Not too long ago, hardly anyone talked about climate change.
Nowadays, we hear this term a lot, maybe even more than we’d like.
But what exactly is climate change? It might not be some far-off thing – it could actually affect ALL of us regardless of where you live.
But we can’t really care about something if we don’t understand it. That’s why I’m writing this post.
I want to help you have the most basic understanding of climate change in a way that makes sense. Let’s get started!
Climate Change vs Weather
You know how the weather can change super quickly, like from sunny to rainy in no time? Well, that’s what we call weather.
But then there’s climate. It’s not about today or tomorrow – it’s like the big picture of what the weather is usually like over many years.
The experts who study climate usually look at a 30-year window to conclude the pattern of climate change.
So, while weather is like those quick snapshots of what’s happening outside, climate change is more like those long-term changes that take place over three decades.
Some of these changes have happened for decades, and some are predicted for the future.
Climate Change vs. Global Warming
Global warming describes the Earth’s temperature heating up.
This started happening, especially when people began burning coal a lot – that period between 1760 and 1840 is known as the Industrial Revolution.
But climate change doesn’t stop at just higher temperatures. It’s a bundle of various changes caused by this warming.
Imagine more raindrops falling, droughts lasting longer, and temperatures swinging between super hot in one place and freezing cold in another.
It’s like global warming started a party with one kind of music – the rising temperatures. Then climate change joined in with a mix of different tunes, bringing weather changes and uncertainties – and often, not-so-pleasant ones.
Breaking down important climate change terms
Diving into a climate change glossary can feel like trying to navigate an entire dictionary.
Yet, as everyday folks, we don’t need to understand every term – just a handful that we often hear on the news. Let’s unpack three of them:
Greenhouse gases: How Earth’s blanket works
Imagine greenhouse gases as Earth’s cosy blanket, capturing the heat that sunlight sends our way and keeping it from slipping away.
Now, think of those garden greenhouses shielded by their transparent coverings. Picture the greenhouse gas as the equivalent of that protective layer.
The thicker the layer, the toastier it gets inside – just like the Earth when greenhouse gases accumulate.
Since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, human activities have pumped abundant carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This surge is primarily due to burning coal and fossil fuels.
As a result, our metaphorical greenhouse gas blanket has thickened considerably.
Carbon footprint: Our impact on the planet
Carbon footprint might sound fancy, but it’s simply the mark we leave behind through daily actions – like flying, driving, energy and meat consumption etc.
It’s not just individuals; even organizations leave their own footprints via sourcing, manufacturing, and selling.
Money often influences our carbon footprint – the more we spend, the more resources are used, and the larger the footprint.
The connection is clear: a heftier carbon footprint translates to more greenhouse gas emissions.
This, in turn, thickens the Earth’s ‘blanket’ of gases, trapping more heat in the atmosphere and inevitably leading to warmer temperatures.
Net-zero: Striving for climate balance
Based on the most current data, the average carbon footprint per person per year in the UK is approximately 11.7 tonnes.
To prevent the potential disasters of global warming, it’s absolutely crucial that we make significant reductions in our carbon footprint.
However, stopping all greenhouse gas emissions at once, whether from individuals, organizations, or entire countries, is simply not feasible.
That’s where the concept of net zero comes into play. It’s all about finding a balance.
For each unit of emissions we release into the atmosphere – especially those that humans create, like carbon dioxide – we commit to removing an equal amount. For organizations, this process is called decarbonization.
For individuals like us, the primary action is to reduce our carbon footprint, and buying carbon credits should be considered as a last resort.
When the emissions we add to the air are balanced by what we take out, we achieve a state known as net zero.
Revealing the impacts of climate change
The effects of climate change are far-reaching and can be sorted into four distinct categories:
On land: Transforming our ground
The ground we stand on isn’t just solid – it’s a mix of life’s complexity. But climate change is shaking things up.
Imagine swapping good soil for rough sand – that would make growing food and surviving much tougher.
Rainforests, vital for climate and biodiversity balance, are slowly disappearing. This could be due to tree-cutting or wildfires.
What’s more, extreme weather like floods, droughts, and wildfires act like powerful forces, reshaping the places we know.
In the oceans: Unpredictable waters
The vast oceans, working as a colossal carbon vault, cover nearly 70% of our planet.
However, as ocean temperatures rise, this vault’s hold on carbon dioxide weakens – think of it like a lock losing its grip.
Warm ocean water melts glaciers from Greenland and Antarctica, causing sea levels to rise. This impacts coastal areas, including London, New York, Venice, and Bangkok.
Coral reefs are fading – a process called ‘bleaching’. This is worrisome since these reefs are vital for marine life.
Furthermore, plastic pollution creates chaos. It jeopardises marine life, harming sea animals and disrupting the ocean’s food chain.
On species and plants: A decrease in biodiversity
The variety of species and plants is shrinking – fewer animals, fewer plants.
Experts are concerned that around 8% of species could be on the verge of disappearing due to climate change.
When the homes of these species and plants change, they struggle to find their spot.
This also means they have to move and compete with other species or plants that are already settled. They could vanish forever if they can’t adapt to the new environment and thrive.
The decline in biodiversity and habitat loss disrupts the delicate harmony of ecosystems.
On humanity: A fragile relationship with nature
Imagine losing your home not because you chose to but because the world around you is shifting.
Climate change impacts some parts of the world far more severely, creating an unfairness known as ‘climate injustice’ or ‘climate inequalities‘.
People could end up as migrants, searching for safer places – they’re often called climate migrants. These migrants often come from lower-income countries.
Although their contribution to the carbon footprint is significantly less than developed nations like the US, UK, and Germany, they bear the brunt of climate change’s most severe consequences.
Food might become scarce as farms grapple with shifting weather patterns and erratic growing seasons. This could trigger global food shortages and increase living costs due to a decrease in supply and a surge in demand.
And let’s not overlook the most vital resource – freshwater!
Its availability could dwindle due to changing rainfall patterns and prolonged droughts. This puts all living beings, especially us, under immense strain, as life without water is impossible.
Climate change and air pollution are also closely intertwined. For instance, smog, known as widespread polluted air, can lead to lung disease and other health issues.
Last but not least, climate change also heightens the likelihood of diseases spreading from insects/animals to humans.
For example, certain regions, once free of mosquitoes, have become more suitable habitats for these disease-carrying insects due to a warmer climate.
Navigating the temperature divide: 1.5°C vs. 2°C warming
The Paris Agreement: A global call to action
Let’s rewind to 2015 when countries from all over the world joined forces through the Paris Agreement.
Their mission? To tackle the looming problem of climate change.
This significant agreement aimed to limit the global average temperature rise to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels.
But the spotlight shines on the 1.5°C target, which is more important because even a tiny bit of extra heat can drastically worsen things.
Why 1.5°C matters
Why do we care so much about hitting that 1.5°C mark?
It’s not just about the number – it’s like a lifeline for our planet’s delicate ecosystems.
Think of it as a fork in the road between facing manageable problems and dealing with disasters that can’t be undone.
This is where the future of ecosystems, communities, and different kinds of living things hangs in the balance.
Taking on the challenge
But here’s the catch – right now, it looks like we’re headed towards going past that 1.5°C line.
Even though reaching 1.5°C won’t make everything easy, it gives us a fighting chance.
But remember, even at this level, we’ll see changes in weather, rising sea levels, and shifts in how nature works – a bit like fixing a roof while it’s still raining, tough but not impossible.
Crossing the line at 2°C
Now imagine stepping over the line to 2°C.
This is where climate change goes into high gear; some even call it a ‘deadly threshold‘.
Imagine a fire growing from smoulder to blaze. Heatwaves, droughts, and higher sea levels become way more severe, changing things in ways that can’t be undone.
So, the difference between 1.5°C and 2°C isn’t just about numbers!
It’s a huge decision that affects ecosystems, communities, and the world we know.
The Paris Agreement shows how serious we are about dealing with this issue and reminds us that every little bit of temperature matters.
Taking action against climate change
Climate change might seem like a gloomy cloud hanging above us, but the truth is, we’re not just the problem – we’re also the solution.
Throughout history, humans have shown an incredible ability to make positive changes, and facing up to climate change is no exception.
The moment is now. It’s urgent!
We need to step up and take action. But guess what? We’re not alone in this fight.
This is a team effort that needs everyone on board – politicians, scientists, entrepreneurs, organisations, and everyday individuals like you and me.
Yes, climate change is a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity for us to unite like never before.
You don’t have to change everything overnight. It’s about making small changes that, when added up, create a big impact.
From choosing public transportation, saving energy, and reducing waste to supporting eco-friendly products and advocating for green policies – each choice you make matters.
Your actions send a message that you care. And that message can inspire others to join the movement for change.
Let’s rise to the challenge. Let’s be the generation that brings about positive change in our world.
Sure, it won’t be a walk in the park, but nothing truly worthwhile ever is.
As we take these steps, we’re not just safeguarding our planet – we’re ensuring a brighter future for ourselves, future generations, and every living being that shares this beautiful planet with us.
So, are you in?
Let’s do this!
