Recent reports from the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) have sounded an alarm, indicating that the world is on track to experience a temporary increase in long-term warming, surpassing the critical 1.5-degree Celsius threshold within the next five years. This unprecedented event underscores the undeniable influence of human-induced climate change. Immediate and decisive action is imperative to mitigate this pressing crisis.
Causes of Global Warming
Human-induced climate change has contributed significantly to the rise in global temperatures, with a 66% chance of temporarily exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2027. The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) clarifies that although this would be a temporary breach, it remains a historic moment.
The organisation attributes this increase, in part, to an impending El Niño weather pattern, which, when combined with human-induced climate change, will propel global temperatures into uncharted territory. The likelihood of one of the next five years becoming the hottest on record has risen to an alarming 98%.
Impacts of Warming Above 1.5 Degrees Celsius
Surpassing the 1.5-degree Celsius threshold carries severe consequences that span various domains, including public health, biodiversity loss, and human-wildlife conflict.
The effects can be summarised as follows:
| Impacts | Effects |
|---|---|
| Public Health |
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| Biodiversity Loss |
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| Human-Wildlife Conflict |
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Strategies to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is essential to preventing the breaching of the 1.5 degree Celsius threshold, which could have catastrophic consequences for our planet and its inhabitants.
The Paris Climate Agreement set out long-term goals to reduce gas emissions and limit global temperature increase, but progress has been slow due to governance favouring fossil fuel production.
To reach these targets, urgent action is needed to transition away from burning oil, coal, and gas towards clean energy sources in order to reduce global warming.
Effective measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions include:
- Shifting away from Fossil Fuels:
- Reducing reliance on fossil fuels for energy production.
- Embracing renewable sources such as solar or wind power.
- Promoting Energy Efficiency:
- Encouraging energy efficiency in buildings and transportation systems.
- Preserving Forests:
- Protecting forests, which serve as vital carbon sinks.
- Strengthening Legislation:
- Implementing stronger legislation to enforce emission regulations for companies.
- Individual Contributions:
- Reducing personal energy consumption through conservation strategies like using public transportation or carpooling.
Addressing the Critical Challenge of Global Warming
The evidence presented by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) underscores the urgent need to address the imminent rise in global temperatures, surpassing the critical 1.5-degree Celsius threshold within the next five years—a historical moment highlighting human-induced climate change.
This unprecedented warming could trigger extreme weather events, sea level rise, and biodiversity loss.
Immediate action is required at all levels, from governments implementing policies promoting sustainable energy use to individuals adopting conservation practices.
Only through collective efforts can we reverse the effects of global warming and ensure a safer future for all.
Become part of the solution for climate change
For more information on the above, and how we can assist you to become part of the solution on climate change, contact us.
