Humans must take responsibility for their actions related to global warming, as the science is overwhelming that the current rate of climate change has been driven by human activity. Global warming, or the rise in average global temperatures, has been linked to the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas, as well as land use changes at an unprecedented rate over the course of human history. This has had direct consequences on the environment, including accelerating ice caps melting, changes in species populations as well as weather patterns, and an increasing severity of natural disasters.
The IPCC, or Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, reports that human activities have contributed to an increase in global average atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide since 1750. These activities, primarily caused by burning fossil fuels, the production and use of cement and other industrial activities, have already led to a warmer climate. Changes in climate are expected to continue and intensify in the future, particularly if emissions of CO2 and other greenhouse gases are not reduced. Without drastic cuts in emissions, it is projected that the average global temperature could rise between 3 and 7 degrees Fahrenheit by the end of the century.
The most direct consequence of global warming is the rapid melting of polar ice sheets, glaciers, and the Greenland ice sheet. This means rising sea levels, displacement of coastal populations, and an increase in extreme weather events, such as floods and droughts. In addition, these effects are compounded by changes in biodiversity, as many animal species will have to either adapt or migrate to colder climates to survive. In addition, global warming is also linked to a decrease in food production as crops are affected by extreme temperatures, increases in pests and diseases, and changes in water availability.
The effects of global warming are not isolated to just the environment, however. There is an economic cost as well — one that will be disproportionately paid by those living in the world’s poorer countries. For instance, island nations are more vulnerable to sea level rise and extreme weather events and will suffer the most economically. In order to reduce emissions, formulating new policies and implementing stricter regulations is necessary. To this end, in 2015 the international community came together and signed the Paris Agreement, which sets a goal of moving towards a “net zero” future.
Reducing emissions to “net zero” is an ambitious goal, and will require a concerted effort from all countries. As individuals, we can contribute by reducing our own carbon footprints. This can involve making small changes to our daily lives, such as using public transportation or driving electric cars, eating less meat, using renewable energy sources, using LED lights, and growing our own food. Every individual’s actions will ultimately add up to a bigger reduction in emissions and help combat global warming. Moreover, it is just as important to teach others—particularly our youth—about the threat of global warming and ways to mitigate it.
We need to act now to mitigate the effects of global warming. With more conscious effort, individuals and governments alike can work towards creating a more sustainable future—one in which the effects of global warming are noticeably reduced and hopefully reversed.
