By 2050 global temperatures are projected to reach an unprecedented two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, bringing global warming and its devastating consequences to an – all too possibly – irreversible point. That’s just under thirty years from now, so it is more than fair to think how much longer until global warming is truly irreversible.
In recent years the extent and consequences of global warming have been undeniable. Although its primary cause of carbon emissions from human activities is often debated, the data from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is clear. The gases emitted by human activities have resulted in temperatures rising to 1°C above preindustrial levels and are anticipated to reach 1.5°C above preindustrial levels as early as 2040.
From rising sea levels, hotter and drier days, intense and more frequent extreme weather conditions to the destruction of ecosystems and wildlife, global warming is already inflicting its adverse consequences on many communities and environment regions. As a result, we can note a shift in the Earth’s climate system, biological composition and global energy balance, leading to further aggravation of the effects of global warming.
The cost of inaction is too hefty, as the consequences of global warming continue to become more and more noticeable every day. For instance, the destruction of coral reefs due to ocean acidification has a tremendous negative effect on marine health, devastating fishing communities and economies.
It is possible to turn the tide of global warming. To do so, the reduction of emissions from human activities has to become a priority, supported by strategies such as energy efficiency and advanced energy storage. Governments should, moreover, focus on investing in and developing alternative energies such as solar and geothermal power, as well as encourage infrastructural change to encourage public transportation through policies such as reduced fares, subsidies, and improved access.
One of the most important strategies, however, must be the adoption of a low-carbon lifestyle, with a focus on personal responsibility and sustainability at the individual level. This requires the practice of alternative solutions such as investment in renewable energy sources or simply the reduction of energy consumption.
It is clear that the longer global warming remains uncontested, the closer we move towards an irreversible point. The time to reduce global warming is now and the way to do it is through collective large-scale action and individual efforts. We must act now, before the consequences become irreversible.
How Much Longer Until Global Warming Is Irreversible
