As we think about solutions to the issues of the world we are forced to confront a very serious and urgent problem: climate change. Permanent changes in temperature, precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events are the hallmarks of this issue, which impacts everyone. It is not just a theoretical threat. The phrase “climate change” refers to changes in the environment that have been caused—for the most part—by increasingly toxic and damaging human activity over the past century.
The Reality of Climate Change
As a species, it’s important that we acknowledge the significance of climate change’s effects on our planet and on future generations. There’s a saying that’s commonly found on climate protest event signs: “There is no planet B,” meaning we need to protect Earth because there is no other option. If we destroy our planet—game over. The human species will cease to exist.
Conversations about climate change have become more common in recent years, attracting the attention of everyday people, policymakers, and climate scientists alike. The effects of climate change are not limited to particular countries or populations; rather, they affect all areas of life on Earth. Extreme weather events and rising sea levels are just two of the many consequences of climate change that require immediate intervention.
As we write this post on climate change, we aim to clarify its roots in science, effects on the environment, human causes, and society’s reactions to it.
The rising temperature of the Planet.
Since the late 19th century, the average surface temperature of the Earth has increased by about 1 to 2 degrees Celsius, a trend that can be attributed to the rising concentration of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere.
An increase in the number of extreme weather events is already happening. Disturbing changes in weather patterns and natural phenomena have been observed as well. Extreme weather events, like hurricanes, droughts, heatwaves, and floods have become more frequent and more intense in recent decades.
Just this year, people have noticed the increase in the intensity of hurricanes and wildfires. Both are occurring earlier in their typical “seasons,” and the destruction caused has become more difficult to recover from and more expensive in terms of recovery and rebuilding efforts.
It’s important to understand exactly how the warming climate is connected to these changes—they aren’t unrelated. Comprehensive reports outlining these trends have been provided by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reaffirming the crisis as a reality of human-made climate change.
While climate scientists and people all over the world have been screaming for action by our governments in the wake of this crisis, their actions have unfortunately not matched the urgency of the situation we find ourselves in. Climate activists have grown increasingly frustrated at the inaction of those in power, especially when you consider that we have now reached a tipping point. We should have enacted policies and regulations long ago to prevent the crisis from reaching this point, but we’re here now, and we need to do something immediately or it’s going to be “too little, too late.”
It’s a shame that the human species had recognized the dangers, knew all along what would happen if no action was taken, and yet the only people that could actually do something to save us and our planet were too greedy and ignorant to do anything about it (and still are). This means that the demise of an entire species will result from the decisions of just a few.
It has become increasingly evident that there is broad scientific concensus that climate change is occurring and that its effects are already being felt all over the globe. This consensus is supported by multiple studies and leading scientific organizations like the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change).
Effects on Ecosystems
The effects of climate change on the environment are extensive and wide-ranging. When we look around us, we can see how shifting climatic conditions are disrupting ecosystems. One of the most well-known effects is the melting of glaciers and polar ice caps, which has resulted in rising sea levels.
Both natural habitats and the cities inhabited by humans are in danger. As coastal communities have grown more vulnerable to erosion and flooding, more and more people are beginning to take notice (even if they are unable to connect the effects to the cause just yet). This concept was on full display during the recent hurricanes that hit Florida and other states along the coast. The loss of ice also has an impact on global weather systems and ocean circulation patterns in addition to local wildlife.
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As species struggle to adapt to changing environments, we are seeing changes in biodiversity in addition to the rising sea levels.
Carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere in enormous quantities when coal, oil, and natural gas are burned for transportation and electricity. This traps heat and contributes to global warming. Another major factor aggravating climate change is deforestation.
Deforestation
As carbon sinks, forests remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. But as we cut down forests for logging, urbanization, and agriculture, we also diminish nature’s ability to absorb future emissions and release the stored carbon back into the atmosphere. Climate change is accelerated and the greenhouse effect is exacerbated by this dual effect.
Trees also release oxygen into the atmosphere, allowing living things to breathe. That’s kind of important! It’s no surprise, then, that the more trees we cut down—along with those destroyed in wildfires—the more we see respiratory issues and lung disease. Are we really dumb enough to remove our source of oxygen? It seems that those in power and anyone out to enrich themselves are.
Whether in our private lives or as members of larger industries, we must recognize that the decisions we make have a huge impact on the health of our planet. The increasing devastation caused by climate change has sparked social and political movements all over the world.
Government (In)Action
Governments are starting to understand their role in slowing the damage done by this crisis through international agreements and policy reforms. A historic attempt to bring nations together in the fight against climate change—by keeping global warming well below 2 degrees Celsius—was made in 2015 with the adoption of the Paris Agreement.
World leaders also meet every year to discuss the environment and propose actions that can be taken to reduce their country’s contribution to the crisis. Other countries have been miles ahead of us in terms of adopting sustainable energy sources and switching to environmentally friendly forms of transportation. The United States lags behind due to the fact that we are technically under corporate rule (see money in politics) and those in power put Capitalism above common sense.
As governments acknowledge that the climate crisis affects the entire planet, it becomes more clear that cooperation among countries is necessary for any chance at meaningful intervention. Social movements that support climate action have been gaining momentum at the local level as well.
People are organizing all over the world to hold their leaders accountable and encourage sustainable practices. Growing awareness of the need for world action can be seen in local efforts to reduce carbon footprints and in protests, particularly those led by young people—the ones who will be living on the planet—regardless of what shape it’s in when we’re gone.
These movements stress that tackling climate change requires both political will and societal engagement. They also highlight the ability of individuals to bring about change using the power of uniting as a one voice in the fight for positive change.
After everything we have learned about climate change (yes, it’s real!), we are struck by the stark reality that this crisis is not just an environmental one; rather, it is a complex issue that has an impact on public health, social justice, and economic stability.
The Immediate Need for Intervention
It should now be clear to those who were searching to find out if climate change is real that IT IS. Climate change is happening and its effects are already being felt all over the world. We can no longer deny this reality, or ignore it. Instead, everyone must do their part in taking care of “Planet A.” If not for ourselves, then for our children.
Group Initiative
Advocating for systemic change at the local, national, and international levels while incorporating sustainable practices into our own daily lives is essential going forward. The impacts of climate change can be lessened by encouraging a culture of environmental stewardship and taking responsibility for our actions as a species.
Moving Forward in a Sustainable Way
By working together, we can create a more sustainable future for current and future generations. Let’s take on the challenge and work together to create a healthier planet—the time to act is now.
If you’re here because you’re exploring the realities and implications of climate change, you might also be interested in understanding how political views can shape policy decisions when it comes to the environment. It’s certainly no secret that the Republican party tends to ignore climate change and spread misinformation about the issue in an effort to avoid voter pushback. They rollback environmental policies put in place by Democrats and remove any regulations meant to protect the environmentfrom damage and pollution by corporations.
We hope to bring more awareness to people who vote for Republican leaders so they can begin to question their actions and push for more action on their part. If you know someone who has fallen for their lies about what is causing extreme weather events or if climate change is even a real issue, share this post!
