Recently the IPPC, the International Panel on Climate change, has come out with information regarding the climate crisis we are facing. This information has confirmed some terrible news that hopefully will be taken seriously.
Unless there are mass reductions of greenhouse gases, we are estimated to cross the global warning limit, which is 1.5°C, in the next few decades. Human activities have caused the earth's temperature to rise 1.1°C since 1850-1900. In the next 20 years, if we don’t greatly decrease our use of fossil fuels, the temperature will reach and surpass the warning level.
Climate change is affecting rainfall patterns, sea levels, causing the icebergs to melt before they are meant to, changing the oceans (which damages ecosystems), and overall intensifying the water cycle. The additional warmth in the atmosphere and intensification of the water cycle is increasing the intensity of storms, fires, drought, and flooding, which is costing lives and destroying habitat for people and wildlife
If emissions of greenhouse gasses went down in large quantities climate change would be limited. Air quality levels would also rise (improve). If this is to happen it would take 20-30 years for the earth's temperature to stabilize.
According to the IPPC “The report also shows that human actions still have the potential to determine the future course of climate” This proves we can do something as humans. Our decisions will decide what happens to us and our earth.
By Kailey Ragle