Here at GITNB HQ, we spend our days trying to raise awareness about the climate crisis and the actions we can all take to reverse global warming. And through all of the interactions, there are a few things that crop up time and again that we wish more people understood about climate change.
The problem with the climate crisis is that individual understanding of the issues sits on a spectrum ranging from climate denialism to David Attenborough-esque levels of knowledge. In a world where conspiracy theories reign supreme, global leaders choose not to believe in (or ignore) science, and fake news is rife, it’s hard to comprehend the reality and urgency of the climate crisis. But we must understand it, and it also got us thinking: What’s one thing you wish more people understood about climate change? Here are the 10 things that made our list: What’s on yours?
1. That it’s real
We thought we were past this too. But when the leader of the Western world states he doesn’t *believe* in climate change and refuses to acknowledge science (and y’know actual facts), it becomes apparent that climate denialism is still a very real thing. Yet in 2020, we’ve experienced apocalyptic fires in the Amazon, California, Australia, and Siberia, the hottest Arctic and Antarctic temperatures on record, locust plagues across sub-Saharan Africa, a global pandemic, and biblical flooding across India, Pakistan, and Sudan. What more evidence is required?
2. That it’s an immediate problem that will affect everyone
For too long, we’ve been talking about climate change as if it’s some nebulous idea that’s only going to affect those living in the future. Ergo, #NotMyProblem. And while it may be true the worst is yet to come (if we don’t take action now), the reality is climate change is already here (see point 1). And it’s not something that anyone can afford to ignore. While some parts of the world face a more immediate threat than others (think South Pacific islands like Tuvalu that are slowly sinking due to rising sea levels), there is no escaping it. The climate crisis will impact every person on the planet at some point soon if it hasn’t already. And you thought 2020 was rough…
3. When we talk about 1.5°C warming, we’re referencing a global average
Under the Paris Agreements, a landmark environmental accord, almost every nation agreed to address the negative impact of climate change. The Earth’s climate system is highly sensitive to changes in global temperatures. Even a small increase in average global temperatures can have far-reaching impacts on ecosystems, weather patterns, sea levels, and human well-being. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has concluded that limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius would help mitigate some of the most severe effects compared to higher temperature increases. But when we talk about 1.5°C, it’s important to remember that relates to a global average. There are going to be places in the world that experience significantly greater levels of warming. And that means temperatures in some countries will be 3, 4, or even 5°C warmer (or perhaps more? Yikes). Say hello to lethally hot temperatures in the Middle East and South Asia, the disappearance of coastal cities and coral reefs, an ice-free Arctic, and millions of climate refugees.
It is important to note that limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius is a challenging task that requires significant efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, transition to renewable energy sources, enhance energy efficiency, and adopt sustainable practices across sectors. While the world strives to achieve this goal, every incremental reduction in temperature increase can help mitigate the risks and impacts associated with climate change.
4. It can (and will) really affect our health
Climate change has wide-ranging health impacts that affect various aspects of human well-being. These impacts are primarily driven by changes in temperature, extreme weather events, air pollution, shifts in ecosystems, and infectious diseases. From heat-related illnesses to even mental-health impacts, climate change is not something that affects only the grand scheme of things. For example, climate change-induced events, such as natural disasters, displacement, and loss of livelihoods, can have profound psychological effects on individuals and communities. Increased stress, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health disorders are commonly observed. These impacts can be long-lasting and require appropriate support and interventions.
5. But that humans and ecological systems are truly interconnected
The Earth’s ecosystem has evolved over millions of years, but it’s only in recent decades that humans have started tinkering with its delicate balance. And increasingly, we view ourselves as separate and superior to the natural world. But this thinking only leads to one end: destruction. And whether we like it or not, humans can’t outwit Mother Nature (as extreme weather events have proven) and our existence on this planet is equally as fragile as any other species. Indigenous communities – the original environmentalists – have long understood this delicate balance and are able to live in harmony with the environment. We could learn a lot from listening to this ancient wisdom.
6. It has a significant impact on food security
Climate change has a significant impact on food security, affecting various aspects of the global food system from agricultural production to distribution and access. Rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, and storms can lead to reduced crop yields. Higher temperatures can accelerate evaporation and increase water stress, particularly in regions that rely on rainfall for irrigation. Changes in precipitation patterns can disrupt planting and harvesting schedules, impacting crop growth and yields. Furthermore, small-scale farmers, particularly in developing countries, are often more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change due to limited access to resources, technology, and financial support. Climate-related shocks can lead to crop failures, income loss, increased debt, and food insecurity for these farmers, exacerbating existing inequalities and poverty.
Addressing climate change and its impact on food security requires a multifaceted approach. It involves implementing sustainable agricultural practices, developing climate-resilient crop varieties, improving water management, promoting diversified and resilient food systems, enhancing early warning systems, supporting small-scale farmers, and adopting policies that mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. International collaboration and investment are crucial to building climate resilience and ensuring food security for future generations.
7. That a sustainable future is one of abundance
When we talk about sustainability, we’re often presented with two competing visions: scarcity vs abundance. Thanks to climate deniers, politicians, and industrial groups looking to protect selfish agendas, we’ve been led to believe that saving our planet means sacrifice and privation. Or that protecting our environment will damage the economy. But this isn’t actually the case. And we need to reframe the terminology we use when talking about the environment, so it inspires and motivates people to take action.
On a micro-individual level taking #LittleGreenSteps and making more conscious decisions doesn’t need to compromise your lifestyle. And on a macro-systemic level sustainability equals abundance. (In fact, it’s when something is scarce that makes it unsustainable. Case in point: fossil fuels.) The Stanford Social Innovation Review states that sustainability and abundance “simultaneously expands economic opportunity, strengthens community, and restores the planet, it provides an important mechanism to accomplish the Paris climate goals.” It’s time to change the way we talk about the future.
8. There’s an unequal burden of responsibilities
Climate change has wide-ranging effects on various aspects of society, including gender equality. While both men and women are impacted by climate change, women often face disproportionate and unique challenges due to pre-existing social, economic, and cultural factors. Women, especially those in developing countries, are often more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. They tend to have limited access to resources, such as land, credit, and technology, which can help them adapt to changing environmental conditions. As climate change intensifies, women face higher risks of food and water insecurity, displacement, and loss of livelihoods, particularly in agriculturally dependent communities. And unfortunately, women’s representation and participation in decision-making processes related to climate change adaptation and mitigation are often limited. Their perspectives, knowledge, and experiences are crucial for effective policies and sustainable solutions. By excluding women from decision-making, societies miss out on valuable insights, innovative ideas, and the potential for more gender-responsive approaches to address climate change.
We need to address these issues and promote gender equality in the context of climate change more often and more urgently. It is crucial to adopt gender-responsive policies and actions. This includes integrating gender perspectives in climate change planning, ensuring women’s participation in decision-making processes, providing equal access to resources and opportunities, and recognising and valuing women’s knowledge and contributions to sustainable development. By empowering women and promoting gender equality, societies can build resilience and effectively tackle the challenges of climate change.
9. We have all the solutions
Reversing global warming might seem like an impossible task; an existential crisis so vast that it’s insurmountable. But the truth is, we actually have all of the solutions, the science, and the technology to implement change now. We even made a video about it. And the brilliant research from the team at Project Drawdown shared 76 solutions to reverse global warming. It seems what it really all comes down to is a matter of will.
10. There are some “blessing in disguises”…
While climate change is undoubtedly a significant global challenge with far-reaching negative impacts, it has also brought forth certain unintended positive consequences, or “blessings in disguise.”
One potential positive aspect of climate change is the accelerated advancement and adoption of clean and renewable energy technologies. As the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions becomes more urgent, nations and industries worldwide have been compelled to invest heavily in renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal power.
This increased focus and emphasis on clean energy has led to significant advancements in technology, efficiency, and affordability. As a result, renewable energy has become increasingly competitive with fossil fuels in terms of cost, in some cases even surpassing them. Moreover, the transition to renewable energy has reduced our dependence on finite fossil fuel reserves, thereby enhancing energy security and reducing geopolitical tensions related to resource scarcity. It has also helped (and will) mitigate the negative environmental impacts associated with fossil fuel extraction, such as air and water pollution.
However, it’s important to note that these positive outcomes should not overshadow the urgent need for comprehensive and sustained action to mitigate climate change and protect our planet’s future.