The effects of global warming are wide-reaching, with economic, political, and environmental repercussions being felt around the world. Despite this considerable threat to the world’s health and stability, the facts are often unclear, misunderstood, or disputed by those who do not prioritize addressing human-caused climate change. To better understand the magnitude and scope of global warming, it is essential to look at the facts. Here are three major facts about global warming, and their implications.
1. Global temperatures are rising. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), average global temperatures have risen by 1˚C since pre-industrial times, with two thirds of this increase occurring since 1975 alone. This is primarily due to an increase in greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, released into the atmosphere. These gases act as a blanket, trapping heat from the sun and increasing the Earth’s temperature. This warming trend is predicted to continue and accelerate in the coming years, with potential dire consequences, such as sea level rise, ocean acidification, species extinction, drought, and more frequent, intense extreme weather unless drastic mitigation efforts are undertaken.
2. Humanity is responsible. Human activities have been responsible for more than 90% of the increased atmospheric carbon dioxide since 1750. This is primarily due to burning fossil fuels for energy, such as coal, oil and natural gas, as well as deforestation, which decreases the amount of carbon dioxide that can be absorbed from the atmosphere.
3. There is still time to act. Although the situation is dire, there is still hope. Global emissions have begun to fall, however these decreases are not sufficient to avoid the worst impacts of global warming. Scientists agree that the world must achieve significant emissions reductions to keep global warming at or below the Paris Agreement’s 1.5 or 2˚C thresholds. This could be done entirely through transition to sustainable energy sources, such as solar and wind, as well as through land management practices, such as reforestation and managed grazing.
The facts are undeniable. While global warming is a challenging problem to tackle, it is not one that is beyond our capacity to manage. With concerted effort and the implementation of new technologies, humanity can still preserve a livable climate for future generations. We must confront the facts of global warming, no matter how frightening they may be, and take action today before the consequences become irreversible.
