Climate change is here, what it means for Evansville

The world is experiencing record-breaking heat. Ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica are rapidly melting, causing sea levels to rise. Carbon dioxide levels are higher than they’ve ever been in human history. The number of extreme weather events has increased. Climate change is already here, and its impact isn’t just global—it’s hitting close to home.

Evansville is experiencing more unusually warm days, heavier rainfall, and longer allergy seasons. The average annual temperature has risen by 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit since 1970.

What is climate change?
According to NASA, climate change is “a long-term change in the average weather patterns that have come to define Earth’s local, regional, and global climates.” The biggest contributor to climate change is the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal and gas, which release greenhouse gases that trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere.

Some argue that “the climate has always changed,” and in a way, this is true. Weather shifts happen every day, especially here in the Midwest. However, climate change refers to long-term patterns over decades, not short-term changes from day to day.

Data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows the average yearly surface temperature has steadily increased from 1880 to 2024. In fact, “the 10 warmest years in the historical record have all occurred in the past decade (2015–2024).”

Artificial Intelligence (AI)’s Contribution
As technology continues to grow, so does its environmental impact. Artificial intelligence is one example of how everyday tools can carry hidden environmental costs. According to Earth.org, ChatGPT (OpenAI) is estimated to use about 8.4 tons of carbon dioxide per year—roughly double the annual emissions of an average individual.

AI data centers require large amounts of energy to operate and rely on water to keep servers cool. Some estimates suggest that a conversation of 20 to 50 questions can use a little over two cups of water. While these figures represent just one snapshot of AI’s environmental footprint—and the full impact is still being studied—they highlight how even widely used technologies contribute to overall energy use and emissions.

What can I do about it?
We often forget the power we have as individuals. While many environmental challenges are driven by large industries, everyday choices still play a role. Reducing your carbon footprint can include walking, biking, or using public transportation instead of driving, or exploring renewable energy options like wind or solar.

It can be difficult to take action against systems we rely on daily, but small steps still matter. Staying informed and involved in your community can make a difference. Recycling, picking up litter, attending city or county meetings, and supporting local efforts like the Jacobsville Walking Club or the Sierra Club are all ways to stay engaged and contribute to change.