CLIMATE CHANGE

Flooding
Increased/more intense cool weather precipitation can cause…

• Flood damage
• Overwhelmed water treatment facilities
• Failing and overburdened drainage systems
• Storm water to enter sanitary sewers causing overflows
• Increased water pollution

Droughts
Summer droughts can cause…

• Drinking water shortages
• Reduced water supplies for commercial operations and agriculture
• Reduced water levels for recreation
• Dust storms, and wildfires
• Destroyed wildlife habitats

Source: FEMA

Source: NOAA

Greenhouse Gases
Greenhouse Gases like carbon dioxide, are the biggest contributors to climate change. Here are some ways to help reduce your carbon footprint.

• Reduce your electricity use through simple steps like turning down the thermostat, insulating your home, changing to energy-efficient products, and changing to LED or compact fluorescent lightbulbs.
• Buy products with less packaging to reduce waste.
• Recycle and compost.
• Use water efficiently.
• Walk or bike instead of driving, whenever possible.
• Purchase fuel-efficient vehicles, carpool, or use public transportation.
• Maintain your vehicle to keep fuel economy high (tire pressure, oil changes, etc.).​

Carbon Visuals Flickr Account

Green Energy
You can also use green energy. Solar panels are the most common renewable energy source for residential users, but there are other options like wind power. Some power companies allow you to sell back electricity you produce and don’t use, or you can switch to a provider that offers green energy. More information can be found at Ameren's websiteand the EPA's website.

​See the EPA’s website on climate change to learn more about climate change, how to help, and current federal actions and plans.

You can also use green energy. Solar panels are the most common renewable energy source for residential users, but there are other options like wind power. Some power companies allow you to sell back electricity you produce and don’t use, or you can switch to a provider that offers green energy. More information can be found at Ameren's website and the EPA's website.

​See the EPA’s website on climate change to learn more about climate change, how to help, and current federal actions and plans. You can also use Project Sunroof to help determine the potential for solar panels on your home, 

More Resources

The EPA offers several tools for sustainable communities from household carbon footprint calculators to environmental justice mapping. 

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has hundreds of publications form posters to activity books covering a range of topics. These can be downloaded for free or ordered by mail for a small fee. ​