Each year in October, several Federal agencies and organizations join together to celebrate Children’s Health Month. The observance is coordinated through the President’s Task Force on Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks to Children. For more information, visit the Environmental Protection Agency’s Children’s Health Month web site. This year’s national theme is Youth Creating a New Climate for Action and will focus on the potential impacts of climate change on children’s health. Throughout October events will be taking place across the United States focusing on the potential affects a changing climate may have on children’s health.

In Kentucky the weather changes from hour-to-hour, day-to-day, and season-to-season. Climate is the average of these weather patterns over long periods of time in a given place. Changes in long-term weather patterns can be affected by greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, trap energy from the sun thereby keeping the Earth’s surface warmer than it otherwise would be. If greenhouse gases rise above past levels the Earth could become warmer which may result in health and environmental problems.

Greenhouse gas emissions can result from natural processes, human activities, or a combination of both. Every day we, as humans, release greenhouse gases as a result of energy use, transportation, and waste disposal. However, by making a few small changes in our daily routines we can reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced. Start today by pledging to do the following:
• Conserving water. Municipal water systems use a lot of energy to purify and distribute water.
• Saying no to needless vehicle idling. If you plan to be parked for longer than 10 seconds turn off your engine. However, remember to never leave children or pets alone in a vehicle.
• Practicing the 5 R’s to reduce the amount of waste produced. Refuse to purchase unwanted or unnecessary items. Reduce the amount of stuff you use and waste you produce. Reuse items whenever possible. Repair items that are broken. Recycle what is left over.

To view or download the calendar click here

For more information on climate change and how you can reduce greenhouse gas emissions visit
www.epa.gov/climatechange.

Contact Ashley Osborne, University of Kentucky Extension Associate for Environmental and Natural Resource Issues. August 2008.