Despite the opinions of public figures such as former US President Donald Trump, who has occasionally described climate change as a "hoax" by China for economic gain, the scientific reality is overwhelming. A report entitled National Climate Assessment has established that Humans are primarily responsible for the changes we are observing in the atmosphere..
Climate change is not a new phenomenon; it has occurred throughout Earth's history. However, what is alarming about the current situation is that Never before has a species had such a profound impact on the planetHuman activities are altering the climate at a rate unprecedented compared to natural climate change cycles that have occurred in the past.
What are the causes of current climate change?
The main causes of current climate change are the continued emission of greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide (CO2), into the atmosphere. These emissions come from the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas, as well as from deforestation and agriculture. vulnerability of Spain In the face of climate change, this is also an issue that must be considered. To better understand the differences, you can read about the differences between climate change and global warming.
According to National Climate Assessment Report, from 1950 to the present, human contribution to climate change ranges between 92% and 123%, with the highest percentage being explained by human activity that counteracts the effects of natural phenomena, such as volcanic eruptions. However, Greenhouse gas emissions are exceeding the Earth's system's capacity to absorb these gases.
Consequences that are already being seen on Earth
As the average global temperature rises, the oceans are undergoing worrying changes. Ocean water It is becoming hotter, more acidic and with lower oxygen levels., which has serious repercussions for marine biodiversity and coastal ecosystems. However, phenomena such as Hurricane Ophelia are a clear example of the impact of these changes. Australian green turtles are in danger due to climate change, thus reflecting the seriousness of the issue.
Furthermore, The accelerated melting of the poles is causing a rise in sea level, threatening coastal communities around the world. Extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and storms, are also increasing in intensity. Disasters such as Irma o Harvey are clear examples of the increasing violence of these natural phenomena. floods are putting millions of people at risk, underscoring the urgency of the problem.
Greenhouse gases and their impact
Greenhouse gases are compounds in the atmosphere that trap heat. Although some occur naturally, human activities have significantly increased their concentrations. The main gases include:
- carbon dioxide (CO2)
- methane
- nitrous oxide
- fluorinated gases
The CO2, in particular, is the most important greenhouse gas related to human activity. In 2020, its concentration had increased to 48% above pre-industrial levels (before 1750). This increase is a cause for concern, as Projections indicate a potential increase in temperature which could further aggravate the situation. Climate change also affects vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women.
The role of human activity in climate change
Over time, Human activity has been the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissionsSome of the most harmful activities include:
- Energy generation: Electricity production from fossil fuels is responsible for a large part of global CO2 emissions.2.
- Shipping cost: The use of motor vehicles, ships, and aircraft that rely on fossil fuels contributes significantly to the increase in greenhouse gases.
- Deforestation: Deforestation not only releases stored CO2 but also reduces the planet's ability to absorb this gas.
- Food production: Modern agriculture, especially livestock farming, generates large amounts of methane and nitrous oxide.
It is crucial that Countries, businesses and individuals collaborate to reduce greenhouse gas emissions if we want to mitigate the most serious effects of climate change. This can be seen in the discussion on the future effects of climate change, which highlights the urgency of action. In addition, the investment in green infrastructure It is essential to better adapt to climate change.
The forests are vital to combat climate change, and it is important to understand how they are affected, as explained in the article on natural laboratories in Spain.
Actions to combat climate change
There are several ways in which each individual can help combat climate change:
- Reduce energy consumption: Use renewable energy sources whenever possible, such as solar or wind power, and be more energy-efficient at home.
- Promote the use of sustainable transport: Choosing to walk, cycle, use public transport or electric cars can significantly reduce CO2 emissions.2.
- Support reforestation: Planting trees and protecting existing forests are vital actions to absorb CO2.
- Promote sustainable nutrition: Reducing meat consumption and opting for local, seasonal products can reduce emissions associated with agriculture.
Climate change is a global problem that requires combined and coordinated action at all levels of society to be effectively addressed. From adopting public policies that promote sustainability to changing individual habits, we can all contribute to mitigating this phenomenon. The time to act is now.
