasionally make backups of our subscription emails list and store them solely for recovery purposes.

You can view the full ELTC.earth privacy policy here

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Citations and References
ELTC.earth-icon.png

What is Eco-Anxiety and How do I Solve it? (ELTC.earth, 2022)

The Hogg Eco-Anxiety Scale: Development and validation of a multidimensional scale (Hogg T.L. Stanley S.K., O’Brien L.V., Wilson M.S., Watsford C.R., 2021) – Accessed on 10 Jan 2022

ELTC.earth Privacy Policy (ELTC.earth, 2022)

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Category: Blog List

Surely cutting down a tree will have a bigger environmental impact than choosing a plastic one for Christmas? It may seem counterintuitive to suggest otherwise. In most circumstances, however, that is the case. Read further to understand why.

Real or Fake: Weighing Up The Alternatives

Many of us concerned with what we can do to reduce our emissions feel concerned around Christmas time. It’s a time of celebration, a time where we splurge and enjoy ourselves but we’re also conscious about the potential for long term impact. So, we weigh up our options and try to do what’s best. What about our Christmas tree? Should we choose a real or fake Christmas tree?

Like me, I’m sure many of you would have thought that it would be the responsible thing to do for the planet to buy a fake Christmas tree and reuse it year after year. The reality is that if we take sufficient care about how we discard it, a natural tree actually might be the better option.

According to sources like The Carbon Trust [CARBON] and OmniCalculator [OMNI] it is in fact the case that a natural tree comes out on top, if not for the lower carbon emissions on a case by case basis but for the long term impact.  Let’s take a closer look.

Buy Local, Dispose of with Consideration

If you buy a locally grown and provided tree it can be anything from 2.5 CO2e to 4.5kg CO2e. This is quite low. In fact, the emissions are about the same as half an average Irish person’s [NDC] weekly consumption of milk [OWID]. The majority of the emissions are when the tree is discarded. If you choose to discard it in landfill, instead of chipping it or using as mulch, the emissions can increase to between 16kg CO2e and 21kg CO2e because it releases methane as it decomposes.

A mass-produced fake tree, comprised of steel and plastic, shipped from China or some other distant location will likely be in excess of 40kg CO2e [CARBON]. Only if you retain and use the tree for at least 8 -10 years would it be preferable, from the point of view of its carbon emissions, to have a fake tree.

But Don't Forget...

It’s not quite that straightforward. Natural trees, grown and harvested specifically for the purpose, actually contribute to reducing carbon. They capture carbon from the air making them net positive through their lifetime. On the other hand a fake tree contributes negatively in two further ways:

Summary

All told, if you have a fake tree, don’t replace it with a real one. The carbon emissions from our Christmas tree is relatively negligible in comparison to other aspects of our lives.

When your replica Christmas tree has reached its end of usable life as a tree, look for ways to further reuse it. Perhaps make decorations, such as a Christmas wreath, combining other recycled items. If you are debating whether to switch to plastic this year, the recommendation is not to. 

* The petrochemicals industry directly and other industries supplying them are responsible for ~10% of GHG emissions globally. In the past 25 years emissions associated with petrochemicals have doubled and that trajectory is expected to increase if our plastic use, in particular does not reduce.  [LUCRIS]. Petrochemicals are the long term bet that the oil and gas industry is investing in because they’ve known since the 1970’s the damage that burning fossil fuels is doing. They have actively attempted to hide from and confuse people about the long term damage being caused by fossil fuels and the impact of plastics [GUARDIAN][UNOHC]

Buy a real tree from a local grower, either a potted tree which can continue to grow after it has been part of the festivities or get it chipped/shredded when you’re finished with it. Better still, find a local charity or not for profit organisation and sponsor a tree plant.

What are other recommendations of things you can do during the festive season to ensure you minimise your impact on climate?

Every Little Thing Counts

Decorated Christmas Tree
Citations and References
ELTC.earth-icon.png

The Carbon Trust’s tips for a more sustainable Christmas (CarbonTrust, 2021) – Accessed 28 Nov 2022

Christmas Tree Footprint Calculator (omnicalculator.com, 2022) – Accessed on 28 Nov 2022

48% Increase in Dairy Consumption for under-35s during lockdown (National Dairy Council, 2021) – Accessed on 28 Nov 2021

Dairy vs. plant-based milk: what are the environmental impacts? (OurWorldInData.org, 2022) – Accessed on 28 Nov 2022

Petrochemicals and Climate Change – Tracing Globally Growing Emissions and Key Blind Spots in a Fossil-Based Industry (IMES/EESS report; Vol. 126, 2022) – Accessed on 28 Nov 2022

How Big Oil Misled The Public Into Believing Plastic Would Be Recycled – (NPR, 2020) – Accessed on 18 Nov 2022

Plastic Recycling is a Clear Example of Disinformation in the Context of Toxics, Special Rapporteur on Hazardous Wastes Tells Human Rights Council  (United Nations, 2021) – Accessed on 28 Nov 2022

‘Plastic recycling is a myth’: what really happens to your rubbish? (Guardian, 2019) – Accessed 28 Nov 2022

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Category: Blog List

Climate change is not a threat, it’s a reality. It would be easy to think that the climate crisis cannot be addressed. That it is too big a problem. That the challenges created by our ancestors and perpetuated by us, even to this day are unsurmountable. They are not though. We can make a difference.

There are so many opportunities to shape the world we live in, shape our economies, shape our societies and ultimately shape our future in ways that are good. We can do what’s needed to ensure the security of future generations and the planet we depend upon.

We Have Much To Be Optimistic About

In his Ted Talk, Kevin Kelly talks about how The future will be shaped by optimists [TED]. He makes some really good points about how humanity solves problems. While humanity has caused the climate crisis, this was not intentionally done. They were a byproducts introduced as the solutions to earlier problems. He goes on to talk about how people can and do get involved and take the action necessary when faced with big problems.

The Portents are Positive

People all around us recognise the issues and the importance of solving them.

In a survey of almost 27000 EU citizens performed on behalf of the EU Commission prior to the COP26 International Summit in 2021, 90% agree that Greenhouse Gas Emissions should be reduced to make the EU Climate-neutral by 2050 [EUCOMM]

In the same year Pew Research survey of over 16000 people of advanced economies in Asia, Europe and North America 80% of people surveyed are willing to make changes to the way they live and work to help reduce the impacts of climate change [PEW].

In Ireland a survey performed by the Environmental Protection Agency of 4000 people, 90% of people say that the country has a responsibility to act on climate change,over half said they would meet with an elected official or their staff and almost as many said they would write to or phone government officials about climate change [EPA].

It’s Not Just You

“Participants (80% to 90%) underestimated the US population’s concern for climate mitigation policies.”

We may not always realise the extent of people around us who share our desire for change.  In conjunction with the recent US Climate Bill, The Inflation Reduction Act, recent polls by Yale Program on Climate Change indicate that 66% to 80% of people in the US support major climate mitigation policies. However, many participants (80% to 90%) underestimated the US population’s concern for climate mitigation policies [SCIENTAM].

We should all believe in the power of people to rally behind a cause, to solve big problems, to achieve their highest potential. Whether it’s to make a difference in the world or just to make something of themselves. People accomplish great things when they’re given the right opportunity (and sometimes a little help).

We know the technologies needed to mitigate disaster and they are advancing rapidly to replace incumbent technologies. Take for instance the advancement, ubiquity and reduction in cost of renewable energy technology versus fossil fuels. Project Drawdown has assessed that there are potentially between $7 trillion and $13 trillion to be made in locations where Distributed Solar Photovoltaic energy production could be used  versus fossil fuels. This versus a net cost of $517 billion investment to implement those solutions. [PROJDRAW]

We also know the policies to be implemented. Governments this week have been debating the various proposals at COP 27 [FOEI] that need to be implemented. They don’t go far enough but the point is – we know them! We know what needs to be done.

Change doesn’t happen without people.

You. Me. Everyone. 

Waves of people can and will change the world for the betterment of everyone and our planet’s sustainability.

We must start now.

Every Little Thing Counts.

Citations and References
ELTC.earth-icon.png

The future will be shaped by optimists (Ted Talks Daily, 2022) – Accessed 23 Aug 2022

 

Special Eurobarometer 513 Climate, Report (EU Commission & Kantar, 2021) – Accessed on 01 Nov 2021

In Response to Climate Change, Citizens in Advanced Economies Are Willing To Alter How They Live and Work (Pew Research, 2021) – Accessed on 01 Nov 2021

Climate Change in the Irish Mind (EPA, 2021) – Accessed on 17 Feb 2022

Climate Change Actions Are Far More Popular Than People in U.S. Realize (Scientific American, 2022) – Accessed on 28 Aug 2022

Distributed Solar Photovoltaics – (Project Drawdown) – Accessed on 18 Nov 2022

The COP itself risks becoming lost and damaged (Friends of Earth Ireland, 2022) – Accessed on 18 Nov 2022

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Category: Blog List

Climate Change is the term that’s frequently used to describe the effects of Global Warming.  However, climate change and global warming are not necessarily synonymous. This article explains the terms climate change and global warming and directs you to resources to help you gain a more in-depth understanding if you so desire

Climate Change is the term that’s frequently used to describe the effects of Global Warming.  However, climate change and global warming are not necessarily synonymous. 

So, which is it, Climate Change or Global Warming?

This brief article explains the terms “climate change” and “global warming” and, at the end of the article, directs you to resources to help you gain a more in-depth understanding if you so desire. Our other resources will point you in the direction of what you can do to help mitigate the effects of climate change.

Climate Change

Climate Change refers to the changes in long term weather term patterns that can occur for natural reasons, or as a result of human activity. The standard period of analysis [Stanford] for climate set by the World Meteorological Organization is 30 years. Planet earth is a massive, yet delicate ecosystem. Its climate system [IPCC] is an interactive system consisting of five major components which are influenced by a number of external forces, the most important of which is the sun. 

Dark clouds over mountains
Dark clouds over mountains in Australia

These five major components of our planet’s climate are:

  • the atmosphere (the layers of gases that surround the planet)
  • the hydrosphere (the combined masses of water on, under and above the surface of the Earth),
  • the cryosphere (parts of Earth covered by water in solid form, for example, ice caps, glaciers),
  • the land surface, and;
  • the biosphere (the parts of the Earth that are occupied by living organisms, such as humans, animals, plants etc.).

Global Warming

Global Warming refers to the effects of the warming of the planet throughout historic cycles or eras of evolution of life on earth.  Along with climate change the planet has gone through cycles of warmer and colder times and the resulting weather changes associated with those.  For example, as far as we know, earth has gone through at least five significant Ice Ages during the past 2.4 billion years [History].

Icebergs melting at the North Pole
Icebergs melting at the North Pole

Each one of those ice ages has resulted in thaws.  Scientists and mathematicians have been able to deduce and chart the earth’s temperature for many thousands of years, the majority of which has been a result of the earth’s orbit around the sun, axial tilt and solar radiation levels. (The earth should currently be undergoing a temperature cooling cycle [OSS] but due to the amount of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere the opposite is the case.)

Wildfires burning
Cars submerged in water

What we need to be concerned with is the acceleration of global warming as a result of human activities caused by GHGs (Greenhouse Gases) and other pollutants gathering in the atmosphere and absorbing solar radiation and sunlight, resulting in a blanket effect on the earth.  

So, where we can expect certain warming or cooling of the planet as a result of the proximity and effects of the sun (see above), what we need to be concerned with is:
  • The pace of those changes (the amount of global warming) as a result of our activities on the planet, and, more concerningly;
  • The impact of those changes to life on our planet.

The Science is Clear

While there can be arguments made for the precise timing of certain events because of human activities on the planet or the exact nature of the changes on one part of the planet or the other, there is no doubt in the scientific community about the impacts global warming will have nor about the man-made accelerators of climate change.

It is important to note that no scientific papers have been published that have been peer reviewed and validated by the academic or scientific community and have contradicted the confirmed science of the negative effects of climate change, or, more importantly, the contributing factors to accelerated global warming. The peer review process [Conversation] is critical because it validates the techniques and conclusions that scientific research must follow.

The science is clear on what is accelerating global warming, but the good news is that we still have the opportunity to limit global warming to 1.5° Celsius by the end of this century, changing the pattern of global warming and the negative effects it would have on our planet.

Find out how you can play your part in ensuring the sustainability of our planet for current and future generations.

If you want to read more about the topics described here check out the references below this article.

Every Little Thing Counts.

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Citations and References
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Climate Science – (Stanford, 2018) – Accessed 30 Nov 2021

The Climate System: an Overview (Baede et al, 2018)- Accessed 30 Nov 2021

Ice Age  (History.com, 2021) – Accessed 15 Feb 2022

Milankovitch Cycles (OSS Foundation) Accessed 15 Feb 2022

When to trust (and not to trust) peer reviewed science (The Conversation, 2018) – Accessed 15 Feb 2022

World Meteorological Organization

What Are Greenhouse Gases (Myclimate.org)

Citations and references are your security that the information you get on ELTC.earth will be accurate and trustworthy