It is no secret that global warming is one of the most pressing issues of our time. Experts agree that humanity stands at a tipping point, and that our actions will determine whether we can avert disaster. But how much longer until global warming kills us?
The answer to this question is complex, as the effects of climate change will vary drastically depending on location, lifestyle, and economic stability. Scientists have also found that global warming has a cumulative impact and that its effects are not just limited to the present, but to future generations as well.
It is indisputable that global warming is already having a devastating impact on some communities worldwide. Poor countries and those which rely heavily on ecosystem and agricultural production are the most vulnerable to drastic weather patterns and extreme droughts, floods, heat waves, and storms. For example, heat waves in India in 2019 killed 2,500 people, while extreme flooding in Mozambique that same year affected 2.2 million. In addition, rising sea levels have put vital coastal habitats and populations at risk. Rising temperatures have also caused a decrease in crop yields, leading to food insecurity.
In terms of the long-term effects of global warming, a 2016 report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns that if the global average temperature rises by two degrees Celsius, planet-wide consequences may include a decrease in crop yields, flooding of coastal cities, extensive drought in certain areas, and the disappearance of up to 70 percent of all species. By 2100, the IPCC further predicts that there could be up to a 13 percent decrease in global GDP by 2100 year, with the cost of damage running into the trillions.
All these potential risks raise the question of whether we can contain global warming in time. Recent studies suggest that the world is not on track to meet the climate goals set in the Paris Climate Agreement in 2015. However, shifting from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources is one measure that could make a big difference in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as well as increasing access to clean energy. This can have multiple benefits, both in terms of providing energy security and mitigating the effects of global warming. In addition, governments and businesses should consider investing in smart climate solutions, such as climate-smart agriculture, which can help increase agricultural yields and reduce water waste.
Overall, the effects of global warming make it clear that the longer we wait to take meaningful action, the more devastating the consequences will be. The best way to ensure our future is to drastically reduce carbon emissions and embrace green energy sources, while exploring efforting solutions that can help improve resiliency. Ultimately, the onus is on each of us to recognize the impact of climate change and take steps to reduce our own carbon footprint, if we are to prevent the most catastrophic effects of global warming.
