In 2015, the Paris Climate Accord brought together nearly 200 countries with the ambitious aim of preventing catastrophic global warming. Under this agreement, each participating nation committed to legally-binding promises to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide and methane.
Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere act like insulating feathers in a down comforter: the more molecules present, the more significant the warming effect. Unfortunately, human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, have led to the highest levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere in at least 800,000 years. This has resulted in a rate of warming that NASA describes as “unprecedented” in human history.
However, the latest report from the United Nations delivers a sobering assessment. At our current rate of progress, the Earth’s average temperature is projected to rise to nearly double the agreed-upon goal by 2030. Even if every country were to suddenly slash their emissions by 42%, the UN warns that there is still no guarantee that we could limit warming sufficiently to avert the worst natural disasters.
To make matters worse, emissions from burning coal, oil, and gas increased by 1.2% just last year, further exacerbating the problem.
Despite these grim statistics, there is a glimmer of hope. In 2015, it was projected that greenhouse gas emissions would surge by 16% by 2030 based on existing policies. However, today, that projection has been reduced to a more manageable 3%.
So, what’s the next step? The only option is to intensify our efforts. This year has offered a glimpse of the future, with extreme weather events, including severe droughts and widespread wildfire smoke. Preparing our homes and infrastructure for these frequent and intense weather events is crucial.
Energy production is a primary source of greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 86% of global carbon dioxide output. The cleanest energy is the energy that is never generated, so conserving energy is vital. Supporting local businesses not only benefits your community but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting goods over long distances.
Simple actions, such as scheduling a home energy audit, can reduce waste and save money. Moreover, the Inflation Reduction Act allocates $375 billion in funding for clean energy incentives.
Ultimately, it’s essential to recognize that climate change is not the fault of any individual, and no single person can solve it alone. To enact transformative change, we must advocate for action at the city, state, and national levels. Raise your voice and let policymakers know that addressing climate change is a priority for the future of our planet.