In recent years we are witnessing an alarming increase in temperatures worldwide, we are breaking records of heating practically every month. This phenomenon, accompanied by increasingly intense and devastating meteorological events, is leading humanity to question, almost necessarily, what are you doing with the planet. Furthermore, it is necessary to take into account that various elements of our society, such as the global warming in Europe, are interconnected.
The Earth, our only home, has begun to suffer consequences that seem irreparable. A group of scientists and diplomats have united their voices in an open letter warning that We only have three years left to prevent the worst effects of climate change from occurring, a fact that, if not addressed, could lead humanity to a catastrophic scenario.
The letter, signed by a group of six prominent scientists and diplomats, including the researcher and former head of the environment at the UN, Christiana figueres, along with the physical Stefan Rahmstorf, highlights that the last three years have been the warmest on record globally. An increase of just 1°C is already causing significant risks for millions of people: the polar ice is melting at an unstoppable rate, sea level rises faster than expected, and phenomena such as droughts and cyclones are constantly intensifying. This situation is aggravated by the fact that the Climate change could lead to a global temperature increase of between 2 and 5 degrees..
On the other hand, the impact of deforestation is devastating: Every year, we cut down an average of 15,3 million trees (without forgetting that there are around three trillion trees). This translates into habitat loss and increased pollution not only in the seas and rivers, but also in the air we breathe. If this trend continues, the outlook for the future is bleak. Therefore, researchers propose several goals that should be achieved by 2020 at the latest, such as:
- Increase the share of renewable energy up to 30% of electricity consumption.
- Ensure that 15% of all new vehicles to be electric.
- Reduce net emissions from deforestation.
The scientific community does not stop and, in fact, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has issued strong warnings about the need to act now. According to its reports, a difference of only half a degree can have devastating consequences for our planet. Therefore, it is increasingly urgent to limit the rise in global temperature to a maximum of 1,5 degrees Celsius. In addition, many countries, as mentioned in this article on natural disasters in Kenya, are already facing severe, life-threatening effects.
Current predictions indicate that without effective action we are heading towards a 3°C warming, which is completely unacceptable according to the Paris agreements. In this sense, the effects of climate change in Europe will be devastating if we do not act quickly.
In this context, the IPCC reports describe a compromised future where the total extinction of coral reefs, the increase in flood exposure to 10 million people, and the reduction of areas suitable for agriculture become the norm. This also translates into increased food insecurity, exacerbating social tensions and generating conflicts. Recently, we have seen the impact on Somalia, where drought has reduced food supplies and caused deaths. This is a clear example of how climate change affects people.
The impact is not limited to the environment. According to the IPCC, a 1,5°C increase would also increase the likelihood of extreme weather events. For example, the number of people facing severe weather conditions and poverty would increase, which could also increase the spread of enfermedades, such as dengue and malaria. Related studies such as those of the impact of half a degree on weather phenomena, are alarming.
Effects of Climate Change on Ecosystems
The effects of climate change are multifaceted and affect both marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Ocean acidification affects the ability of the oceans to sustain marine life, while deforestation triggers a negative cycle of biodiversity lossAccording to recent studies, between 70% and 90% of coral reefs could be lost with a 1,5°C increase in temperature, resulting in the extinction of numerous species. This risk is also reflected in the report on the changes in the seasons that affect ecosystems. The melting of ice is also alarming, and Antarctica could lose 25% of its ice by the end of this century.
Rising sea levels, projected to rise by an additional 10 centimeters if we move from 1,5 to 2 degrees of warming, will have a direct impact on coastal areas, putting the lives of millions of people at risk. This is not just an environmental issue, but a life-changing challenge. social justice, as the most vulnerable communities are the ones who suffer the most. This reminds us that climate change is an issue that will affect millions of people in the future.
As we move forward in this crisis, science places us in a critical position. We must recognize that the necessary changes must be formidable and proceed together. The path to sustainability is not only a responsibility of governments; each individual also has a crucial role to play. The actions we take now are key, especially in relation to Invest in green infrastructure to better adapt to climate change.
What can we do?
In this urgent context, we must promote the development of clean technologies and the use of renewable energy. There are numerous actions we can take, both individually and collectively, to contribute to the cause:
- Implement the use of renewable energies in our homes and communities.
- Promote a sustainable lifestyle, such as reducing the use of private vehicles in favor of greener alternatives such as bicycles or public transport.
- Reduce, reuse and recycle to reduce the amount of waste we generate.
- Raising awareness about climate change, educating others about the importance of caring for the environment.
- Support legislation that seek to mitigate the environmental impact and promote sustainable practices, as is being attempted with the Community for the Climate.
Climate change is not a problem of the future; it is a real and present challenge that affects us all. Every action counts, and each of us needs to get involved. From individual initiatives to political commitments, every effort can make a difference, especially considering the current situation. Australia.
The letter sent by the scientists is clear: if we don't take drastic measures in the short term, the future of our planet will be jeopardized. The window of opportunity to act is limited, and every day that passes without action is a step toward an uncertain future.
