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I certainly hope that climate change won't makeover the world like that movie Waterworld. Can you imagine your fate hanging in the hands of a gill-imbued Kevin Costner. Those kinds of thoughts keep me up at night.
Climate change also keeps me up at night. My nerdy instincts, honed by reading stacks of Batman comics, tell me I should be prepared for climate change. (I've already built a zombie apocalypse survival room, and I'm currently assembling a kit that makes certain my fate never falls into Kevin Costner's hands.) How can I adequately prepare for climate change?
Consumer Reports published an article about coping with climate change. Here are some suggestions.
Coping with Climate Change
- Allergies
As the temperature warms up, the growing season of ragweed and other pollen-spewing plants will be extended. Consumer Reports recommends keeping the windows shut and running the AC. But running the AC is kind of what got us into this mess in the first place. Mounting a few solar panels on the roof to run that AC is good compromise. - Insect-borne diseases
Malaria and other insect-borne diseases will be able to travel north. Make sure to eliminate standing water in your yard. Cover those rain barrels! Wear long-sleeved clothing whenever possible. Keep your pants tucked into your socks to protect against ticks. Teach mosquitoes to buzz off naturally. - Poison Ivy
CO2 helps the poison ivy grow and it increases the poison's potency. As a long-time, poison ivy sufferer and former forest dweller, I know a few secrets.
- Don't dig in the dirt with your bare hands.
- Learn to identify it.
- Don't go in tall grass without clothes
- Take off your clothes after traipsing around the forest. Sequester those clothes from your other clothing. Wash hands immediately after removing clothes.
- Wash self immediately after leaving poison ivy area.
- Keep your pets indoors. The oil from the ivy can transfer from their fur to your skin
- Heat-Related Illnesses
Heat-related illnesses and deaths will undoubtedly rise. You should:
- Avoid going out during peak hours
- Wear light-colored clothing
- Drink plenty of water
- Use sunscreen
- Mental Health
The heat, and let's not forget about the possible looming collapse of our society, tends to make one a little stressed. You should probably seek therapy when the climate changes. I know I will.
Source: Consumer Reports
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