Global Warming and Climate Change: Intrinsically connected... Doubly dangerous.
There is no doubt that one of the biggest and most persistent challenges that humanity has faced over the years is related to the climate and its changes (which has been more and more frequent, becoming more damaging with each new transformation). The temperature level is getting more and more drastic and it is a fact to say that the planet lives moments of great fragility because of all these intense reactions, which once had natural effects related to the environmental dynamics itself... But that today, it is duly recognized that human action plays a directly responsible role in this "walking metamorphosis".
The world population has dealt with this reality for many years because this evidence is already part of people's daily lives (all over the world) in very evident ways. Among the problems that are more easily noticed, the following stand out: air pollution (which rises to alarming levels in several countries), worrying performances in agriculture (which impact an essential network, that of food), threats related to the structures of cities (in particular, large cities with huge buildings), the constant changes in the oceans, (which directly impact marine life), uncontrolled morphological changes in natural structures (causing many types of impacts) and and much less defined seasons (which is obviously not good).
Climate and energy are closely linked in this process because this is due to the excessive emission of greenhouse gases (such as carbon dioxide and methane), which, unfortunately, is caused by human actions. Yes, we are the main culprits for this and some of the main activities that generate all this climatological tension are the burning of fossil fuels (to generate energy such as oil, natural gas or mineral coal), deforestation on unviable scales (becoming an exploratory aspect extremely complicated because it affects nature in several layers) and unsustainable practices in sectors such as livestock and agriculture.
This chain of complications creates negative problems for everyone and puts a massive part of the global economy in danger of imminent risk, where obviously the poorest and most vulnerable people will suffer the consequences. More severe difficulties such as water or energy crises, rising sea levels, instability in food security, strong heat waves, rains, floods and storms (impacting a large part of the natural ecosystem and also urban / rural areas) are expected to be more common if the population does not change their habits.
According to scientific information produced by a United Nations body known as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), 90% of everything that is happening with temperatures on the planet is directly related to the actions of humans. This number clearly indicates how inconsequential we are being, because we are destroying our home and everything in it. How long will all this happen? Nobody knows... But it is a fact to say that after the Industrial Revolution, the emission of GHG gases (greenhouse effect) and carbon dioxide increased excessively.
The main countries that are responsible for contributing to the formation and permanence - until then - of this scenario (based on the emission of greenhouse gases) are China (which easily ranks first in raking), the United States, the UK and Brazil. This setback is attributed to them because historically speaking, the emission of these gases occurs in countries with greater industrial development and also by countries that are undergoing considerable development (climbing the steps of a ladder to raise their importance).
It is estimated that there will be an increase of 1°C in 2020 (and 2°C until 2050) and although this seems little to many people, the fact is that all the items mentioned in the previous paragraph will materialize and turn on the red light for a planet that is being destroyed in the most inconsequential ways possible and the saddest thing about all this is to realize that it is about the search for a monopoly where money and power are the real protagonists of this horror show that has been promoted for so long. The origins of all these problems are known and the solution for all of them exists... What does not exist, is the good being and the willingness of those responsible to solve them.
This position of neglect on the part of those who have the resources to put an end to this sinister future led by global warming - and its countless effects, such as the worsening of the greenhouse effect... that instead of protecting us, would help to destroy us - it is worrying and very revolting because it is a situation where there is a reversibility (with the exception of what has already been destroyed), but the lack of interest in this aspect is latent (always being camouflaged by well-written and spoken speeches, but that only the most inattentive or alienated by a corrupt political system convince) and even after so many warnings that nature has shouted over the years... Does everything seem to have been in vain? Fortunately no!
After extensive and diversified studies that were, are and certainly will continue to be carried out by tireless professionals who are developing ways to change this reality, it is already known that investing reforestation attitudes (focusing on the conservation of natural areas), in encouraging the use of biofuels (biodiesel and ethanol), in preference for unconventional renewable energies (biomass, solar, wind and hydroelectric units) and fossil fuels (gasoline, oil) is the way forward.
In addition, it is very important to reduce energy consumption in relation to energy capacity, recycle materials (selective collection plays a key role in this practice), apply technologies based on low carbon levels and offer an improved public transport sector (because that would encourage people to stop being "dependent" on their cars). In fact, it is a long way to be pursued, but it already exists and only needs to be paved in the most correct way and aid goes far beyond science and its representatives, reaching more comprehensive spheres... Therefore, with global reach.
Here are some examples:
- UNFCCC: Base of global cooperation in which the main objective of the countries involved seeks to define policies to reduce and stabilize greenhouse gas emissions. The idea is that the level of these gases generated by human activities does not interfere with climate processes in such aggressive ways.
- REDD: The acronym stands for Reduction of Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation and this mechanism was created with the intention of promoting the preservation of forests, sustainable management and avoiding deforestation and consequently the dangers of extinction and emission of greenhouse gases. For countries that have native forests, this international policy (which is still under construction) is very important because there is an interdependent chain of environmental services.
- Kyoto Protocol: An international treaty that established stricter commitments on the part of some countries directly responsible, for reducing the emission of gases that produce the greenhouse effect. This protocol is valid until this year (2020) and after its end, it is believed that a new agreement with more expansive targets for other countries will be signed.
- CDM: Known as the Clean Development Mechanism, this alternative is part of the Kyoto Protocol and is focused on the measures that are presented so that countries responsible for the emission of harmful gases in excess are guided to an exit with less environmental / climate impact . The idea is that reduced emissions are accounted for and this creates a creation of carbon credits (which can be traded in emissions trading) creating a kind of "exchange market".
- AGENDA 21: Action plan formulated and signed in the city of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) by 179 countries on June 14, 1992 to be adopted on a global, national and local scale by organizations of the United Nations system. It also extends to the use of governments and civil society, applying to all areas where human action has the power to impact the environment.
In another path (but following the same line of thought), there are countless NGOs that fight for the preservation of the planet (such as Greenpeace, one of the best known at an international level) and worldwide famous personalities who are recognized - in addition to their respective talents - for being activists.
Some names: Bono (lead singer of the band U2), actor Edward Norton ("self-called" as an ambassador for biodiversity), actress Cate Blanchett (who feeds the idea of renewable energy), actor Pierce Brosnan (actively fighting to protect marine mammals), Brazilian model Gisele Bundchen (who is a UN environmental ambassador), actor Leonardo DiCaprio (who created a foundation under his own name to embrace the cause of protecting the environment), billionaire Richard Branson and actress Cameron Diaz and actors Robert Redford and Kevin Costner are also fighting for a better world.
Recently, a name that has attracted the attention of the world in relation to these environmental issues is that of the young woman (who until the other day was completely unknown) Greta Thunberg, a Swedish environmental activist who started a great movement in defense of the preservation of the planet lacking his classes on Fridays to go and protest in front of the Swedish parliament building. The result? The impact that Thunberg caused and the feeling of hope that this young woman brought to the world earned her the personality award of the year by the american magazine Time.
The world of the arts is also responsible for making a positive contribution to making these manifestations in favor of the preservation of the planet happen. Movies, music, books, paintings and photographs have become great tools to attract - each in their own way - people's attention and make them aware of what is being done with the place that is shared by everyone. Textile manufacturing industries and also the food industry have their respective plots of good contributions to help in this war. It is a collective effort for a greater good.
As you can see, the army of people who join this battle is very numerous and very consistent. Fortunately, this ends up arousing the interest of many other people (famous or anonymous) to be part of a cause so important for the survival of the planet and for all those who live and depend on what it can offer. The struggle to raise awareness among companies, politicians and other populations that are not committed to this cause is immense, but whoever is really interested in bringing about this change always finds a solid and efficient way of working on the right side, doing the right thing.
Speaking specifically about the situation in Brazil (because I am Brazilian), according to the latest report released by the IPCC... This is the panorama related to the impacts of climate change here:
- In the northeastern, the estimated recharge of groundwater will decrease dramatically by more than 70% (and this represents a big problem);
- Semi-arid and arid areas (also in the northeast) will suffer a reduction in water resources due to climate change and the trend is that semi-arid vegetation is likely to be replaced (is not the perfect alternative, but it is the most viable) by vegetation typical of the arid region;
- In the Southeast, rainfall will increase and this will have a direct impact on agriculture. The increase in the frequency and intensity of floods in large cities such as Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo has already been visibly catastrophic for some years;
- A percentage of 38% to 45% (which is quite huge!) of the cerrado plants are at risk of extinction (if the temperature rises by 1.7°C in relation to pre-industrial era levels);
- In tropical forests (something that exists in large quantities around here... being one of the most important vegetation), there is likely to be an extinction of many species at the most varied levels;
- In the not too distant future, climatic variability, disasters (caused by sea level and also by climate change) should have an impact on mangroves (an extremely rich coastal ecosystem that is important for nature and the perpetuation of various species of plants and animals).
- Known as the "lung of the world", the Amazon is the place where the damage is most striking and predatory because of its extensive range of vegetation, which is extremely diverse and a cause for dispute among several countries for having a rich potential that can be explored in many sectors, such as the pharmaceutical and mining industry.
So,contrary to what many people think, global warming and other climate changes are not alarmist or exhibitionist theories for political purposes (as some great world leaders defend, for example: the President of the United States, Donald Trump). All of this is a sad reality, evidenced and proven by many scientific studies combined with the countless catastrophic examples that countries have experienced over the years. How can so many signs be ignored when their urgency is so present in every part of the world?
Well, the answer to this is also not simple or direct... So we need to continue organizing ourselves through demonstrations for the cause, engaging and fighting to be able to inspire more people and build new projects so that everyone is aware of what needs to be done. It's complicated, but believe me: we are on the right track and it will be worth it!
Global Warming and Climate Change, What Can Be Done?.
Great article! You did your research well. BOI wonders how many times has this cycle repeated. I mean - humans destroying themselves or the earth getting rid of humans like we're a virus.
On the other hand - it could all be propaganda from corporations to earn more money by selling electric cars and other ''green'' energy which isn't really green.
I guess all we can do is take care of our environment and show an example to others - inspire them. It's actually the main reason why BOI has started - to inspire others that they start their blog too.
Have a great day - until we meet next time!
@bagofincome
Great point. Companies promote technologies as green within a certain spectrum of visibility.
Electric cars, contrary to you statement, are a green technology, BUT it only applies if you are driving. Companies don’t advertise what is takes to make the car and what happens when your done with it.
Thank you for your response.
@scholaris
Yeah, that's what I mean. About 65% of cobalt to make batteries comes from Kongo where small children are being put to labor. It's the dark side nobody speaks of.
It's great to have a talk!
@bagofincome
Definitely great to talk about this stuff. Another is the cadmium in photovoltaic cells for solar power. No one considered what to do with them in the solar rush in California one the panels were used up.
What about pollution in China from smart phone/tablet development? Nothing says hypocrisy like texting about the environment on a device whose creation helps to harm it.
Ugh the Congo. That’s heartbreaking.
Great talk.
@scholaris
Yeah, it's sad, the pollution from technology. And I guess it will only get worse because I doubt we'll stop producing more smartphones and stuff.
Have a bright day!
We can make a difference. Everyone what he/she can afford. Don't consume useless stuff, fly less, grow your own food or whatever you think you can do. We owe it the next generations. Thank you for your article. I mentioned it in my #steempearls
This post is shared to Twitter in support of @ocd and @ocdb's #posh initiative.
https://twitter.com/wiseagent_apo/status/1224759754154815493
@wiseagent
If I may argue one point though in regards to how we handle climate change.
There is some alarmist behaviors involved though I believe it is a necessary burden. Shock value draws a crowd and so long as the reason is valid the approach is justified.
I felt some of Greta’s speeches were overly passionate and emotional, but while she was genuine the presentation did its job. It got people to talk about the environment.
When a doctor gives you bad news he doesn’t say it in a happy way. He does so in a manner that tends to make you alarmed. It a common practice that needs to be used sparingly.
Thanks again
@scholaris
@wiseagent
Thank you for your excellent post. You’ve essentially summarized causes for climate change, impacts upon the environment, governmental regulations meant to mitigate it, and people driven to eradicate it from the human perspective.
You and I are on the same page with respect to the societal cause of climate change. Humanity indeed needs to alter its behavior so we can ensure a brighter day ahead for us.
Upvoted. Followed. Your work was refreshing to read.
@scholaris
Please do not take this the wrong way, I admire your commitment and concern but, how will paying taxes to Al Gore and associates gonna "save" the world? They are primarily gonna enrich themselves again at our expense.
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