The core problem: global warming
Earth’s temperature has been increasing
The impact: climate change
The consequences of the climate change can be found in many of the most significant natural and social phenomenons
Extreme weather events: droughts, floods, heat waves, wildfire, extreme storms
Economic and social crises: famine, economic hardship, migration
New patterns of animals, plants & diseases
The background
There are four major areas through which the climate change and global warming takes effect
Oceans warming up
Ice sheets and snow cover shrinking
Sea level rise
Ocean acidification
The drivers: the Greenhouse effect
Global warming and the subsequent climate change is driven by the greenhouse effect.
The greenhouse gases are responsible for 87% of the climate change. Its most important components are:
Carbon-dioxide
Methane
Nitrous oxide
Human contribution
Greenhouse gases originate from a variatey of human actions, but there are some exceptionally significant ones:
The result: several scenarios are possible
There are three scenarios still viable:
- Continuation of current trends, leading to a natural, social and economic catastrophy, a discontinuation of the human life in its current form,
- Actions according to the Paris Climate Agreement would lead to a level of warming still posing a risk to the human life
- A reviewed and enhanced Paris Climate Agreement along with actions of individuals could lead to a manageable and liveable future
Actions need to be taken: it is up to all of us
Currently the pace of human actions to avoid a climate catastrophe is not sufficient enough. Fortunately, there are numerous options where even individuals can make a significant difference.