Last year was a record breaking year with the warmest temperatures ever recorded in history. That's according to NASA and local experts say we're on track to surpass that record by the end of the year.
This concerns many in the Treasure Valley who took part in a rally along the statehouse steps Saturday morning.
They showed up at the Idaho Climate Action Rally for different reasons. Brent Mathieu has more broad concerns as he's worried about the overall future of humankind.
"My concern is for my grandchildren and the generations to come," he said.
Speakers talked about how greenhouse gases are big contributors to global warming.
A retired Episcopal priest addressed the crowd urging people to have a voice when it comes to laws that affect our local environment. He also encouraged people to do their part, in whatever way they can.
"We can't be passive anymore, we can't sit back. Somebody else isn't doing it," said Robert Spencer. "So, we have to take action. It's been true since I've been active in the 1960s."
The World Health Organization says environmental factors can be linked to one-in-four global deaths saying environmental risk factors include air, water and soil pollution, as well as chemical exposure, climate change and ultraviolet radiation.
Holding signs in favor of clean energy, those in attendance at Idaho's rally created an aerial art formation in the shape of a sun. It's part of a national tour, and the photo represents a commitment to 100 percent clean energy over the next 20 years.
As for Mathieu, he encourages people to think about their relationship with the earth and to find a better balance. His method involves prayer and meditation.
"I support technological endeavors, I support lifestyle changes like eating more plants and I think we need to explore how to shift human consciousness to change human behavior to make more of a change other than just political actions of governments," he concluded.
