“Climate change is now a terrifying reality. This is just the beginning,” stated António Guterres at a U.N. briefing in New York. He highlighted instances of”children swept away by monsoon rains, families fleeing fires, [and] workers succumbing to scorching heat,” while noting that “July marked the hottest three-week period ever recorded.” Beyond his impactful speech, attention was drawn to a new term he introduced. Guterres declared, “The era of global warming is over; the era of global boiling has dawned.”
But what does “global boiling” mean?
Global boiling represents a shift beyond mere global warming, entering a more intense phase of heatwaves, extreme weather patterns, and climate-driven disasters. The Earth’s resources have been depleting gradually since the industrial and scientific revolutions, compounded by the environmental strain caused by the world’s exponential population growth. As consumption surges with the population, natural resource usage and waste production escalate. A significant consequence of these trends is climate change, which encompasses more than temperature fluctuations; it disrupts rain cycles, wind patterns, cyclone frequencies, sea levels, and various ecological factors, impacting all major life forms on Earth. In just the last month, multiple global events substantiated this fact.
According to the World Meteorological Organization, this previous July marked the hottest month ever recorded. The distressing weather events that affected millions during this time sadly serve as a vivid illustration of the grim actuality of climate change and offer a preview of forthcoming challenges. Secretary-General Prof. Petteri Taalas of the World Meteorological Organization emphasised the urgency, stating that the imperative to curtail greenhouse gas emissions has become more critical than ever. He stressed that climate action is not a mere luxury but an absolute necessity.
But has the severity of climate change been overexaggerated?
Clearly not. In fact, some would argue that we underestimate the severity of our climate crisis. Let’s talk about some of these troubling details and figure out how we could all resolve these problems together.
Recent Disasters
In recent months, our world has experienced a distressing surge in natural disasters, notably wildfires, floods, and droughts, coupled with concerning reports of rising sea levels attributed to the ongoing melting of polar ice caps. These events collectively signal a worrying trend of global temperature escalation, highlighting the urgency of addressing climate change.
The devastating impact of significant wildfires has been particularly pronounced across various regions. Countries such as Canada, Greece, Turkey, Italy, and Russia have all grappled with significant wildfire outbreaks. It is worth noting that while climate change may not always be the direct cause of these fires, local climate conditions have exacerbated their intensity and destructive potential. A poignant example is the Maui wildfires, traced back to electrical faults. However, the concurrent drought conditions in Maui at the time had turned the surrounding vegetation into a tinderbox, significantly fueling the fires and magnifying their catastrophic effects.
As of August 2023, Canada finds itself in the midst of a relentless battle against over 1,000 active fires, with a staggering two-thirds of these fires proving nearly impossible to control. This crisis began on March 1st, 2023, and has endured for nearly six months, leading to the displacement of over 150,000 individuals and the devastation of millions of acres of land. The enduring effects of these heightened global wildfires extend beyond immediate destruction. The resulting pollution has significant and far-reaching implications for human health, as was starkly demonstrated when Canada shattered its own record for annual carbon emissions in late June, largely due to the substantial emissions produced by these wildfires.
We have to prevent these fires from occurring as much as possible. These actions jeopardise not only our own lives but also the lives of countless animals. Wildfires don’t just destroy our homes; they destroy the habitats of numerous animals too. During the devastating Australian forest fires of 2020, many indigenous animals lost their lives. Many were killed by the fires themselves. But many others lost their lives due to not being able to find food and water after losing their habitats. We can’t entirely stop forest fires. However, there is a lot we must do to ensure that the effects of wildfires are minimised.
Recently, the BBC reported a heartbreaking story about the fate of around 10,000 emperor penguin chicks who perished tragically last year when the ice bed they called home disintegrated. These vulnerable chicks had not yet developed the protective, waterproof feathers they need for survival. Emperor Penguins typically hatch during Antarctica’s harsh winter and begin their journey to independence around December, coinciding with the Southern Hemisphere’s summer when daylight hours are longest. Until they reach this fledgling stage, these fluffy chicks remain confined to the sea ice, relying on their devoted parents for nourishment.
However, the homes of these remarkable birds are under threat as the very ice they depend on is melting beneath them. Emperor penguins primarily inhabit regions that are challenging for us to physically observe, but thanks to precise satellite imaging, researchers can monitor their vital habitats. In late 2022, these dedicated scientists noticed a distressing trend—the ice caps and the emperor penguin colonies residing on them were vanishing. Of the five emperor penguin colonies they had been observing earlier in the year, only one remained by year’s end.
In such unfortunate circumstances, when ice loss occurs prematurely within a penguin colony, the adult birds are resilient enough to endure, but the chicks face difficult odds. They may either drift away from their colonies as the ice fragments or find themselves exposed to the frigid waters. In either scenario, the outcome is often tragic, with death resulting from either starvation or exposure to the bitter cold. This serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges these majestic creatures face as their icy habitats become increasingly vulnerable.
This is another reason why it is imperative to act immediately. Over the past decade alone, numerous penguin species have reached the “vulnerable” or “endangered” status. This does not only apply to penguins. A multitude of animal species such as African elephants, orangutans and black rhinos are sadly heading towards extinction. Some are already there.
Many times, because of the loss of their habitats, animals have roamed into populated villages and cities, endangering residents and their own lives. In certain regions of South Asia, human-elephant conflicts have become a prevalent issue, with Sri Lanka experiencing it significantly. The root causes behind this problem include the simultaneous growth of human and elephant populations, habitat loss due to expanding human settlements, crop-raiding behaviour of elephants, and shifts in agricultural practices. Since 2019, an annual average of 125 human lives and 370 elephant lives have been lost due to these conflicts. Sri Lanka has sadly witnessed the highest annual elephant fatalities and the second-highest human casualties stemming from such conflicts. To address this challenge, both the government and local communities have devised various management strategies. For instance, the installation of electric fences along village boundaries has proven effective. These fences deter elephants without causing them severe harm. It’s important to note that Sri Lankan law safeguards these magnificent creatures, imposing fines and potential jail terms for violators. This highlights the importance of governments implementing measures to promote environmental conservation.
Some might argue that not all governments can afford expensive solutions in an effort to conserve the environment. Regrettably, numerous developing nations find themselves unable to allocate resources for environmental conservation, as they are already grappling with the challenge of supporting their populations, many of whom are struggling to recover from the impacts of climate change. According to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, over 80% of developing nations have initiated the development and execution of their national adaptation plans. However, the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) dicates that 46 of the world’s least-developed countries lack the necessary financial resources to safeguard themselves against climate impacts. Assistance from wealthier nations and global organisations becomes imperative to help less prosperous developing countries by offering financial aid and enhancing their institutional capabilities. Within the framework of the UN climate convention, the EU and 23 developed countries have committed to providing $100 billion annually to support climate-related initiatives in developing nations. These projects encompass endeavours to reduce emissions and implement adaptations to alleviate the impact of weather-related disasters. With this we can ensure that all countries, rich and poor are able to adapt to climate change.
Climate change also results in more intense rainfall, elevating the risk of flooding. This phenomenon occurs because rising temperatures enable the atmosphere to hold increased moisture content. States across India have been faltering under torrential downpours and flooding. During this monsoon season, which is causing more damage than usual, parts of India that are already prone to heavy rains and flooding are struggling even more due to the increased intensity of rainfall. As reported by the India Meteorological Department, the heavy rains experienced throughout the country in the initial week of July have resulted in approximately 2% more rainfall than the usual average. The monsoon season provides India with 70% of its rainfall, which is necessary for agricultural production. Scientists say the rainfall is hard to forecast and varies considerably, but climate change is making the monsoon stronger and more erratic, increasing the frequency and ferocity of the floods. Akshay Deoras, a research scientist stated, “Human-induced climate change is already intensifying hydrological extremes in India, and the recent floods in parts of northern India are yet another example of how extreme events can be more disastrous in hilly regions than in plains”.
But how can climate change disturb monsoon patterns? Climate change triggers the release of greenhouse gases that raise the temperature of the atmosphere. For each degree Celsius of temperature increase, the atmosphere can hold seven per cent additional moisture. The warmer it gets, the more moisture it can retain. To put it simply, imagine a sponge that continually soaks up water until it’s saturated and then releases it all at once. This process is what leads to extreme rainfall due to warming.
The confluence of these events serves as a stark reminder of the profound changes occurring in our environment. Climate change is no longer a distant, abstract concept; but a tangible, pressing concern with immediate and long-term consequences. Our world is literally burning. Urgent action to curb greenhouse gas emissions and address the root causes of these calamities is not a mere option but a necessity for safeguarding the future of our planet and the well-being of all its inhabitants.
As per the 2022 global carbon budget, the average annual increase in worldwide fossil CO2 emissions experienced its highest point at +3% during the 2000s, primarily attributed to the rapid emissions surge in China. Over the last decade, this global growth rate has gradually decreased, reaching a minimal +0.5% per year between 2012 and 2021. Although this reduction in the growth of global fossil CO2 emissions is a positive development, it falls significantly short of the emission reduction required to align with the temperature targets outlined in the Paris Agreement. If this trend continues unchecked, we anticipate forthcoming alterations, which encompass a more heated atmosphere, an increasingly warm and acidic ocean, elevated sea levels, and more pronounced shifts in precipitation patterns. This is why all entities need to do everything they can to fight climate change.
Mitigation Techniques by Different Entities
The three stakeholders that can make the greatest impact are governments, corporations and individuals.
Governments hold various instruments and strategies at their disposal to facilitate the transition of energy sources and industrial methods, amplify energy efficiency, combat environmental contamination, and ensure the conservation and restoration of our natural assets. These approaches encompass a diverse range of policy interventions and financial mechanisms that can be adapted to fit distinct situations and goals. Through the strategic utilisation of these alternatives, they can play a pivotal role in fostering constructive transformations across sectors, advancing sustainable development, and nurturing a more wholesome environment for both current and upcoming generations.
In recent years, governments worldwide have aimed to combat climate change, yet their efforts often fall short of creating enduring effects. But what else could they do? For a start, they could implement adaptation policies. The severity of extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, droughts, and floods, is increasing. To tackle these problems from climate change, governments could make plans to protect cities, states, and even whole countries from these disasters. Some governments are embracing innovative approaches, like constructing flood-absorbing public parks. These strategies could also be embraced by less affluent regions without the need for expensive technology. For instance, ecosystem restoration through tree planting could be pursued.
Governments could also put into action something called carbon taxes. These are meant to reduce harmful stuff like carbon dioxide that goes into the air and messes up the climate. Carbon taxes make the big polluters, like power plants that use coal, pay extra for the damage they do. This is done by charging them fees for their pollution. It’s a way to get individuals, businesses, and other countries to pollute less. The money collected from these fees can be used by governments for helpful programs, to invest in clean energy, or to lower taxes for everyone. However, some experts worry that carbon taxes might be hard for people with lower incomes. For instance, if electricity prices go up because of carbon taxes, it can hit low-income families harder since they usually spend more of their money on utilities compared to wealthier families. However, this could be disproven when we look at Sweden as an example. After being among the pioneers in introducing a nationwide carbon tax in 1991, Sweden managed to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 27%. Despite concerns that this tax might harm the economy, Sweden’s gross domestic product has actually doubled since then. Currently, over forty countries have followed suit and implemented their own national carbon taxes. This includes countries like Argentina, Canada, Japan, Singapore, and Ukraine.
In an effort to work towards environmental conservation, nearly every country all over the world also signed the Paris Agreement in 2016. The Paris Agreement is an international treaty on climate change. Adopted in 2015, the agreement covers climate change mitigation, adaptation, and finance. Though a majority of governments pledged this, there were still some others who refused. For example, Iran and Libya. This was due to economic reasons since they are one of the biggest producers of crude oil, which, unfortunately, is one of the biggest causes of environmental degradation.
Many would argue that corporations play the biggest part when it comes to environmental degradation. Businesses face a broad array of environmental challenges, spanning from resource depletion and pollution of air, water, and soil to habitat loss, greenhouse gas emissions, waste creation, and biodiversity decline. These issues not only endanger the environment but also carry substantial social and economic consequences. Fortunately, businesses are progressively acknowledging the importance of tackling these environmental concerns and are actively pursuing solutions.
However, I hold the view that there’s substantial room for businesses to enhance their environmental friendliness. For instance, a key step is minimising waste production. Regardless of whether it’s a sizable multinational corporation or a modest independent business, all entities generate some form of waste. This could arise from single-use items like cups and utensils or as a byproduct of their production procedures. Even the defective products they unintentionally create often become waste. Yet, they have the power to counteract this trend by being more conscientious and considering the ecological consequences of their actions. Moreover, adopting environmentally conscious alternatives could have positive financial outcomes over time. To illustrate, offering reusable tableware would obviate the need for repeated purchases of disposable cups and plates, ultimately leading to cost savings.
Companies should also prioritise the selection of sustainable suppliers, a practice that can be adopted by both large corporations and smaller enterprises alike. A significant portion of waste generation occurs during the transportation of products along the supply chain. The excessive packaging employed by suppliers and the environmentally detrimental transportation methods employed for goods exchange between businesses and their suppliers has a profound impact on the environment. It’s encouraging to witness an increasing number of companies embracing their responsibilities in this manner. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) represents a business approach where companies consciously strive to conduct their operations in a manner that contributes to, rather than detracts from, the well-being of society and the environment. CSR has the potential to enhance various aspects of society and bolster a positive brand image for businesses. It’s heartening to see more companies integrating CSR into their business practices today. However, it’s essential to ensure that these efforts are altruistic. Governments should encourage corporations to adopt this business model or incorporate CSR elements into their existing models. This approach can help ensure that more businesses are committed to environmental sustainability and a more promising future.
In urban areas, daily deliveries contribute to excess emissions and environmental harm. Urban traffic, characterised by numerous short trips and frequent stops, is more polluting than long-distance freight transport. The World Economic Forum has estimated that approximately 5.5 per cent of emissions resulting from human activities are linked to logistics and the supply chain of the transportation sector. Furthermore, approximately 60 per cent of potential carbon reduction in this sector stems from addressing its direct emissions.
Suppliers could work towards being more environmentally friendly by using the least amount of plastic packaging they could. They could opt to use paper and cardboard packing products. They could also use plant-based packing peanuts instead of styrofoam packing peanuts.
Individuals also play a significant role in the battle against climate change. In recent years, more individuals, especially the younger generations, are becoming increasingly committed to being environmentally conscious. This is reflected in actions like using refillable products, conserving energy, and practising recycling. However, considering the urgent need to address environmental deterioration, more significant efforts are necessary.
Transportation is responsible for approximately a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions. Governments worldwide are enacting measures to curtail carbon emissions in the travel sector. Opting for walking or cycling instead of driving can lower greenhouse gas emissions while simultaneously benefiting personal health and fitness. For longer journeys, alternatives like trains or buses should be considered, and carpooling should be embraced whenever possible.
Choosing to live without a car can significantly shrink our carbon footprint by up to 2 tons of CO2 annually compared to a car-dependent lifestyle. If vehicle ownership is essential, switching to an electric car is a viable option. Electric vehicles contribute to reduced air pollution and substantially fewer greenhouse gas emissions than traditional gas or diesel cars. Making this transition can cut your annual carbon footprint by nearly 2 tonnes of CO2.
Air travel relies heavily on fossil fuels and generates substantial greenhouse gas emissions. To swiftly diminish one’s environmental impact, reducing air travel is highly effective. Virtual meetings, train travel, and avoiding long-distance flights are recommended. By abstaining from just one long-haul return flight, you could diminish your annual carbon footprint by almost 2 tonnes of CO2. Several countries, including France and Singapore, provide short-term bicycle rental services to their citizens, typically supported by government initiatives. Bicycles offer the advantage of being environmentally friendly, as they do not contribute to atmospheric pollution. Compared to the approximately five metric tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually from the combustion of fuel by typical passenger vehicles, cycling significantly reduces fuel consumption. Therefore, it may be beneficial for all of one to consider cycling, particularly for shorter journeys, not only for the environment but also for their personal health benefits.
One could also adapt their diet into a more environmentally friendly plan.
While challenging, adopting a more plant-based diet holds potential. Completely eliminating animal products might not be feasible for everyone, but striving to minimise their consumption is important. A substantial portion of food-related greenhouse gas emissions emerges from agricultural practices and land usage. This encompasses nitrous oxide from fertilisers employed in crop cultivation, carbon dioxide stemming from deforestation for expanded farmland, methane arising from cattle digestion, and other agricultural emissions connected to manure handling, rice farming, crop residue incineration, and farm fuel usage.
Shifting toward consuming more vegetables, fruits, whole grains and seeds, while reducing meat and dairy intake, can significantly decrease one’s environmental impact. Plant-based food production generally entails lower greenhouse gas emissions and requires less energy, land, and water. Transitioning from a mixed to a vegetarian diet can curtail a peron’s annual carbon footprint by up to 500 kilograms of CO2e. Surprisingly, the beef production industry stands out as one of the most significant contributors to CO2 emissions. When comparing protein sources based on their greenhouse gas emissions, beef consistently ranks the highest. Producing just 100 grams of protein from beef results in the release of 49.89 kilograms of carbon dioxide, alongside methane and nitrous oxide, which are even more potent heat-trapping gases than carbon dioxide over time. Furthermore, livestock farming currently occupies over a third of the world’s habitable land area. Research has demonstrated that adopting vegan diets can lead to a remarkable 75% reduction in climate-heating emissions, water pollution, and land use compared to diets that include more than 100 grams of meat daily. Vegan diets also substantially reduce wildlife destruction by 66% and decrease water usage by 54%. Additionally, it is widely recognized that many factory farms do not provide humane treatment to animals. Therefore, there are numerous advantages to embracing a more plant-based diet, and many governments worldwide are promoting healthier and more balanced diets, providing an opportunity to encourage citizens to adopt plant-based eating habits.
All in all, there is so much more we could do and we have to do at this point to slow the rate of environmental degradation. Governments have the most control when it comes to finding lasting solutions in the fight against global warming. Meanwhile, companies must work towards being as environmentally sustainable as possible. Individuals too, have a large role to play when it comes to environmental conservation. They must adopt healthier habits discovered through their own research or through government recommendations. It is not realistic to say that we will be able to completely stop global warming. But, it is absolutely necessary to prevent the transition from global warming to global boiling.
