“Warming of the climate system is unequivocal, as is now evident from observations of increases in global average air and ocean temperatures, widespread melting of snow and ice, and rising global average sea level.” – IPCC Fourth Assessment Report.
We have moved past the debate over whether Climate Change is happening or not. The global average surface temperature record clearly shows a persistent and increasing upward trend, glaciers are melting and the sea level is rising. Many argue that the normal condition of the planet is that of change, and they would be completely correct. But what is occurring now is unprecedented, unnatural change that has the potential to affect humanity as a whole, very negatively indeed.
Most of the increase in global average temperatures since the mid-20th century is very likely attributable to the observed increases in man-made greenhouse gas concentrations. Human influence is also evident in most other manifestations of Climate Change. There is no doubt that we have and are continuing to change the climate system.
Unfortunately, for at least the next twenty years, we have already made our bed that now beckons to be slept in. Since there is a “lag” in the climate system owing to processes like feedbacks and the ability of the ocean to absorb heat, warming in the next twenty years is completely unavoidable. Even if greenhouse gas concentrations were kept constant at 2000 levels, there would still be warming over the next twenty years. This is how sensitive the climate system is, right now we are probably only feeling the effects of the greenhouse gases (and other man-made influences) that were released decades ago. The effect of what we do today is still to come.
This is why we all need to start thinking very seriously about the way in which we treat our planet. I have not touched on the negative implications of Climate Change or a mistreated environment because frankly, it’s depressing. No matter who you are or what you believe, large scale global climatic changes will affect you. Not just the nerds who worry about this stuff. Economic depressions, mass human displacement, droughts, floods, hunger and many more are on the cards.
I would say that there is one good lesson we can take from witnessing what we have done. And that is that we now realize we have the capacity to change our very planet. Through our decisions and actions we can mould the world in the way we choose. If we all decide to repair past mistakes and to change the future for the better, we can.
Every one of us is fortunately in the position to start making changes from…well now. By starting to use clean technologies that decrease our reliance on fossil fuels and things like that we can start to tip the scales again in our favor. Another benefit (I think anyway) of running a more efficient life is actually financial. People are realizing the need for alternative energy and I think that all that was actually necessary. These days one can generate more than enough energy using solar and wind power to run a home and you can even buy a guide that will show you how to convert your car to run on a mixture of gas and water, effectively creating a sort of hydrogen fuel cell.
I’m afraid I don’t have the time to research all the different methods you could use to get cheaper and cleaner energy, but I have personally used two. I’d recommend building your own solar and wind power and running your car on water. I’ve done them both and they actually work.
So, if I may suggest something, I’d advise you to not take my word for it and check out some efficient technologies. You don’t even have to care about the environment or something hippy like that, renewable energy will save you a lot of money. The links below are where I got my renewable energy technology from, they’re both pretty good reviews so you can choose for yourself.
Good Luck