‘Climate change’ and ‘Global warming’ are terms all of us hear quite often. But what exactly do they mean? Is climate change as humungous a threat as people are making it out to be? Let’s find out! The term ‘Global warming’ was introduced into the public domain with an article in 1975 by Wallace Broecker. It refers to the long term warming of the planet due to the trapping of heat in the atmosphere by carbon dioxide, greenhouse gases, and other air pollutants. Climate change encompasses global warming but refers to the broader range of changes happening to our planet (rising sea levels, shrinking mountain glaciers, etc.)
You might ask: how do we know that humans are to blame for this? Could it not just be the result of a more active sun? Centuries ago- 300 BC to be exact- Theophrastus (a student of Greek philosopher Aristotle) documented that human activity can affect climate. He observed that drainage of marshes cooled an area around Thessaly and that clearing of forests near Philippi warmed the climate. Over the years, a great deal of scientists have made contributions to reinforce this idea. Today, 97% of publishing climate scientists believe that humans are the cause of global warming. Furthermore, if the warming was caused due to an increase in the sun’s activity, then scientists would have observed a warmer temperature in all the layers of the atmosphere. Instead, they have seen warming in the lower levels and cooling in the upper layers of the atmosphere. This is due to greenhouse gases trapping heat in the lower levels.
Climate change is already underway. The planet's average surface temperature has risen, with most of the warming occurring in the past 35 years. Between 1993 and 2016, Greenland lost an average of 286 billion tons of ice per year while Antarctica lost about 127 billion tons per year. The rate of Antarctica ice mass loss has tripled in the last decade. The Himalayas, Alps, Andes, Rockies, Alaska, and Africa all have retreating glaciers. The global sea level has risen about 8 inches in the century. What makes this more worrisome is that the rate in the last two decades is nearly double that of the last century and is accelerating each year. Ocean acidification at the surface has risen by about 30%. This is due to the increased emission of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere which is then absorbed by the oceans. The amount of carbon dioxide being absorbed is increasing by 2 billion tons per year. The intensity and number of natural disasters have increased throughout the world. The Amazon, Australia, and now the USA have witnessed some of the most devastating and horrifying forest fires due to increased temperatures. This is only the beginning of what is sure to be a grueling war. A war against ourselves to save all life.
“Climate change is a lot like death. We all understand it’s inevitable, but few of us truly accept it.”
~ Brian McDermott, 18 years old – in Common Dreams on 21 July 2016
I believe that we will overcome this adversity. But action must be taken now. We have to care for our home. It is our only one. The most effective thing we can do is cut down greenhouse emissions. This can be done by buying energy-efficient and reusable products, recycling waste, decreasing the use of heaters and air conditioners, conserving water, using renewable energy sources. Additionally, avoiding consumption of fast fashion products, using clothes for a longer time, and buying less can go a long way. Interestingly, livestock meat and dairy are responsible for 14.5% of human-made greenhouse gas emissions. So, veganism is great for the environment. However, it can be expensive. If going vegan isn't viable, you can cut down meat and dairy consumption. And of course, plant more trees! Lastly, speak up and spread awareness about climate change. Be mindful of who you vote for. We need governments that can implement policies for sustainability to ensure longevity.
“No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.”
~ Signe Wenneberg
Let's not make our posterity suffer due to our indolence and passivity.
References:
"Global Climate Change: Evidence" by NASA:
"How the world discovered global warming":
"25 wonderful ways to reduce greenhouse gases":
"How you can stop global warming":
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