We see in news almost daily about the increase in the amount of rainfall in certain areas and also the highest amount of rainfall at places that haven't received it in past many years. For example :
The news of crop failures, glacier melting, floods, drought, cloud burst have been a recent phenomenon. This hasn't been only this year but steadily increasing over the years. But we are experiencing extremely harsh weather all over the world now. What could be the reason for all of this?
The answer will be , we the 'Humans'. But that's not it, the term is called 'Climate Change' and has been in news and remains in news quite often.
What is Climate Change?
Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. These shifts may be natural, such as through variations in the solar cycle. But since the 1800s, human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to burning fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas. - As said by the UN
In simple terms, it is the change in the temperature that is the summers and winters temperature and the extreme temperature in these season, change in rainfall patters due to change in wind circulation which is due to the glacier melting which is due to increasing pollution from emissions by us, that is due to our transport vehicles pollution, industries, increasing electronic waste, increasing wild fires etc.
So, we can say that human beings are making this earth the most unsuitable planet to live on for humans slowly each day. Now the irony is, Earth isn't going to go anywhere it will stay here and grow more greener and cleaner but we are the one going first. The resources that make us, the humans to live on it will perish for a while which will make us go hungry and leave us with undrinkable water.
That is proven by the scientist. Follow the facts below:
The concentration of greenhouse gases in the earth’s atmosphere is directly linked to the average global temperature on Earth. (IPCC)
The most abundant greenhouse gas, accounting for about two-thirds of greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide (CO2), is largely the product of burning fossil fuels. (IPCC)
The Last Decade Was the Hottest in 125,000 Years (Earth.org)
A 2019 study found that oceans had sucked up 90% of the heat gained by the planet between 1971 and 2010. Another found that it absorbed 20 sextillion joules of heat in 2020 – equivalent to two Hiroshima bombs per second. (Earth.org)
CO2 Is At Its Highest in 2 Million Years. Pre-industrial CO2 levels were around 280 parts per million (ppm). Today, we stand close to 420 ppm. (Earth.org)
We Are Losing 1.2 Trillion Tons of Ice Each Year. Check: How Arctic is melting daily and it's effects on us?
Conserving and restoring natural spaces, both on land and in the water, is essential for limiting carbon emissions providing one-third of the mitigation effort needed in the next decade.(UNEP)
Double the likelihood that insects, vital pollinators, lose half their habitat.(UNEP)
1 meter added in sea-level rise.(UNEP)
Many people think climate change mainly means warmer temperatures. But temperature rise is only the beginning of the story. Because the Earth is a system, where everything is connected, changes in one area can influence changes in all others.
Climate change can affect our health, ability to grow food, housing, safety and work. Some of us are already more vulnerable to climate impacts, such as people living in small island nations and other developing countries.- UN
What is the Solution to Climate Change?
Cut the emissions now.
Adapting to climate impacts and financing required adjustments.
Switching energy systems from fossil fuels to renewables like solar or wind will reduce the emissions driving climate change.
Adaptation will be required everywhere, but must be prioritized now for the most vulnerable people with the fewest resources to cope with climate hazards.
Early warning systems for disasters, for instance, save lives and property, and can deliver benefits up to 10 times the initial cost.
Climate action requires significant financial investments by governments and businesses.
Industrialized countries to fulfil their commitment to provide $100 billion a year to developing countries so they can adapt and move towards greener economies.
Protect the Forest, they are home to many of the world’s most endangered wildlife. They also protect the planet by absorbing carbon dioxide (CO2).
There needs to be an urgent action to it. No country in the world can take this lightly and it requires the collective action rather than just the talking. Just organizing climate summits is not enough, they are certainly a good step but not enough as now is the requirement to push each day and making sure that countries take this seriously.
stay tuned for more..
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