Climate Change
Summary of Climate Change
Climate Change or the Climate Crisis is the most pressing issue in human history. It is caused by the drastic increase in greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere that have been released since the Industrial Revolution due to the burning of fossil fuels. These gases, including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, trap heat from the sun and prevent it from escaping back into space. Since the industrial revolution, the Earth has warmed 1°, and in 2023, the globe experienced its hottest year on record, at an unsettling 1.5° above average pre-industrial averages.
Though the Earth does have natural cycles of heating and cooling, the heating of the planet is happening faster than ever in Earth's history. In fact, by the Earth's normal natural cycle, the Earth should be cooling. Countless studies have shown that this unprecedented warming has been happening since the Industrial Revolution because of fossil fuels.
Other factors including deforestation, biodiversity loss, and pollution are all factors in the Triple Planetary Crisis. These issues are deeply complex and require global solutions.
Tiny Villages Inc. wants to be a part of the solution, by modeling a low-impact, low-emission way of life for everyone.
Climate Change and Homelessness
The Climate Crisis is most often associated with melting ice caps, severe weather patterns, and the extinction of animals, however, it is important to understand its connection with homelessness in America. As extreme weather events become more frequent and intense, individuals and families are tragically and violently displaced from their homes. Hundreds of homes are destroyed every year due to extreme weather including hurricanes and fires, exacerbating the existing housing crisis. Lost wages from disasters can throw families into financial ruin, and jolt individuals into homelessness. Unpredictable weather leads to significant crop loss, driving up food costs, and leading to food insecurity for at-risk populations. Health conditions caused by pollution make existing health issues worse, making it difficult for individuals to secure or maintain meaningful employment. Homelessness can not be solved without directly addressing the Climate Crisis along with it.
We at Tiny Villages Inc. believe these issues are deeply intertwined and can be solved together.
Housing Displacement
Across the country, families have been forced to flee their homes due to unprecedented natural disasters. In areas like California, where fire insurance has become unattainable or too expensive, victims of wildfires are at risk of losing everything at any moment. These and other disasters can lead formerly stable families to become homeless in a matter of hours. Additionally, the trauma of experiencing a natural disaster, and the stress of finding a new home can take a toll on the mental health of victims, and lead to prolonged homelessness.
Food Insecurity
Rising temperatures and unpredictable seasons have had a historic impact on food security across the globe. Crop yields and food production are facing increasingly drastic instability, and these are leading to higher food costs. These factors affect impoverished families in America that are already struggling to make ends meet.
Public Health
Pollution of all kinds, including air and water are increasingly affecting the health of Americans. From microplastics in food to smoke inhalation, the Climate Crisis is leading to increasing all types of health issues including respiratory issues and cancers. Additionally, the Climate Crisis is a major factor in the mental health of many people, who feel helpless and desperate to fix this global issue. Physical and mental issues are a major root cause of homelessness in America and the largest factor in Chronic Homelessness.