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By Opeyemi Olowogbade
In the realm of climate change, the world is divided. Developed nations, like North America and Europe, boast high awareness levels, with over 96% and 90% respectively acknowledging the pressing issue. However, the picture is quite different in developing and underdeveloped countries, where awareness can plummet to as low as 20 percent. Even in well-informed corners of the globe, where awareness is abundant, responding to open-ended inquiries regarding climate change can pose a considerable challenge. This challenge arises from the fact that discussions about climate change are relatively scarce, and even those who harbor concerns often express them quietly. There exists a concern that broaching the topic may invite ridicule or hostility from individuals who do not share the belief that the climate is undergoing changes. How frequently do you engage in conversations about climate change with your peers?
Can we blame those who lack knowledge? The answer is no. Climate change is not a minor tweak to our planet; it's a complex and subtle transformation that isn't easily observable in our day-to-day lives. Despite the popularity of the term "global warming," the Earth's temperature has increased by just 1 degree since the late 19th century, which may seem insignificant at first glance. Some from the older generation claim they haven't noticed any climate changes. To truly comprehend climate change and why we should be concerned, one needs a grasp of the underlying science.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) defines climate change as "a transformation in the state of the climate, evident through modifications in the mean and/or the variations in its attributes, and persisting over an extended period, frequently spanning decades or longer." President Barack Obama, addressing the UN climate change summit, emphasized the magnitude of this issue, stating, "We cannot condemn our children, and their children, to a future that is beyond their capacity to repair. Not when we have the means, the technological innovation, and the scientific imagination to begin the work of repairing it right now."
To appreciate President Obama's concerns, we must truly understand that our climate is changing. The best way to comprehend this is by observing the tangible evidence of these transformations in our surroundings. Many of the changes in our planet start as minor shifts and then amplify in a continuous loop, leading to more significant and perilous consequences.
The initial and most visible sign of climate change is global warming. With advancements in temperature measurement, we can now confirm that the Earth's average temperature has risen by about 1 degree Celsius since 1900. This seemingly minor increase is the result of a chain reaction involving greenhouse gases. There is no doubt that human influence has caused the warming of the atmosphere, ocean, and land. Extensive and swift alterations have taken place
During the industrial revolution, we started releasing substantial amounts of CO2 gases into the atmosphere through the burning of fossil fuels. This disrupted the natural balance of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. When sunlight reaches the Earth, it comes in short wavelengths, allowing it to pass through the atmosphere with minimal interference from greenhouse gases. However, when the Earth's surface absorbs this energy and emits it back into the atmosphere, it transforms into long wavelengths. These longer wavelengths interact with greenhouse gases, causing them to reflect energy in various directions.
Consequently, an excess of this energy is redirected back to Earth, unsettling the balance of energy, ultimately resulting in an increase in the Earth's temperature. In simpler terms, these surplus greenhouse gases act as a thermal blanket, trapping heat and causing our planet to warm. This is crucial, as without greenhouse gases, we'd face frigid temperatures as energy rapidly escapes, especially before nightfall. Yet, when we disrupt this delicate equilibrium, it leads to a temperature increase, and the subsequent chain of events becomes even more alarming.
So, what happens next?
The aftermath of this temperature increase, due to CO2 gases, results in an increase in water vapor gases in the atmosphere, which itself is a greenhouse gas, amplifying the initial effect caused by CO2 and causing further temperature increase.
This temperature rise has a wide range of effects, one of the most significant being the melting of ice sheets in the Arctic and Antarctica. Data from NASA indicates that over 420 billion tons of ice melt each year in Greenland and Antarctica. A recent international assessment funded by ESA/NASA reveals that Earth is losing ice mass six times more rapidly than in the 1990s. You might wonder why the melting of ice sheets in these seemingly uninhabitable regions is a cause for concern.
The reason is that the melting ice sheets contribute to a rise in sea levels and the global increase in temperature means more rain, leading to an increasing number of floods each year. Scientists are confident that coastal and flash floods will increase in the number of occurrence, the more we keep to warm our planet. A BBC study highlighted a nearly 25% increase in the global population at risk of flooding since 2000, a far greater surge than predicted by computer models. The findings emphasize the urgency of addressing the growing threat of flooding globally.
In closing, the evidence is indisputable—our climate is changing, and the consequences are real. Whether you are in a developed nation with high awareness or a developing region in need of education, the urgency remains the same. As President Barack Obama emphasized, we have the means to act now and secure the future. Similar to his counterpart, former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged the global community to "mature" and address the challenges of climate change during his address at COP26 in Glasgow.
While complex, this global issue necessitates collective action. A striking example is Greta Thunberg, who, at the tender age of 15, grasped the urgency for action. She took a bold stance by skipping school and staging protests to advocate for stronger climate change measures, demonstrating that individuals, regardless of age or profession, can play a crucial role in addressing this pressing concern. Notably, Greta's commitment extended beyond protests as she persuaded her parents to adopt lifestyle choices that reduced her family's carbon footprint, emphasizing the power of personal actions in the fight against climate change.
In recognizing the irrefutable evidence of climate change, from rising temperatures to the rapid melting of ice sheets, it is evident that urgent action is required. Where ever you are, the call for immediate attention remains consistent. President Barack Obama, UK's Boris Johnson among other world leaders have emphasized the need for global maturity in addressing climate challenges. To move forward, fostering conversations about climate change and understanding the impact of greenhouse gases are crucial. The evidence is compelling, and the time for collective action is now. Every individual's contribution matters, and together, we can confront the challenges of climate change, safeguard our planet, and strive for a sustainable future. The obstacles are substantial, but so is our collective capacity for innovation, cooperation, and positive change.
Opeyemi, an environmental enthusiast with an educational background in environmental engineering, is currently deepening his expertise as a research analyst at Humber College in Canada. He holds a particular passion for contributing meaningfully to the global discourse on environmental sustainability.
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