Climate change is the largest, most widespread threat facing humanity and our globe but it is sometimes hard to comprehend the full impacts and effects on our daily lives. To understand the effect of climate change on our daily lives we will look at the way Vermont and the region will be affected by climate change and how we can be more resilient.

                              Vermont has a relatively low climate risk compared to other parts of the world but that doesn't mean that Vermont’s climate will not change drastically. A report by Climate Central tracking the summer temperatures of cities around the U.S found that by 2100 in a high emission scenario, the average summer temperature of Montpelier VT would be the same as Miami Florida now.  Vermont is close to many large urban areas like New York City and Boston. These cities will be hit by sea-level rise and flooding which would mean a mass evacuation of these densely populated areas toward places like Vermont.  Vermont’s economy which depends majorly on tourism,  recreation, and farming like skiing, dairy, and maple syrup relies heavily on certain weather.  The shorter winters, bigger storms, and longer heatwaves would impact these industries and lead to a potential economic depression.  All of this will mean major changes in the climate, economy, and lifestyle of Vermont.

                                To adapt to the change coming to our region we need a big investment in reducing our greenhouse gas emissions, green technology, help and support programs for people affected, and new jobs and incomes for the vulnerable parts of the economy.  Vermont needs to be ready for record heat waves and the health risks that come with these very high temperatures. Especially in cities like Burlington and Rutland, urban planning should be focused on increasing shade and public buildings with air conditioning to give relief to people who don’t have it. We also need to be prepared for bigger floods and high precipitation events by not developing in places with high flood risk and plan for potentially heavy rain, snow, or ice.  We know most of the solutions to the climate crisis, we just need to get the people in power to support and give the resources to make these solutions a reality.

                                Farming is a big part of Vermont and Vermont’s economy but with a changing climate and larger commercial farms, Vermont’s small farms will have a tough time surviving. One of the ways Vermont farms can adapt to the climate crisis is to practice regenerative agriculture. Regenerative farming is a way for us to farm sustainably, healthily, and protect the earth. Many of the commercial agricultural practices being used right now are inhuman and deplete the earth's resources. We can use regenerative farming to help Vermont adapt to climate change, reduce agriculture’s carbon footprint and be better citizens of our land. Vermont’s forests are also increasingly under threat from invasive diseases, beetles, and deforestation. Our forests are one of our best tools for carbon sequestration and carbon offset. We cannot lose our forests.    

                               When reducing greenhouse emissions and taking major action on climate change, government policy makes a big difference. Some of the most change is made when our laws change. The Vermont state agencies have lots of resources to combat climate change and the decisions made in the statehouse and by the governor have influence over how these resources are used. Science tells us that to avoid the worst effects of climate change we need to cut our emissions in half by 2030 and Vermont is nowhere near that goal. While carbon emissions have gone down in the energy sector they have gone up in the transportation sector. A carbon fee or tax on fossil fuel companies has been shown to be an effective way to reduce emissions and currently, there is a bill proposed in the U.S House of Representatives that would create that tax and use the revenue to fund the transition to renewable energy. (View the bill here) One of the most effective ways we can create change in climate policy is to call, email, or write to your local representatives. Your state senators, local representatives, and U.S senators have an obligation to speak for the population they represent, and especially in Vermont, may have time time to listen to your opinions. You can also make change at the ballot box. Look at the platforms, policies, and positions on climate of the people on the ballot before you vote. If you have time, volunteer for a campaign and educate your community about voting, and climate change. 

                             Making green technology affordable needs to be an important part of Vermont’s transition to clean energy and heating. We need to ensure that not only people who can afford electric cars, solar panels, or heat pumps are living in net-zero homes but also the people that aren’t able to afford these things on their own. Education is something that also needs to be focused on. People who don’t understand climate change or think it won’t affect them will likely not make changes to their life to reduce their carbon footprint. As a state, we need to talk to our communities, make plans to reduce impact, and ensure that everybody knows about climate change. We have to have strong relationships and trust in our neighbors, our system, and ourselves. That trust and love will make us more resilient and more able to fight for our planet.