The earth has warmed up considerably in the past 150 years, mainly due to greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) released by humans. To sustain economic growth, humans have been burning large amounts of fossil fuels resulting in more CO2 being spewed into the atmosphere than the environment can contain.
Greenhouse gases are gases that cause the Earth’s atmosphere to trap more heat from the sun than it would without them. Due to this excess of CO2, the earth is getting warmer and the evidence is clear with all the changes in weather patterns we are witnessing.
Today we are faced with extreme weather patterns such as frequent and severe droughts, storms and flooding, rising sea levels, and changing patterns of tropical cyclones. These calamities are wreaking havoc around the world and living people in despair.
The whole world already knows that global warming is a huge problem. This is why in 2015, more than 190 countries signed the Paris Agreement of COP21 which aims to limit global temperature below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels as well as to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C. But why all of this is happening?
Contents
What is global warming?
Global warming refers to the gradual increase in the average temperature of the Earth’s surface and atmosphere due to the greenhouse effect (GHG). Since 1880, Earth’s average surface temperature has increased by about 0.8 °C (1.4 °F), with about two-thirds of the increase occurring over just the last three decades.
Human activities have been identified as significant contributors to global warming. These activities include industrial carbon dioxide emissions, which come from burning fossil fuels and other GHG such as methane, and nitrous oxide.
Climate projections summarized by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) indicate that global surface temperature will continue to increase further during the 21st century if greenhouse gas emissions remain unchanged.
The report says “continued emissions of greenhouse gases will cause further warming and changes in all components of the climate system”. Global warming caused many changes such as the melting of glaciers, rising sea levels, and severe weather events. This crisis remains an important issue today.
Why the planet’s temperature is warming?
Global warming is one of the most pressing issues of our time, and its effects can be felt all over the world. It is becoming increasingly clear that humans are to blame for this climate crisis due to burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and agricultural practices.
The planet’s temperature is warming due to the emission of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat in the atmosphere and cause temperatures to rise. This phenomenon is known as the ‘greenhouse effect’.
The greenhouse effect is a natural process that helps to keep the Earth warm. It occurs when certain gases in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide and methane, trap heat from the sun and prevent it from escaping into space. This trapped heat causes temperatures to rise on Earth, leading to climate change.
Human activities such as energy production and consumption patterns have increased the amount of GHGs in the atmosphere, causing global temperatures to rise. This has led to a range of climate-related changes, from extreme weather events to rising sea levels.
Warming of the climate system is unequivocal, and scientists are more than 90% certain that it is primarily caused by increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases produced by human activities such as deforestation and fossil fuel burning.
The global temperature is currently increasing by more them 0.2 degrees (0.36°F) per decade. Since the beginning of industrialization, the concentration of CO2 has increased by 50%. The burning of fossil fuels to produce energy is a primary cause of this increase but there are also many more culprits.
Causes of global warming
The scientific community has long been aware of the dangers posed by climate change. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has confirmed that human activities are causing the planet to warm. The primary causes of global warming are:
Generating energy (burning fossil fuel)
The burning of fossil fuels to generate energy is the largest contributor to atmospheric warming as it produces different types of toxic greenhouse gases. It is estimated that 84% of the world’s energy comes from fossil fuels with 33% from oil, 27% from coal, and 24% from natural gas.
In 2021, the world consume nearly 97 million barrels of oil per day. A barrel of oil emits around 0.43 metric tons of CO2. The global carbon dioxide emission from fossil fuels amounts to around 34 billion tonnes per year. Coal is responsible for 45% of these greenhouse gases followed by oil at 32% and natural gas at 22%.
Industry (manufacturing)
Industrial activities are also major contributors to global warming. Industrial emissions account for 21% of global greenhouse gases. The manufacturing sector second is the largest industrial contributor with one–fifth of global emissions and consumes 54% of the world’s energy.
Manufacturing processes produce heat, which is then released into the atmosphere as well as use oil and gas. The sector also uses and produces harmful chemicals, which can damage the environment and human health. The steel industry accounts for 8% of global emissions. The petrochemical industry accounts for 18% of the industrial emission and the fashion sector represents 10%.
Deforestation
The conversion of forests to other land uses, such as agriculture, infrastructure, urban areas, or other human activities has a major impact on the natural world. Deforestation is the single most important cause of global warming because it releases large amounts of CO2 and other GHGs into the atmosphere.
When forests are clear, it releases large amounts of stored greenhouse gases especially carbon dioxide back into the earth’s atmosphere, leading to an increase in global temperatures. Forests are an important buffer against climate change, yet each year approximately 12 million hectares are destroyed.
Global deforestation and loss of tropical forests release 4.8 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide every year. Deforestation caused by human activity accounts for 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Transportation
The transportation sector is one of the largest contributors to this warming crisis. The primary cause of transportation-related emissions is the burning of fossil fuels, such as gasoline and diesel, to create energy that releases large amounts of greenhouse gases.
Transportation is responsible for about one-third of all GHG emissions. In 2020, the sector produce approximately 7.3 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions. Transports are heavily reliant on fossil fuels, consuming 50 to 60% of the global oil produced, and was responsible for 24% of the global CO2 emissions.
Producing food
Food production is one of the largest sources of GHG in the atmosphere as it is responsible for around 26% of global emissions. The production of food uses a large amount of water, land, machinery, chemicals, and energy.
The main GHG that are released by farming are methane, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide. Methane is 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide at trapping heat. Livestock is the biggest emitter of this gas where a single cow can produce around 154 to 264 pounds of methane per year.
Livestock is responsible for 32% of human cause methane emissions. Meat and dairy alone are responsible for 14.5% of the global food production GHG emission. Fertilizer production is responsible for 1.4% of CO2 emissions and accounts for 2% of global emissions.
Buildings and cities
Buildings and other structures emit large amounts of greenhouse gas pollution, which absorbs and emits heat from the Earth’s atmosphere. Moreover, from constructing to operating buildings, the infrastructure is responsible for a significant amount of direct and indirect GHG emissions.
Greenhouse gas pollution from buildings comes from a number of sources such as electricity, heating, cooling, lighting, appliances, elevators, and many more. Annually, global building operation accounts for more than 27% of CO2 emissions.
Urban areas are also the most significant contributors to this temperature crisis because they generate more heat-trapping gases than any other type of land use. Cities create heat island effects by trapping heat and adding to the overall temperature of an area.
This can have a significant impact on public health, as heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses can occur more frequently in warmer weather. Moreover, urban energy consumption is staggering, with human activities consuming around 75% of the global primary energy supply.
Cities use a lot of energy to heat their buildings, run transportation systems, generate electricity, and power industries which in turn produce a lot of emissions. Cities’ pollution accounts for more than 60% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Construction
The construction sector is a major cause of global warming. The construction industry accounts for 39% of gross annual carbon emissions. Building and construction account for 34% of energy demand and 37% of energy and process-related CO2 emissions in 2021. Around 11% of these emissions come from construction materials.
Construction materials such as cement, steel, plastic, sand, and insulation. All of these materials release greenhouse gases when they are procured, processed, or manufactured. Concrete is the most widely used man-made material and its main ingredient, cement contributes to about 8% of the world’s carbon dioxide.
Cement production is an intensive process that releases large amounts of carbon dioxide, greenhouse gases, and other pollutants. Another major construction material is sand which is often mined from the earth which damages the environment and then transported to construction sites which required a lot of fossil fuel.
Consumerism
Consumerism is the excessive acquisition and consumption of products, services, and materials. Humans are constantly buying things they don’t need in order to feel good. Consumerism has become a problem in the world as products are being produced in excess, and this is causing a lot of waste.
Production companies burn a lot of energy to manufacture products and burn fossil fuels for the transportation of goods. Products are being oversold, causing people to buy more than they need and products are thrown away at an unprecedented rate.
Moreover, nowadays goods are over-packaged with a lot of useless packaging usually plastics that a directly thrown away when unwrapped, and most raw material that makes up our product come from nature which takes time to restore. Consumerism is causing a lot of damage and waste resulting in global warming.
The world generates around 2.01 billion tonnes of municipal waste per year. Moreover, an estimated 3.5 million tons of plastics and other solid waste are produced per day around the globe. Globally, the waste sector is responsible for 20% of methane and 3.3% of GHG emissions.
Effects of global warming
The effects of global warming are seen all around the world. Glaciers are retreating, sea levels are rising, and temperatures are increasing. In 2021, the IPCC’s Sixth Assessment report reveals that human emissions have already warmed the climate by 1.1°C (2°F).
It is also estimated that in the next couple of decades, the global average temperature is expected to reach or exceed 1.5°C (2.7°F). These rises will affect all regions of the earth and people will be experiencing climate change in diverse ways. The world population will experience:
Increase temperature
Temperatures all over the world are already increasing. The Earth is getting hotter and this means that it is going to have a lot more problems with different types of calamities. Heatwaves are already striking across the world with India recording temperatures up to 46°C and Spain 40°C in 2022.
Heatwaves are also taking life, in 2022 more than 1000 deaths related to heatwaves were recorded in Spain and Portugal alone. It is estimated that extreme heat kills around 5 million people a year. In France, thousands of people have fled wildfire and the in the UK an airport runway has been damaged by surging temperatures.
The Global Climate Report estimated that the last decade 2011-2020 was the warmest on record and 2020 was one of the three warmest years on record. It is estimated that global warming will lead to hot days followed by high-temperature nights.
The effects of extreme temperatures on the planet are both immediate and long-term. Immediate effects include increased rates of wildfires, insect infestations, and crop failures. Long-term effects include increased rates of climate change, species extinctions, and human health problems.
More severe storms
Storms are a natural part of weather patterns. In fact, it helps to regulate temperatures and keep us alive. However, the warming temperature is creating more severe storms that are bigger and more frequent, and cause more damage.
And with changes in weather patterns, storms are able to travel farther and faster than they have in the past. This is leading to more severe weather events, including hurricanes, extreme rainfall, floods, cyclone, and typhoons causing more deaths, injuries, and damage.
It is reported that global warming is responsible for at least 150,000 deaths per year. Storms cause a lot of destruction on their way and economic losses. In 2021, global economic loss due to weather catastrophes stand at USD 329 billion. Extreme weather events totaled approximately USD 2.483 trillion in damage between 2011 to 2020.
Increase drought
The effects of global warming are already being felt all over the world. The increased temperatures are causing more extreme weather conditions, such as drought. Drought incidence is expected to increase by up to 20 times in some parts of the world due to climate change.
The impact of extreme drought is evident with farmers reporting lower crop yields and livestock being lost due to lack of water. Cities and towns are facing water restrictions, and in some cases, even mandatory water cutbacks.
Drought is getting worse with more than 2.3 billion people currently facing water stress. The economy is being impacted as businesses reduce water use and companies that rely on water to produce goods are seeing a decline in sales.
Communities are struggling to provide food and water to their residents, and the health of people and animals is being impacted. Roughly 500 million people live in areas that are experiencing desertification where there are only dryland and dust storms and there is no biodiversity, and land productivity.
Melting ice cap
The average surface temperature of Earth has increased by 1.1°C. This increase is contributing to the melting of glaciers and Arctic ice caps. The melting of the Arctic ice cap is one of the most concerning aspects of global warming.
The Arctic ice is melting at a rate of 13% every decade. It is estimated that Greenland has lost 5 trillion tons of weight since the 2000s. Around 750 billion tons of ice caps are melting every year causing the sea level to rise at an unprecedented rate.
Rising sea level
Global warming is a major cause of rising sea levels. As the ice cap melts, the water in the oceans expands. This extra water makes the earth’s sea levels rise by about 0.12 to 0.14 inches per year. Since 1900, sea levels have already risen by up to 8 inches.
That’s bad news for coastal communities and people who depend on the ocean for their livelihoods. Coastal regions currently home to around 470 million to 760 million people could be submerged. The IPCC estimates that by 2100, the sea level could increase by up to 3.61 feet.
Decrease food production
Climate change is already reducing crop yields and increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including floods, droughts, and storms, thus threatening the availability of vital nutrients for people and animals, and exacerbating already severe food shortages.
With hotter and drier summers leading to earlier ripening crops, and more extreme weather events causing crops to be lost, farmers are finding it harder to cultivate food. In 2022, France faces its worst drought on record, which threaten to decrease corn harvest by 18.5% compared to the previous year.
Drought is also affecting Romania’s harvest as cereal crop is expected to decrease by 30 million tonnes. In addition, rising temperatures are damaging crops and ecosystems, and are also leading to increased pest infestations and weed growth.
Food prices are also rising as a result of climate change, as crops become more expensive to produce and transport and as water becomes scarcer. In 2022, Italy’s drought has threatened the production of olive oil, risotto rice, and passata supplies which could increase prices by up to 50%.
Wildfire
Climate change is making forests more susceptible to wildfires. As the earth’s atmosphere warms, it becomes drier causing plants to dry out and burn more easily. In addition, the high temperatures and increased winds that accompany global warming make forests more flammable. In 2021, forest fire has destroyed around 9.3 million hectares of land.
Disease
Rising temperature is a real and present danger to us all as it can cause many significant diseases. The United Nation Development Program stated that climate change is a public health crisis. Moreover, global warming is causing hotter and drier weather, which is causing more allergies and asthma.
Climate change is a major cause of vector-borne disease and is already causing diseases like malaria and dengue fever to spread more easily. It is estimated that climate change will cause approximately 250,000 death per year.
Poverty and displacement
Climate change is a serious global challenge that is responsible for exacerbating poverty and hunger, causing displacement of people, and exacerbating existing risks and crises, such as displacement of people due to floods and hurricanes.
Climate change also exacerbates already extreme poverty. In the poorest countries, the impacts of global warming are compounded by other forms of vulnerability, including poor governance, weak economic institutions, and limited access to social safety nets. It is estimated that around 100 million people could be pushed into poverty by 2030.
Warming temperature is one of the main reasons why poverty will continue to increase in developing countries. It is also a big problem because it can lead to a number of health problems, including malaria, diarrhea, and HIV. It can also lead to a decrease in crop yields, which can lead to famine.
And all this is causing a lot of concern and has the potential to displace large numbers of people. An average of 21.5 million people are forcibly displaced annually due to rising temperatures.
Economic loss
The economic cost of climate change is now a well-established fact. Over the last decade, direct damage due to climate disasters amounted to around USD 1.3 trillion. In 2021, the economic cost of climate change in the United States alone is USD 150 billion.
Solutions to global warming
It is undeniable that human activity contributed to the global warming problem. Humans cleared forests and other natural habitats for agriculture. The burning of fossil fuels is also a major cause of warming.
Carbon dioxide is a major contributor to the rising atmospheric temperature. Factory smokes, cars, and power plants all emit carbon dioxide. The increased animal population and livestock breeding also increase atmospheric CO2.
All of these activities cause an increase in temperatures, thus increasing global warming. The result is that people will experience more severe weather, resulting in greater suffering, more refugees, and more material damage.
The earth’s climate system is warming and this increase in temperature is causing changes in the earth’s environment. The effects of global warming are already being felt around the world. It is therefore essential that we take action now to reduce our emissions and mitigate these devastating impacts on our environment.
Understanding how greenhouse gases work and what we can do to reduce them is essential for tackling global temperature crisis. There is no single global warming solution, but several proposals have been put forward to reduce its impact.
There are several ways to solve global warming but the most important thing we can do is reduce our carbon footprint. And there are several ways to achieve this. Some of the solutions to global warming are:
Generated less energy from fossil fuels
The burning of fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas, and oil is a major contributor to this warming problem, and reducing our dependence on them is an important part of the solution. If we are to reduce the impacts of global warming, we must stop generating energy from fossil fuel sources.
Currently, around 26% of global electricity production comes from renewable sources, and around two third comes from fossil fuels. By transitioning to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal power, we can significantly reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and help mitigate the effects of global warming.
This shift will also create jobs in the renewable energy sector and help us move toward a more sustainable future. Employment in the renewable sector stands at 12.7 million in 2021. Global renewable electricity generated is expected to increase by 60% by 2026.
The transition away from fossil fuels will be a challenging but necessary process. Renewable energy sources like solar and wind can provide us with clean, sustainable energy that is infinite and does not contribute to atmospheric temperature. We must invest in these technologies in order to make the switch away from fossil fuels and reduce our carbon emissions.
Invest in renewable energy
Investing in renewable energy is the key to tackling global warming. Renewable sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower are becoming increasingly cost-effective and reliable. By investing in these energy sources, we can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The transition to a more sustainable future requires us to invest heavily in renewable energy sources now. In 2022, renewable energy investment was estimated to top USD 1.4 trillion. Clean renewable energy sources produce no harmful emissions and can provide power for millions of people around the world.
By making this change, we can help protect our planet for future generations and ensure that our environment remains healthy for years to come. The global renewable energy market size was valued at USD 971.65 billion in 2022 and it is expected to reach USD 1,092.91 billion in 2023.
Stopping deforestation
Deforestation has devastating effects on the environment and contributes to climate change. As such, we must take steps to reduce deforestation and preserve our natural resources for future generations. One tree could remove 1 tonne of carbon dioxide in the air over its lifetime.
Stopping deforestation is one of the most effective solutions to global warming, as it can help reduce carbon emissions and slow down the rate at which our planet is warming. In addition, it can also help protect wildlife habitats, reduce soil erosion, and improve water quality.
Planting more trees is one of the most cost-effective and sustainable solutions to combat global warming. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change. It is estimated that an average tree can absorb up to 22.6 kg (50 pounds) of CO2 per year.
Additionally, by protecting and restoring forests, 18% of emissions could be mitigated by 2030. Trees also provide many other benefits such as providing shade and shelter, increasing biodiversity, improving air quality, and reducing soil erosion. It is a simple but powerful action that everyone can take to help reduce global warming.
Energy-efficient devices
Another way to combat rising temperatures is by using energy-efficient electronics. By doing so, we can reduce our carbon footprint and make a positive impact on the environment. Energy-efficient electronics are designed to use less electricity than their traditional counterparts, which can result in lower energy bills and a smaller environmental impact.
Furthermore, many of these products are also more cost-effective in the long run as they require less maintenance and last longer than their traditional counterparts. Thus, using energy-efficient electronics is an effective solution to global warming that can help us save money while reducing our environmental impact.
Reducing vehicles emissions
Reducing emissions from vehicles is one of the most effective ways to combat global warming. By reducing emissions from cars, trucks, and other motor vehicles, we can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help slow down the effects of climate change.
This can be done through a variety of methods such as improving fuel efficiency standards, introducing electric vehicles, or encouraging people to use public transportation or share ride instead of driving their own cars.
Reducing vehicle emissions is an essential step in preserving our planet for future generations and this can be done by switching from traditional petrol and diesel vehicles to electric vehicles. It is estimated that an electric car emits around 75g of CO2 per kilometer whereas a gasoline car emits around 241g per kilometer.
Electric vehicles are powered by electricity instead of fossil fuels, making them much more environmentally friendly. They also require less maintenance than traditional cars, making them a cost-effective solution for individuals and businesses alike.
Reduce consumerism
Reducing consumerism is another effective solution to the global warming problem. By reducing our consumption habits, we can reduce the amount of energy used and resources wasted in production. This can help to reduce carbon emissions and other pollutants that contribute to atmospheric warming.
Additionally, by consuming less, we can also help to reduce waste and pollution caused by over-consumption. Reducing consumerism is essential for us to create a sustainable future for ourselves and for generations to come.
If we are to have any hope of reversing the effects of global warming, then we must take steps to reduce our consumption habits. This means changing the way we produce and use energy, as well as reducing our reliance on single-use plastics and other materials that contribute to climate change.
By making conscious decisions about what we buy and how much energy we use, we can help stop overconsumption and make a positive impact on the environment. Another effective solution is extending the lifespan of products. By doing so, we can reduce our carbon footprint and help protect our planet from further damage.
By reducing plastic usage, we can reduce the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere and help slow down climate change. Additionally, extending the lifespan of products allows us to use them for longer periods before they need to be replaced, which reduces waste and helps conserve resources.
Sustainable manufacturing
Sustainable manufacturing is another key solution to global warming. By using renewable energy sources, reducing waste, and creating products with a longer lifespan, manufacturing companies can help reduce the carbon footprint of production processes and contribute to a greener future.
This approach to production also has the potential to generate economic opportunities for businesses, as well as create jobs in green industries. With its positive environmental and economic impacts, sustainable manufacturing is an essential part of any strategy to address global warming.
Moreover, companies can use sustainable materials which are not only better for the environment but also provide economic benefits, as they can be recycled and reused. Using sustainable materials in manufacturing can help reduce carbon emissions, conserve energy, and reduce waste.
Additionally, while engineering new materials, this can help bring new innovations as well as new sustainable solutions to pressing issues the world is facing. It also helps businesses become more competitive and stay ahead of the curve.
By making a conscious effort to use sustainable materials in production processes, we can make a positive difference in mitigating rising temperatures and preserving our environment for future generations.
Manufacturing processes are often energy-intensive, but with the right technologies in place, it’s possible to minimize their environmental impact. By using energy more efficiently and responsibly, companies can reduce the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere.
Additionally, by utilizing renewable energy sources, companies can further reduce our emissions and help combat climate change. For example, by investing in smart grids and renewable energy sources, manufacturers can reduce their reliance on fossil fuels while still meeting their production needs.
This could lead to a significant reduction in global emissions over time and help us move towards a more sustainable future. Companies can also reduce the use of plastics and packaging to reduce their environmental footprint.
Plastics are non-biodegradable, which means they can last for centuries in landfills and oceans, polluting the environment. Packaging also increases the amount of waste and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
Future of global warming
By 2050, the world population is expected to reach 10 billion, meaning that the demand for resources will increase. It is also predicted that 68% of the population will live in urban areas which are set to exacerbate the pressure that cities are already facing.
The atmosphere and ocean have already warmed up, the amounts of snow and ice are diminishing, the sea level is rising, and the concentrations of greenhouse gases are increasing. The global temperature is already about 1.1 degrees Celsius warmer than it was before the Industrial Revolution.
Judging by our current trajectories, it is estimated that the average earth temperature will reach 2.5°C by 2100 which is well over the 2°C threshold set by the Paris Agreement. If we continue to use fossil fuels, we could reach 3°C of global warming, which would cause huge problems for our planet.
The world will look radically different by the end of this century if global warming continues at the current rate. Some scientists predict that the world will be so hot that large sections of the Earth will become uninhabitable. The world will be exposed to high and long-lasting heatwave frequency by 2050.
Around 559 million children are already exposed to heatwaves in the world, by 2050 this number is expected to reach 2 billion. Heat-related death will also increase by 257% by 2050. Moreover, the Arctic will be the first place to go.
As the ice melts, the ocean will flood the land, creating massive inland seas. The coasts will be pushed out of their current positions, creating an existential threat for small islands nation. It is estimated the US coastline will rise by 10-12 inches by 2050.
It is estimated that the rising sea level could result in around 2 billion refugees by the end of the century. And as the world gets hotter, food production will become a major challenge. It is estimated that food production needs to increase by 60% by 2050 to sustain the growing population.
But climate change is threatening food production, with global yield set to decline by up to 30% by 2050. Furthermore, by 2050, it is estimated that more than 75% of the world’s population will face drought and around 5 billion people will face water shortages.
It is also revealed that if global temperatures continue to rise at the current rate, there is a “high” risk that up to 1.2 billion people could be displaced by 2050. And intense hurricanes and typhoons are set to double by 2050.
A 3-degree increase in temperature would cause mass migration and complete devastation. The entire world would be in a desperate fight for basic needs. If we do not act quickly enough, the consequences would be catastrophic for billions of people.
It is estimated that USD 125 trillion in climate investment is needed if we want to reduce the effects of global warming. Climate change comes at a cost. With the average global temperature increasing at an alarming rate, it’s becoming increasingly clear that we must take action now if we want to survive this climate crisis.
In 2015, a landmark international agreement was adopted to combat climate change and its effects. The Paris Climate Agreement aims to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change by keeping global temperature rise this century well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
It also sets out specific commitments from countries around the world, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing access to renewable energy sources, and investing in adaptation measures for vulnerable communities.
With over 190 countries having ratified it so far, it is one of the most widely supported international agreements ever signed. According to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, if we aim to keep temperature below 2°C, then all countries should start reducing their GHGs immediately.
However, if we aim to keep global warming well below 2°C or even 1.5°C by limiting future increases in the temperature to another degree or two, then the world needs a new deal on how to source energy and reduce emissions from human activities.
By transitioning to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power and other sources such as green hydrogen and fusion energy, we can move away from traditional fossil fuels.
This will not only help reduce emissions but also make energy more affordable and reliable for everyone. New sources of renewable energy can also be used to generate electricity in remote areas where access to the grid is limited or non-existent.
By investing in research and development into new forms of clean energy, we can create a better future for ourselves and our planet. the renewable energy market is expected to surpass USD 1510.2 billion by 2028.
Global energy demand will increase by 47% by 2050 with demand for fossil fuel as primary sources of energy dropping by 55 and 20%. By the same period, 90% of the world’s electricity supply will come from renewable energy.
Moreover, with the increasing climate crisis, food production is becoming more difficult to sustain. Innovative agricultural techniques such as vertical farming and precision agriculture have the potential to revolutionize food production and help combat the climate crisis.
Vertical farming is a technique that utilizes vertical space to grow crops in a controlled environment with minimal water and energy usage. It also reduces transportation costs since it can be grown closer to urban areas.
Precision agriculture is a key tool in reducing agricultural emissions. It is a technique where farmers use GPS and other tools to pinpoint where and when to sow and fertilize crops, to increase productivity while reducing environmental impact.
By precisely measuring the amount of water, fertilizer, and other inputs used, farmers can optimize their crops’ nutrient levels and water use. This information can help farmers to improve their yields, reduce their expenditures, and reduce their overall environmental impact.
Vertical farming and precision agriculture can help us meet our food needs while reducing our carbon footprint and preserving natural resources. As the effects of global warming become more and more apparent, finding solutions to tackle it has become a priority.
It is undeniable that cities are major contributors to climate change. If we want to reduce carbon emissions, cities must become more sustainable. This is why concepts such as floating cities, sustainable cities, and smart cities are gaining traction.
These cities are designed to be sustainable and self-sustaining, while also providing a way to combat global warming. A floating city is a city that floats on water intending to sustain coastal regions that are most at risk of rising seawater.
While sustainable city depends mostly on clean energy sources such as solar and wind power and promotes healthy environments with lots of green spaces. And smart city on the other hand is a city that is equipped with a range of technologies that help it to manage its resources more efficiently to reduce its environmental impact.
Moreover, electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to traditional gasoline-powered cars. Powered by electricity, EVs can help reduce global warming and other environmental impacts associated with the burning of fossil fuels.
By replacing traditional gasoline-powered cars with EVs, we can significantly reduce emissions of harmful pollutants such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter into the atmosphere. This will lead to cleaner air for everyone to breathe and improved public health outcomes in the long run.
Electric vehicles also have potential economic benefits for individuals and society at large. The cost of running an EV is typically much lower than that of a gasoline-powered car due to lower fuel costs and reduced maintenance requirements. In addition, EVs generate less noise pollution than traditional cars.
Every major car manufacturer is jumping into the EV market and investment firms are also pouring large amounts of money into the market. All these solutions are set to help reduce carbon emissions and fight global warming in the long run.
Final words
Global warming is a pressing issue and it is affecting human health and welfare around the world. It is a global problem that affects everyone. Although it can be difficult to wrap your head around, it is a topic that should not be ignored.
The future of global warming is uncertain. It is a real and present danger that threatens the future of our planet. It is imperative to reduce CO2 emissions in order to keep global temperature below the international agreement of 2°C.
The Paris Agreement has set an important global target because it addresses climate change temperature tipping points. Tipping points are critical thresholds above which even a small change can lead to a profound impact on Earth’s life support system.
In order to meet the climate change temperature objective, the planet needs to stop emitting greenhouse gases. The global community has to ramp up renewable energy sources to match the growing electricity demand.
This also requires the burying of coal plant emissions and pulling carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. The costs for nations that delay emissions would soar. In the end, the target would be too difficult to meet.
If we fail to act, we risk irreversible damage to the planet. Unless the world manages to stop global warming before the end of the century, these events mentioned earlier will cause massive damage.
The effects on the world if the temperature gets 2 degrees warmer are vast and profound. The long-term consequences of global warming are far-reaching and will have serious implications for our planet’s future if we do not take action now. Unless we begin to slow warming crisis in a few decades we could be fighting for life.
0 Comments