The inception of Earth Day dates back to 1969, following the Union Oil well spill near Santa Barbara, California. This catastrophe pushed environmental concerns to the forefront, and by April 22, 1970, 20 million people participated in a demonstration advocating for Earth's protection. Consequently, this date has since been recognized as Earth Day.
One of the most pressing challenges threatening Earth's future is climate change, which refers to long-term shifts in climate resulting from human activities like fossil fuel consumption and deforestation. These actions have elevated greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere, trapping heat and causing global average temperatures to rise.
The 2016 Paris Agreement saw numerous countries commit to restricting global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius relative to pre-industrial levels, aiming for a maximum increase of 1.5 degrees. Exceeding this threshold would result in extreme weather events and severe consequences for the planet.
Climate change consequences include more frequent and severe storms, hurricanes, heatwaves, droughts, and floods. Diminishing freshwater resources exacerbate global water scarcity, while melting polar ice due to rising temperatures contributes to sea level rise, threatening coastal communities. Increased CO2 emissions also lead to ocean acidification, negatively impacting marine ecosystems, fisheries, and biodiversity.
Critical steps to address climate change involve reducing greenhouse gas emissions by utilizing renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, adopting low-emission transportation, conserving electricity, and minimizing waste. Adopting sustainable lifestyles, embracing a circular economy, and choosing eco-friendly products are crucial. Protecting forests and biodiversity, which help absorb carbon dioxide, is also essential.
The United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) releases the Climate Change Assessment Report, with the 2023 edition emphasizing the urgency of action. Numerous options for reducing emissions and adapting to anthropogenic climate change exist, but immediate action is vital. Over a century of fossil fuel use and harmful land exploitation has caused a 1.1°C increase in global warming above pre-industrial levels, resulting in more frequent and severe extreme weather events. These events pose increasing risks to human health and ecosystems. As warming continues, climate-related food and water insecurity will likely worsen, and when combined with other stressors, such as pandemics or conflict, become even more challenging to manage.
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