For the past several years, we have been concerned about climate change. People from all over the world hope to live in harmony with nature. Climate scientists have demonstrated that over the past 200 years, almost all the global warming has been caused by humans. The earth is warming faster than it has in at least the last two thousand years. Everyone must take action, so how should we deal with climate change?
What is climate change?
Climate change refers to the lasting shifts in weather patterns and temperatures. These alterations can result from substantial volcanic eruptions or modifications in solar activity. Nevertheless, from the 1800s onwards, human actions, mainly the burning of non-renewable sources of energy such as coal, oil, and gas, have been the primary factors to climate change.
The causes of climate change
The main greenhouse gases that cause climate change are carbon dioxide and methane. For example, they are generated when burning coal or gasoline to heat a building. When land and trees are removed, carbon dioxide may also be emitted. Agriculture and the production of oil and gas are the primary sources of methane emissions. Energy, industry, transportation, construction, agriculture, and land use are the main sectors that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
The impacts of climate change
Emissions that contribute to climate change have been generated around the world, but some countries have significantly higher emissions than others. About half of all greenhouse gas emissions worldwide in 2020 were produced by the top seven polluters (China, the United States of America, India, the European Union, Indonesia, the Russian Federation, and Brazil). Our capacity to cultivate food as well as our ability to work, live, and feel safe may be affected by climate change. Some of us are already more vulnerable to the consequences of the climate change, such as citizens of tiny island states and other underdeveloped countries. People are at risk of starving due to prolonged droughts, and whole communities have been forced to leave their homes due to sea level rise and saltwater intrusion.
Financial commitments
Governments and corporations must make large financial commitments in climate action. But ignoring the climate costs even more. In order for poor nations to adapt and transition to greener economies, developed nations must fulfill their pledge to provide them with 100 billion dollars annually.
Transforming energy systems
We can reduce the emissions of greenhouse gas by moving from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources like solar and wind. But right away, something needs to be done. More nations are pledging to have net-zero emissions by 2050, emissions must be cut in half by 2030 to maintain global warming at 1.5°C or less. In order to achieve this, significant reductions in the use of coal, oil, and gas must be made; by 2050, more than two-thirds of the world's confirmed fossil fuel reserves must remain underground.
Protecting forests
Forests are an important component of life on Earth. If we can protect forests and plant trees to purify the air, we can reduce carbon dioxide emissions and protect wildlife and their habitats.
Promoting environmental awareness
Climate change affects almost every aspect of our lives, from home to office to our health. Whenever we use fossil fuels - driving or heating at home, flying or cooking, we are creating a greenhouse effect. The action of changing old habits extends to various aspects of our daily lives. We need to promote environmental awareness to make more people aware of the impact of climate change and the actions we should take. People can widely promote environmental protection through education, social media, and other means.
Climate change is a global problem that requires the efforts of all humanity to solve. Individual actions may seem insignificant, but when we come together, we can change the world! Protect our only home together! We need to unite and work together to create a more environmentally friendly, healthy, and prosperous Earth.