Global warming is a phenomenon that is increasingly prominent on the global agenda, and as scientific data is updated, the human and natural impact on the climate becomes more evident. John H. Knox, United Nations Special Adviser on Human Rights and the Environment, shared in his twitter account an alarming comment: we have already been 390 consecutive months with global temperatures above the averageThis data is not just a number; it represents a worrying trend that puts the stability of the global ecosystem at risk.
The first half of 2017 was significant; It was the second warmest in a historical series spanning 138 years, surpassed only by the record from the previous year, 2016. Temperature records are not just numbers; they are a reflection of the climate change we are witnessing.
During the month of June of that year, temperature anomalies were notably high, reaching an average of 0,82ºC above average both on land and ocean surfaces. The most notable anomalies were in Central Asia, Western and Central Europe, and the southwestern United States. However, some regions of the world, such as the Scandinavian countries and the southeastern United States, maintained below-average records, demonstrating the heterogeneity of global warming.
In Europe, the situation was even more alarming; Much of the Old Continent experienced above-average temperatures, exceeding historical averages by 1,77°C, reminiscent of the 2003 heat wave, which saw a temperature increase of 1,91°C. This trend poses serious implications for public health, agriculture, and the environment.
June was not only a month of extreme heat, but also a month characterized by the remarkable melting of the ice at the poles. In the Arctic, sea ice cover averaged 7,5% below average of the period 1981-2010, becoming the sixth month of June with the least ice recorded since 1979. In the Antarctica, the ice cover was 6,3% below average, a record only surpassed by that of 2002. This melting has severe side effects, including rising sea levels, changing ocean circulation patterns, and disrupting critical habitats for numerous species.
It is important to understand that global warming does not affect all regions equally. Some areas are warming more than others, while certain regions still experience cooling anomalies. These differences are due to various factors, including natural climate variability, human activity, and greenhouse gas emissions. The combination of these factors is triggering extreme weather events that affect agriculture, public health, and infrastructure, increasing the vulnerability of the most disadvantaged populations.
Causes and Effects of Climate Change
La energy generation is one of the main drivers of climate change. The burning of fossil fuels The energy used to produce electricity and heat is responsible for a large portion of global greenhouse gas emissions. Although more and more countries are turning to renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, there is still a long way to go to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
In terms of manufacturing productsIndustry represents another significant source of emissions, due to processes that require the burning of fossil fuels. The manufacturing of products such as cement, steel, and other industrial goods involves high energy consumption and, consequently, carbon dioxide emissions. agricultural practicesAgriculture, especially intensive farming, also contributes significantly to climate change. Methane emissions from livestock, as well as the use of fertilizers, contribute to the release of greenhouse gases.
La deforestation Forest fires are another human activity that exacerbates global warming. Each year, approximately 12 million hectares of forest are destroyed, releasing a significant amount of stored carbon. Forests are not only important for absorbing carbon dioxide, but are also an integral part of many ecosystems that support critical biodiversity.
El Services The economy is another sector that generates a large portion of global carbon dioxide emissions. Most vehicles, ships, and airplanes run on fossil fuels, resulting in high levels of emissions. Although there is a growing transition toward electric vehicles and cleaner fuels, the speed of this transformation is still insufficient considering the magnitude of the problem.
Implications of Global Warming
The consequences of climate change are multiple and complex. Rising global average temperatures are generating more extreme conditions, including longer droughts, more intense heat waves, and severe weather events such as hurricanes and floods. These extreme weather events are already affecting millions of people around the world.
La public health is one of the most impacted sectors. The climate change It is intensifying heat-related illnesses, as well as the spread of vector-borne diseases such as dengue and Zika. The most vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and children, are especially prone to suffer the consequences of these adverse conditions.
In economic terms, damage to infrastructure due to extreme weather events can cost billions of dollars. Losses in agricultural production can lead to food insecurity, especially in regions where poverty is already high. Thus, the impact of climate change is felt not only on the environment but also on the global economy.
El sea level Flooding is increasing as a result of global warming, a major concern for coastal cities and small islands. This phenomenon is the result of the thermal expansion of water and the melting of ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica. Forecasts indicate that if the rates of melting and sea level rise continue, many cities could face catastrophic flooding in the future.
The Last Decade and the Impact Around the World
The last decade has been the warmest on record. The years 2016 and 2020 share the title of warmest, highlighting the urgency with which we need to address climate change. Although some countries have made significant progress in reducing emissions, global progress is uneven, and the need for collective action has never been more critical.
Projections of global average temperature indicate that without significant action to limit emissions, the temperature is projected to reach increase between 3 and 5 degrees Celsius by the end of the century. This could lead to devastating consequences, from the extinction of species to the devastation of entire ecosystems, as well as serious effects on human health and the economy.
It is essential to implement effective policies and promote sustainable practices that reduce dependence on fossil fuels and promote the use of renewable energy. The transition to a low-carbon economy is necessary not only to mitigate climate change but also to foster economic and social resilience worldwide.
El sustainable development and investment in clean technologies will be essential to addressing these challenges. International agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, must be respected and strengthened to ensure a safe future for future generations.
