Continuing our series (and in case you missed it, Part 1), here is Climate Change – The Quick Guide – Part 2. In this blog we dig deeper into global warming – what it is, why it is important, and what we can do.
4. What are the governmental solutions that we know to help mitigate climate change?
Governments have a crucial role to play in mitigating climate change by implementing policies and regulations that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainability. Here is a list of some key actions that governments can take, along with references to support these recommendations:
Implement Carbon Pricing
Carbon pricing, through either a carbon tax or a cap-and-trade system, can provide a market signal that incentivizes industries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
Invest in Renewable Energy
Governments can invest in renewable energy research and development, as well as provide incentives for renewable energy production and adoption.
Implement Energy Efficiency Standards
Governments can set energy efficiency standards for buildings, appliances, and vehicles, which can reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Support Sustainable Transportation
Governments can promote sustainable transportation options such as public transit, biking, and walking by providing infrastructure, incentives, and subsidies.
Encourage Low-carbon Agriculture
Supporting low-carbon agriculture practices, such as reducing the use of fertilizers and promoting regenerative agriculture, can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the agriculture sector.
Implement Forest Conservation Policies
Governments can implement policies that promote the conservation and restoration of forests, which can act as carbon sinks and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Promote Circular Economy
Governments can promote a circular economy by implementing policies that reduce waste and promote the reuse and recycling of materials, which can reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with waste disposal and production.
5. What can private organizations do to help mitigate climate change?
Private organizations, including businesses, non-profit organizations, and civil society groups, also have an important role to play in mitigating climate change. Here is a list of some key actions that private organizations can take, along with references to support these recommendations:
Implement Sustainable Business Practices
Private organizations can implement sustainable business practices, such as reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in their operations and supply chains.
Invest in Renewable Energy
Private organizations can also invest in renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, for their operations.
Implement Sustainable Transportation
Private organizations can promote sustainable transportation options for employees, such as encouraging public transit, carpooling, and electric vehicles.
Reduce Food Waste
Private organizations can implement policies and practices to reduce food waste in their operations and supply chains, which can reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with food waste.
Promote Sustainable Agriculture
Private organizations can promote sustainable agriculture practices, such as reducing the use of fertilizers and pesticides and promoting regenerative agriculture.
Use Sustainable Materials
Private organizations can use sustainable materials in their operations and products, such as recycled or biodegradable materials.
Support Climate Policy
Private organizations can support climate policy by advocating for policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon pricing or renewable energy standards.
6. Is climate change caused by humans?
Climate change is a complex, multifaceted issue, subject to extensive research and debate. While factors like natural variability and solar radiation contribute to Earth’s climate changes, strong evidence indicates human activities primarily drive global warming and related climate change.
Termed a “geological force,” humans have profoundly impacted Earth’s surface and ecosystems. The “Anthropocene” describes this epoch where human activities dominate global environmental change. Humans have altered Earth’s climate through greenhouse gas emissions, like carbon dioxide and methane, trapping atmospheric heat and raising global temperatures.
The scientific consensus on human-caused climate change arises from diverse evidence, including temperature and climate trends, Earth’s energy budget and carbon cycle analyses, and climate system computer models. The United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) deems it “extremely likely” (95-100% probability) that human activities, especially fossil fuel burning, primarily cause global warming and associated climate change.
Key evidence for human-caused global warming includes Earth’s atmosphere and ocean temperature change patterns. Average global temperatures have risen approximately 1.1°C (2.0°F) since the late 19th century, with the most pronounced warming in recent decades. The 2010s were the hottest decade, and 2020 tied with 2016 as the hottest year on record. These temperature changes align with greenhouse gas physics and are challenging to explain without considering human activities.
Other evidence supporting human-caused climate change includes:
Changes in the Earth’s energy budget
Scientists have measured changes in the amount of energy coming into and leaving the Earth’s system, and have found that the Earth is receiving more energy than it is emitting. This energy imbalance is consistent with the trapping of heat by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Changes in the carbon cycle
Scientists have measured changes in the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, as well as changes in the isotopic composition of carbon in the atmosphere and oceans. These changes are consistent with the burning of fossil fuels, which releases carbon that has been stored in the Earth for millions of years.
Attribution studies
Statistical techniques help scientists gauge human activities’ contribution to observed climate change. Studies consistently pinpoint humans as the main cause of global warming.
While uncertainties and debates exist within the scientific community concerning specific climate change aspects, such as future warming or regional impacts, the overall consensus remains clear: human activities drive Earth’s climate change at an unparalleled rate, posing significant, potentially catastrophic consequences for ecosystems, economies, and societies.
Stay tuned for Climate Change – The Quick Guide – Part 3
