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Writer's pictureRIck LeCouteur

Understanding Climate Change: Every degree matters



 

Imagine a world where intense heatwaves are the norm, rising seas swallow

coastlines, and food shortages affect millions.

 

This isn't the plot of a dystopian novel; it's the reality

we're inching toward as human activities heat up our planet.

 

But while the future may seem dire, scientists offer a glimmer of hope: with urgent action, we can still curb the worst impacts of climate change

 

Human activity is warming our world at an alarming rate, with rising temperatures, intense heatwaves, and rising sea levels among the many consequences. While the outlook is challenging, scientists affirm that urgent action can still limit the worst effects of climate change.

 

What is Climate Change?

 

Climate change refers to the long-term shift in Earth’s average temperature and weather patterns. It’s not just a new phenomenon; our planet’s climate has naturally fluctuated over time. However, the recent rapid rise in global temperatures is anything but natural. Between 2014 and 2023, Earth was about 1.2°C warmer than it was in the late 19th century, and 2024 is projected to be the hottest year on record, according to the European climate service.

 

How are Humans Causing Climate Change?

 

The sharp rise in temperatures over the last century is linked to human activities, especially our reliance on fossil fuels - coal, oil, and gas - for energy in homes, industries, and transportation. When these fuels burn, they release carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, creating a "blanket" that traps heat near the Earth’s surface, leading to warming. Since the start of the Industrial Revolution, the CO₂ concentration in the atmosphere has increased by about 50%, a level far beyond the natural variability of Earth’s recent history.

 

The Current Effects of Climate Change

 

While a 1.2°C rise might not sound drastic, the effects have been profound. Climate change has already led to:


  • More intense and frequent extreme weather events like heatwaves and heavy rainfall

  • Melting of glaciers and ice sheets, which contributes to sea-level rise

  • Decline in Arctic sea ice and warmer oceans, which fuel stronger storms and threaten marine ecosystems, including coral reefs

 

These environmental changes also affect people’s lives. For example, in 2022, East Africa faced its worst drought in 40 years, putting over 20 million people at risk of hunger. Similarly, intense heatwaves in Europe contributed to a significant increase in deaths across the continent.

 

Why Limiting Warming to 1.5°C is Crucial

 

The effects of climate change worsen as the world warms. Limiting the long-term temperature rise to 1.5°C, as agreed in the 2015 Paris Agreement, is critical to avoid the most severe impacts. Exceeding this threshold could lead to:


  • Hotter extreme days and an increase in heat-related health risks

  • Higher sea-level rise, exposing more people to flooding

  • Loss of over 99% of coral reefs, essential to marine biodiversity

  • Twice as many plants and vertebrate species facing unsuitable climates in large parts of their habitats

  • Increased risk of poverty and hunger due to climate-related risks for hundreds of millions of people

 

Exceeding 1.5°C also raises the risk of crossing "tipping points" - thresholds beyond which changes become irreversible, like the collapse of the Greenland Ice Sheet. Such tipping points could accelerate climate impacts, making adaptation harder.

 

What Are Governments Doing?

 

To keep global warming within 1.5°C, global CO₂ emissions must reach "net zero" by 2050. Net zero means reducing greenhouse gas emissions as much as possible and offsetting any remaining emissions through activities that remove CO₂ from the atmosphere, like reforestation. Most countries have set net zero targets, and progress is visible in areas such as renewable energy and electric vehicles. However, greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, and without a rapid transition, the 1.5°C target may be out of reach.

 

World leaders meet annually to discuss climate commitments, such as the 2023 COP28 summit in Dubai and the upcoming COP29 summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, in November 2024. COP29 aims to address financial support from wealthier nations to help poorer countries combat climate change - an issue central to climate justice.

 

What Can Individuals Do?

 

While systemic changes are necessary, individual actions can contribute to tackling climate change:


  • Reducing air travel, which has a high carbon footprint

  • Using less energy at home and improving energy efficiency

  • Switching to electric vehicles or reducing car use

  • Upgrading home heating systems to electric options like heat pumps

  • Eating less red meat, as meat production generates significant greenhouse gases

 

Moving Forward Together

 

Climate change is a global challenge requiring action at all levels - government, business, and individual. The next decade is crucial. By making sustainable choices, pushing for climate-conscious policies, and supporting climate justice initiatives, we can still limit the impacts and build a resilient future for generations to come.

 


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