It’s the summer and it’s painfully hot. A new world record has been broken on the thermostat and it’s more than likely to break again next year. ACs are straining to keep us cool with the unfortunate respite coming in the form of whatever days we can scrounge in Sahel. We’re pointing the finger at one culprit: climate change. And so this issue is dedicated to our dying planet and the endless shirts we’ve thrown away because we wore them in Cairo traffic on a Sunday afternoon.

What exactly is climate change and why is it becoming such a big deal? The New York Times has put together a primer with all these questions and misconceptions in mind.

“Two degrees is more significant than it sounds”: It’s easy to dismiss a climate scientist who says the Earth is two degrees hotter now than it was in 1880 because the figure seems so inconsequential — especially to those of us who feel no difference between 45° and 43° weather. But that small change is wreaking havoc: “Scientists have published strong evidence that the warming climate is making heat waves more frequent and intense. It is also causing heavier rainstorms, and coastal flooding is getting worse as the oceans rise because of human emissions.”

What’s the prognosis? The highly dangerous effects of climate change are already starting to grip the planet — the hype around the issue is essentially a reflection of how far gone we are. Scientists say that, if the issue remains uncontained, it could trigger serious global events within three decades, including destabilizing governments causing sea levels to rise and flood coastal cities. But that doesn’t mean all hope is lost. Changing policies and behaviors in relation to the environment can still make a difference, but we need to do more and act faster.

Still not buying it? Don’t stop reading here. We dive into some of the most unexpected ways that climate change is affecting you personally, and offer a few simple and manageable ways that you can do your part.