Although climate change presents one of the greatest threats to the future of our children and our planet, many perceive this issue as distant and abstract. Naturally, people who not see climate change as a threat – or see it at all – will not urge politicians to act on climate, support companies taking sustainability seriously or make efforts to reduce their own carbon footprints.

The planet's average surface temperature has risen about 2.0 degrees Fahrenheit (1.1 degrees Celsius) since the late 19th century, a change driven largely by increased carbon dioxide and other human-made emissions into the atmosphere. The oceans have absorbed much of this increased heat, with the top 700 meters (about 2,300 feet) of ocean showing warming of 0.302 degrees Fahrenheit since 1969. Global sea level rose about 8 inches in the last century.

Glaciers are retreating almost everywhere around the world — including in the Alps, Himalayas, Andes, Rockies, Alaska, and Africa. The Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets have decreased in mass. Data from NASA's Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment show Greenland lost 150 to 250 cubic kilometers (36 to 60 cubic miles) of ice per year between 2002 and 2006, while Antarctica lost about 152 cubic kilometers (36 cubic miles) of ice between 2002 and 2005.

However, 2017 is changing this perception. In the last year alone, we’ve witnessed an unprecedented number of devastating extreme weather events amplified by climate change as well as a new wave of climate advocacy and action from cities, states, and businesses. Put simply, climate change is becoming more immediate and relevant than ever before – and the need for climate action has never been greater.

So far, this year, 15 separate weather and climate disasters have each caused at least $1 billion in damages in the U.S. alone, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Initial estimates from AccuWeather put the damage from the northern California wildfires at well over $1 billion. If so, 2017 would tie 2011 for the most billion-dollar disasters, according to NOAA. And the year's not over yet....

That’s why this November, leaders at the United Nations Climate Change Conference came together in Bonn, Germany.  #EyeOnClimate will be used by Instagram users around the world who will come together to share personal reflections of climate change through the campaign.

What's the goal? It is to fill Instagram feeds across the globe with compelling photos of our environment and testimonies to accelerate the momentum for action. Throughout the month of November, the United Nations Foundation and Climasphere will curate #EyeOnClimate Instagram photos to elevate the perspectives of real users documenting climate change – and we need your help.

To join the global call and become a powerful messenger, simply SNAP, SHARE and SEE.

SNAP an original photo of the impacts of climate change in your community or how your community is working to address it.

SHARE your story by captioning your photo with the hashtag #EyeOnClimate along with a description of where the photo was taken and why climate action matters to you. Remember to set your account to the public!

SEE how users around the world have their #EyeOnClimate by following @UNFoundation and @Climasphere.

Sources:

• http://www.globalmomschallenge.org/2017/10/world-needs-eyeonclimate/
• https://climate.nasa.gov/evidence/
• https://www.usatoday.com/story/weather/2017/10/18/2017-could-tie-record-billion-dollar-disasters-year-heres-why/763406001/