The climate crisis is the most serious issue of our time and we are exposed to a large amount of information on this topic every day. In order not to get lost in them, it is useful to look at the key points and trends related to climate change. For example, June 2024 was recorded as the warmest June in the history of measuring global temperatures.
In Slovakia, it is assumed that the summer will be longer and warmer. It is sometimes said that the collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Terminal Circulation (AMOC) could lead Europe to a new Little Ice Age. These facts, although alarming, are only a small part of the vast amount of information that you can encounter in the media and on social networks.
The phenomenal increase in news around the topic of climate change, known as the "infodemic", can lead to confusion. It makes sense because the climate crisis, as well as the extreme weather events we are learning about, are some of the most important issues of this century. Scientists, politicians and experts are trying to find solutions, which causes public interest and often panic.
Basics of climate change and its consequences
Let's start with the current state of climate change. The main contributor to climate change is human use of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas. These activities lead to high concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere. CO2 is a greenhouse gas that traps heat and causes global warming.
Furthermore, the destruction of forests that would otherwise absorb CO2 and stabilize the climate exacerbates the problem. With this knowledge, we can better understand what global warming means - the continuous increase in the average temperature of our planet.
This warming leads to a change in the climate system, causing extreme weather such as heat waves, floods and droughts. For example, the current drought that has hit Sicily is a direct result of these changes.
Climate crisis: The bad news and the good news
If you're wondering if it's still possible to turn the situation around, we have good news and bad news. Let's start with the bad ones.
The damage caused by human activity is currently irreversible. Since the industrial revolution, the average global temperature has increased by about 1-1.3 degrees. Despite the fact that we exceeded the threshold of 1.5 degrees for several months, this is a temporary phenomenon. Earth will continue to warm, leading to events such as melting glaciers and rising sea levels. This means that we have to adapt to new conditions and redistribute our cities and lifestyles.
Fortunately, the good news is that even the worst can still be avoided. At the COP21 conference in Paris, world leaders agreed that the goal is to keep global warming below 2 degrees Celsius. This goal is still feasible as long as we reduce CO2 emissions.
While governments play a vital role in energy and climate policy, individuals can also contribute. There are many ways we can reduce emissions, for example by choosing public transport, cycling or using electric vehicles. It is also important to reduce energy consumption and switch to renewable sources.
Action plan for individuals
Each of us has the power to influence our impact on the environment. We can start by informing ourselves about our habits and practices that we can improve. Here are some tips to help reduce your ecological footprint:
1. Reduce transport emissions: Prefer public transport, walking or cycling over the car.
2. Energy efficiency: Make sure your homes use energy-saving appliances and technology.
3. Support renewable energy: Consider switching to energy suppliers that invest in renewables.
4. Educate yourself: Follow climate change news and articles to keep up to date and inform others.
5. Minimize waste: Reject unnecessary plastic packaging and focus on recycling.
In conclusion, the climate crisis is a reality that we are facing and it is important that we all take an active role in solving this problem. By focusing on personal change and supporting policies that lead to reduced emissions, we can help create a more sustainable future. (Co2AI)