Climate crisis: Why immediate action is necessary

By Daniel Damliare Anifowose

Climate change is a change in the statistical distribution of weather patterns when that change lasts for an extended period (i.e., decades to millions of years). Climate change may refer to a change in average weather conditions, or in the time variation of weather around longer-term average conditions.

It is caused by factors such as biotic processes, variations in solar radiation received by Earth, plate tectonics, and volcanic eruptions.

Certain human activities have been identified as primary causes of ongoing climate change, often referred to as global warming. Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, are releasing massive amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, leading to a global average temperature increase of over 1⁰C since the late 19th century.

The consequences of this warming are already being felt, from melting glaciers to devasting heat waves. Scientists actively work to understand past and future climate by using observations and theoretical models.

A climate record extending deep into the Earth’s past has been assembled and continues to be built up, based on geological evidence from borehole temperature profiles, cores removed from deep accumulations of ice, floral and faunal records, glacial and preglacial processes, stable-isotope and other analyses of sediment layers, and records of past sea levels.

If we fail to take action now, the consequences of climate change will be catastrophic. Rising sea levels will displace millions of people, devasting extreme weather events will become the norm, and ecosystems will collapse. The economic costs will be staggering, with estimates suggesting that climate change could cost the global economy trillions of dollars by the end of the century.

The good news is that there is still time to act. We can transition to renewable energy sources and shift to renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Increase energy efficiency and improve energy efficiency in buildings, transportation, and industry to reduce energy consumption. It also electrifies our transportation systems and promotes the adoption of electric vehicles to reduce emissions from transportation.

We can also protect and Restore Natural Ecosystems and preserve forests, wetlands, and oceans that absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Support Climate Change Research and Development: Invest in clean technologies climate modeling, and climate change mitigation strategies.

This will not only reduce our reliance on fossils but also create new economic opportunities, improve public health, and enhance energy security.

The time for action is now. The consequences of inaction are dire. We owe it to ourselves, our children, and future generations to take immediate action to reduce our carbon footprint and transition to a sustainable, equitable, and climate-resilient world. We must work together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, transition to renewable energy, and promote sustainable land and use practices.