Climate change brings longer, more intense heat waves at a higher frequency, as well as shifting weather patterns. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indications of climate change include increased temperature, changes in snow and rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events. These affect humans and their adaptability as well as the natural habitats of animals. 

Due to the rising temperatures, flooding along the Illinois, Ohio, and Mississippi Rivers has put waterfront communities in danger and caused millions of dollars in damage. It has also resulted in algal blooms in Lake Michigan due to the reduced ice coverage. The algal blooms cause the lake levels to fluctuate and raise the water level, putting coastal areas at risk as well. Even large, renowned cities such as Chicago have experienced the effects of climate change. 

Aside from the harm caused to people, the shifting weather patterns are also affecting birds in Illinois and their ability to reproduce, while the agricultural sector has also suffered billions of dollars in losses due to the increased precipitation level, causing juxtapositioning periods of flood and drought.

Climate change is already felt by Illinois and its cities. The progression could still be mitigated with support from the populace by placing an emphasis on this issue. Individuals and businesses need to take responsibility for reducing, reusing and recycling practices, which can be costly, inconvenient and time consuming. It is the responsibility of each person to affect and reduce climate change. If each person were to do their part to reduce energy usage, waste, and emissions, climate change could be stopped or reversed. It has been argued that Illinoisians will not only be helping themselves, but ultimately the world as a whole, however many believe that the pressure of this issue should be placed on the Illinois government and not its citizens.

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed an executive order to join the United States Alliance in committing to reduce carbon emissions. He also signed the Clean Energy Jobs Act, which gives Illinois the ability to set limitations in carbon emissions and other greenhouse gasses. With these regulations, it set the Illinois EPA as the lead agency to coordinate climate change policies along with other statewide organizations to supplement the goal to reduce greenhouse gasses and mitigate the effects of climate change. However, is it enough? Two-thirds of Americans believe the government should do more to regulate climate change. With changes to the regulations on a system wide level, it will change the way society as a whole uses energy and natural resources. This overall societal change can only come from governmental regulation. With governmental action and policies creating incentives, tax credits, and regulations, it could make recycling convenient, affordable, and enticing for the people and businesses to actually take steps to affect climate change. Governmental influence and enforcement may prove costly, however, for taxpayers and resources may be better used for immediate needs in Illinois such as gun violence, safety, police reform, and other current measures. 

The question for debate is, should climate change be a topic that the citizens of Illinois need to be more focused on or should the burden of responsibility lie on the government to enact and enforce climate change measures?