Today, I want to talk about global warming, because it is related to human activity and is happening at an unprecedented rate. Did you know that 2021 was one of the five hottest years on record? Indeed, the last seven years have been the hottest on record, with 2021 coming in fifth place, European scientists have calculated (Guan et al., 2021). Although, there are ways in which people can counteract global warming. Thus, it is important to consider how this problem can be solved.
It is crucial to mention that our current actions are not enough to stop global warming. Scientists warn that the planet’s temperature can rise by only 1.5C; irreversible environmental changes will begin above this threshold (Guan et al., 2021). Therefore, it is essential to make radical decisions, first of all, to reduce the use of fossil fuels such as oil, carbon, and natural gas. For this purpose, it is necessary to replace them with renewable and environmentally friendly energy sources while increasing energy efficiency. This way, it will reduce emissions into the atmosphere and cut them almost in half if each of us uses a bicycle instead of a car. A 2017 study, co-authored by Associate Professor Kimberly Nicholas, evaluated the effectiveness of 148 actions that each individual can take every day (Guan et al., 2021). In the first place was the refusal to travel by car.
Also, it is required that enterprises install ecological waste recycling systems. The initiative group of researchers and businessmen found that the rejection of hydrofluorocarbons effectively reduces harmful emissions into the atmosphere. Although alternative means require significant funding, the companies will continue polluting the environment (Guan et al., 2021). However, I want you to imagine a green planet, restoration of endangered species, and clean air. This will provide each of us with an incentive to fight to prevent environmental disasters.
Meanwhile, we can apply pressure on the government and corporations by exercising our rights as citizens and consumers and demanding the necessary systemic changes. One of the ways of struggle is to protest in front of the offices of large corporations. Thus, only joint efforts of individuals will help to save our planet from global warming.
Reference
Guan, Y., Lu, H., Jiang, Y., Tian, P., Qiu, L., Pellikka, P., & Heiskanen, J. (2021). Changes in global climate heterogeneity under the 21st century global warming. Ecological Indicators, 130, 108075.