The impacts of climate change are something we global citizens all experience whether we like it or not. It is being taught in school and at home that we should mind our action to help minimize the cruel effects of climate change which humans are hugely to blame for. We are getting more and more alarmed as we know more about the foreseeable horrifying consequences of our actions if we do not change now.
Here are 7 facts about the climate emergency which could hopefully make us more determined to make the world a better place soon.
First, for the last 170 years, humans have added 2.4 trillion tons of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. Up to half of the amount was added in the past 35–50 years. The industrial revolution has a lot of benefits for humans, whether they be increased opportunities and fascinating innovations, but it has also increased greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere, like burning fossil fuels, which include coal and oil. Humans basically have to do better to replace the destruction humans caused to our atmosphere.
Second, In the last decade, there have been five warmest years on record. It is very urgent that we help our planet quickly before climate change’s impacts are irreversible.
Third, In the US, transportation and housing make up 60% of the carbon footprint. For transportation, it requires a massive amount of fuel. It goes the same way for our homes. To heat, cool, or power our homes, we require a considerable amount of fuel. There are ways to easily reduce the fuel used, like switching to public transport instead or switching to electric-powered cars. An easier change would be to be more mindful when turning on your air conditioning; maybe all family members could spend more family time together in the living room, thus having to turn on just one air conditioner instead of wasting too much energy turning on AC in different house members’ rooms.
Fourth, Scientists have predicted that if the increase in greenhouse gas emissions keeps on continuing, the temperature will rise to as high as 10 degrees Fahrenheit by the year 2100. We should really help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, starting with small and persistent gestures we can make on a daily basis.
Fifth, when we think of the culprits for greenhouse gas emissions, the one that comes to mind is the burning of fossil fuels: oil and natural gas. There are, in fact, many sources with which greenhouse gas emissions are associated. Thus, all sectors have to come together to help make an effort to reduce their negative impacts on the climate.
Sixth, the big countries are mostly accountable for the emissions. The United States, the European Union (EU), China, Russia, Japan, India, and Canada are the biggest emitters, accounting for more than 70 percent of energy-related CO2 emissions in 2004.
Seventh, 2018 had the highest concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2), which was 408 parts per million. It was the highest in 3 million years.