ACTION IS URGENT
Did you know that every additional tenth of a degree amplifies the intensity and frequency of events like heat waves, more destructive hurricanes, and longer droughts?
Each October 24th, the world celebrates International Climate Change Day, a date that invites us to reflect on the current state of our planet and the urgent actions we need to take to mitigate the impacts of global warming.
As temperatures continue to rise, oceans heat up, glaciers melt, and ecosystems lose biodiversity, climate change has become the greatest environmental threat of our time.
A 2.7°C increase by 2100
Since the pre-industrial era (1850-1900), the global average temperature has increased by 1.1°C, a rise that may seem small but has dramatic consequences. At this rate, and without effective measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, scientists predict that global temperatures could increase by 2.7°C by the year 2100, far exceeding the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C.
This temperature rise is directly linked to extreme weather events. Additionally, this ongoing warming threatens species with extinction, as ecosystems cannot adapt to the speed of the changes.
The oceans can’t take anymore
Oceans have been a critical buffer in the fight against climate change. They have absorbed about 90% of the excess heat generated since the 1970s, helping to mitigate atmospheric warming. However, this relief comes at a cost: sea levels have risen between 21 and 24 cm since 1880, and they continue to rise at an alarming rate of 3.6 mm per year due to glacier melt and the thermal expansion of water.
In addition to rising sea levels, oceans are becoming more acidic. Since the Industrial Revolution, acidity has increased by 26%, severely affecting marine organisms like mollusks and corals, which play a crucial role in marine ecosystems.
Deforestation: a global problem
Deforestation is another major cause of climate change. Each year, around 10 million hectares of forest, an area equivalent to the size of Iceland, are lost. This destruction not only removes trees that absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) but also releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, contributing to around 10% of global emissions.
If the rate of deforestation continues, tropical forests could disappear in less than a century. This would not only affect the species that depend on these ecosystems but also have a devastating impact on the planet’s ability to absorb carbon and regulate the climate.
We’re running out of glaciers
The Arctic is warming twice as fast as the global average, leading to a 40% reduction in sea ice volume over the last 40 years. Glaciers are losing between 267 and 298 billion tons of ice annually. This melting not only raises sea levels but also alters global climate patterns.
By 2100, it is estimated that 70% of the glaciers in the European Alps could disappear, affecting freshwater availability and ecosystem stability.
Increase in diseases
Climate change is not only affecting the environment but also human health. As temperatures rise, the incidence of vector-borne diseases like dengue is expected to increase, as mosquitoes expand into warmer areas.
Additionally, extreme weather events and the loss of natural resources could force 140 million people to migrate within their countries by 2050.
What small actions can make a difference?
Despite the magnitude of the problem, each of us can take small actions that, when combined, can have a significant impact in the fight against climate change. Here are a few ideas:
- Plant trees: A single tree can absorb up to 22 kg of CO2 per year. Getting involved in reforestation initiatives or simply planting a tree in your community can help mitigate carbon emissions.
- Recycle: Every time you recycle a glass bottle, you save enough energy to power a 100-watt light bulb for 4 hours. Adopting recycling as a habit reduces energy consumption and the emissions associated with producing new materials.
- Use sustainable transport: Choosing to walk, bike, or use public transport instead of a private car can reduce your CO2 emissions by up to 2 tons per year. You can also consider carpooling or switching to electric vehicles.
- Reduce meat consumption: Meat production, especially beef, generates significant emissions. Producing one kilogram of beef generates up to 60 kg of CO2, while vegetables produce less than 2 kg of CO2 per kilogram.
CULTIVATED MEAT, on the other hand, could reduce emissions by up to 96%.
Climate change is a global challenge that requires collective action from governments, businesses, and citizens. On International Climate Change Day, it is essential to recognize the severity of the situation and take steps to protect our planet. Although the challenges are immense, the small actions we take today can have a positive impact for future generations.
