It seems amazing, but a GIF can alert us to the real threat posed by global warming. This innovative animated graphic, developed by British researcher Ed Hawkins, shows in a very simple way how temperatures have been rising since 1850, and how close we are to reaching 2 degrees Celsius, a threshold that, if exceeded, could trigger catastrophic consequences for our planet.
Rising temperatures are what most worries us, and at the same time, what is easiest to detect. According to various scientific studies, if we cross the 2°C threshold, the consequences will be fatal not only for the environment, but also for humanity. In this sense, it is alarming that many projections indicate that we are very close to overcome that critical barrier.
Details about the Ed Hawkins GIF
Hawkins, who works at the National Centre for Atmospheric Science at the University of Reading in the United Kingdom, set out to illustrate the changes already taking place in our planet's temperature. To do so, he opted for an innovative design: the GIF shows a polygonal spiral that present the information clearly and directly to the viewer.
Each turn of the spiral represents an increase in temperatures, which have varied month to month and decade to decade. This visual representation drives home the point: global warming is an undeniable reality that has been increasing since 1850. You can see the GIF below:
As can be seen, a significant increase in global temperature has occurred since 1990. This has led to the issue being taken seriously, with record temperatures being set every month. If this rate continues, it is highly likely that sooner than we imagine, the average global temperature will have risen by the dreaded two degrees Celsius. This entails various consequences, from devastating effects on ecosystems to direct impacts on human health.
Consequences of global warming
The repercussions of global warming are alarming and affect a wide range of areas. Some of the potential effects include:
- Deglaciation: Rising temperatures are causing glaciers to disappear worldwide, contributing to rising sea levels.
- Extreme Weather Events: Global warming is linked to an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, droughts, and heat waves.
- Impacts on biodiversity: Many species are in danger of extinction due to changes in their natural habitats and the loss of biodiversity. You can read more about animals that are in danger of extinction due to global warming.
- Diseases: Human health is also threatened, as climate change can favor the spread of vector-borne diseases.
Because of all these factors, the challenge is to understand that global warming represents a real threat that must be addressed immediately. While world leaders are the ones who have the capacity to implement effective policies to mitigate the problem, ordinary citizens can and must also do their part. Some actions we can take include: recycle, re-use, do not pollute, and save waterEvery little bit helps and can contribute to improving the situation of our planet.
Furthermore, it is important to note that the agreement reached at the Paris Conference of the Parties (COP21) in December 2015, which seeks to keep global warming well below 2°C, is a crucial step. This agreement involves 195 countries and underscores the importance of international cooperation in the fight against climate change.
Hawkins' visualization has played a pivotal role in raising awareness of this issue and fostering accessible dialogue about its implications. Initiatives like this are therefore vital to understanding the seriousness of the situation and mobilizing global efforts to reverse the effects of global warming. Visual information is not only accessible but can also be powerful in promoting collective action.
Effective communication and collaborative work are essential if we want to reverse the course of global warming and ensure a sustainable future for future generations. Together, we can make a difference.
