MINNEAPOLIS — The Paris Climate Accord was signed in that year with the aim of averting catastrophic warming. Almost 200 countries made a legally-binding commitment to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Every molecule of greenhouse gas in the atmosphere — such as carbon dioxide and methane — is comparable to a feather in a down comforter. The more molecules, the more warming. Human activities, such as the combustion of fossil fuels, have resulted in the highest level of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere in at least 800,000 years, and a rate of warming that NASA describes as "unprecedented" in human history. Based on our current rate of progress, the U.N. predicts that the Earth's average temperature will rise to nearly double the target by 2030. Even if every country were to cut their emissions by 42% overnight, the U.N. says there is still no guarantee that we would limit warming enough to prevent the worst natural disasters. The truth is that not only did we fail to reduce emissions, but emissions from the burning of coal, oil, and gas increased by 1.2% last year. RELATED: In a surprising turn of events, recent data shows that greenhouse gas emissions, which were projected to increase by 16% by 2030, are now only projected to increase by 3%. This significant reduction in projected emissions is a testament to the possibility of change and the impact of current policies. However, despite this progress, there is still much work to be done. The earth has already experienced extreme weather events, such as droughts and wildfires, which serve as a preview of what's to come. It is crucial that we take steps to prepare our homes and infrastructure for more frequent and severe weather events. One of the main contributors to greenhouse gas emissions is energy production, accounting for 86% of global carbon dioxide. The most effective way to reduce emissions is to use less energy. Additionally, buying local not only supports local businesses but also reduces the need for goods to travel long distances. Individual actions can also make a difference. Something as simple as a home energy audit can help reduce waste and save money. Furthermore, there are government incentives in place, such as the Inflation Reduction Act with $375 billion in spending on clean energy, that can encourage and support individuals in adopting more sustainable practices. However, it is important to recognize that climate change is not an issue that can be solved by individuals alone. Transformative change needs to happen at the city, state, and national levels. It is crucial for individuals to use their voices and advocate for policies and actions that address climate change effectively.
"Shocking Climate Change Report: We're Failing Miserably to Meet Paris Climate Agreement Goals!"
The U.N. predicts that the earth's average temperature will rise to nearly double the goal by 2030.
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21 Nov 2023, 02:19 AM
