What Is Climate Change And How Technology Can Help Fight With It ?

 

                                                                                           

The twenty eights installment of the annual climate summit, known as the conference of parties(COP), is taking place in the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E) from November 30th to December 12th of 2023. Attendees include high profile figures such as UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Microsoft founder Bill Gates. The main goal of the Summit is to keep global temperatures from rising above 1.5 degrees Celsius, which was the target agreed upon in the Paris agreement of 2015.

Climate change is one of the most urgent and important issues of our time. It affects the environment, the economy, and the society in many ways. But what is climate change, and how can we fight it? In this blog post, I will try to explain the basics of climate change and some of the actions that we can take to reduce its impacts.

What Is Climate Change?

Climate change is a term that describes how the weather patterns of a place or the whole planet are changing over a long time. For example, some places may get hotter, drier, wetter, or colder than they used to be. Some seasons may start earlier or last longer than before. Some storms may become more frequent or more powerful than before.

Climate change is happening because of human activities, such as burning fossil fuels (like coal, oil, and gas), cutting down forests, and raising livestock. These activities release a lot of gases into the air, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. These gases are called greenhouse gases, because they act like a blanket around the Earth and trap heat from the sun. This makes the Earth warmer than it should be.

Scientists measure how much warmer the Earth is by comparing the temperature now to the temperature before humans started burning a lot of coal, oil, and gas. This time is called the pre-industrial era, and it was about 150 years ago.

The average temperature of the Earth has gone up by more than 1 degree Celsius (almost 2 degrees Fahrenheit)  since the pre-industrial era. That may not sound like a lot, but it makes a big difference for the climate and the environment. The year 2021 was one of the hottest years ever recorded, and the last nine years were all very hot too.

But how do scientists know what the temperature was in the pre-industrial era? They use different methods and data sources, such as thermometers, weather stations, satellites, ice cores, tree rings, and historical records. However, these methods and data sources are not perfect, and they may give slightly different results. So, the temperature change since the pre-industrial era is not a single number, but a range that depends on how we measure it.

If the Earth keeps getting hotter, and the temperature goes above 2 degrees Celsius compared to the pre-industrial era, things will get worse for humans and other living things. Some of the bad things that could happen are:

1. More extreme weather events, such as heat waves, droughts, floods, storms, and wildfires. These can damage crops, houses, and infrastructure, and cause injuries and deaths.

2. More sea level rise, which means the water level of the oceans will get higher. This can erode the coastlines, flood the land near the sea, and contaminate the freshwater sources with saltwater.

3. More loss of plants and animals, which are important for the Earth's natural balance and for providing us with food, medicine, and other benefits. Some species may go extinct, and some habitats may disappear or change.

4. More problems with food, water, and health, which are essential for our survival and well-being. Some people may not have enough food to eat, or clean water to drink, or access to health care. Some diseases may spread more easily, and some people may suffer from heat stress or malnutrition.

5.  More conflicts and violence, which can happen when people fight over scarce resources, or when they are forced to leave their homes because of the impacts of climate change. Some people may become refugees, or migrants, or victims of war.

These impacts will not be the same everywhere, and some places will be more affected than others. The IPCC or Intergovernmental panel on Climate Change  is a group of scientists who study climate change and its effects. They have warned that the world needs to act fast and work together to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions and limit the warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. This way, we can avoid the worst consequences of climate change and protect the future of the Earth and its people.

What Causes Climate Change?

Climate change is mainly caused by the greenhouse gasses that humans emit into the atmosphere. These gasses come from different sources, such as:

1. Fossil fuels:   

These are the main source of greenhouse gas emissions, especially carbon dioxide. Fossil fuels are the fuels that come from ancient plants and animals, such as coal, oil, and gas. We use them to generate electricity, power vehicles, and heat buildings. However, when we burn them, they release carbon dioxide and other gases that trap heat in the atmosphere.

2.  Deforestation: 

This is another major source of greenhouse gas emissions, especially carbon dioxide and methane. Deforestation is the cutting down or burning of trees and forests. We do this to clear land for agriculture, logging, mining, or urban development. However, when we do this, we lose the trees that absorb carbon dioxide from the air and store it in their trunks, branches, and leaves. We also release the carbon that is stored in the soil and the dead plants and animals.

3. Agriculture:

This is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, especially methane and nitrous oxide. Agriculture is the growing of crops and raising of animals for food, fiber, or fuel. We do this to feed ourselves and our animals, and to produce biofuels. However, when we do this, we release methane from the digestion and manure of livestock, such as cows, pigs, or chickens. We also release nitrous oxide from the fertilizers and pesticides that we use on the crops and the soil.

4. Waste: 

 This is a minor source of greenhouse gas emissions, especially methane and carbon dioxide. Waste is the garbage or rubbish that we throw away or discard. We do this to get rid of the things that we no longer need or want, such as food scraps, paper, plastic, or metal. However, when we do this, we release methane from the decomposition of organic waste in landfills or dumps. We also release carbon dioxide from the incineration or burning of waste.

These are some of the main causes of climate change, but there are also other factors that influence the climate, such as:

• Natural variability: This is the normal fluctuation of the climate due to natural processes, such as the rotation and orbit of the Earth, the tilt of the Earth's axis, the solar activity, the volcanic eruptions, and the ocean currents. These processes can affect the amount of sunlight and heat that reach the Earth, and the distribution of heat and moisture around the Earth. They can cause short-term or long-term changes in the climate, such as the seasons, the El Niño and La Niña events, the ice ages, and the interglacial periods.

• Feedback loops: These are the interactions between different parts of the climate system, such as the atmosphere, the oceans, the land, the ice, and the biosphere. These interactions can amplify or dampen the effects of the greenhouse gases on the climate. For example, when the Earth gets warmer, some ice and snow melt, which reduces the reflectivity of the surface and exposes more dark land or water, which absorbs more heat and makes the Earth warmer. This is a positive feedback loop, because it enhances the warming. On the other hand, when the Earth gets warmer, some water evaporates, which increases the cloud cover, which reflects more sunlight and cools the Earth. This is a negative feedback loop, because it reduces the warming.

These are some of the factors that affect the climate and cause it to change. However, the scientific evidence shows that human activities are the main driver of the current climate change, and that the natural variability and feedback loops cannot explain the rapid and unprecedented warming that we are experiencing.

 How Can We Fight Climate Change?

                                                                                                                         

Climate change is a global problem that requires collective action from all levels of society. However, each individual can also contribute to the solution by making some changes in their daily lives. Here are some examples of how you can reduce your greenhouse gas emissions and help fight the climate crisis:

1. Use less electricity:  Electricity production is one of the main sources of greenhouse gas emissions, especially when it comes from burning fossil fuels like coal or gas. You can save energy and money by switching to LED light bulbs, adding insulation to your home, using smart thermostats, and turning off appliances when not in use. You can also choose to buy green electricity from renewable sources, such as solar, wind, or hydro power, if it is available in your area.

2.  Transform your transport:  Transportation is another major source of greenhouse gas emissions, especially when it involves cars, trucks, or planes that burn gasoline or diesel. You can reduce your emissions by using public transportation, biking, walking, or carpooling whenever possible. You can also switch to an electric or hybrid vehicle, or use biofuels or hydrogen as alternative fuels. You can also avoid unnecessary air travel, or offset your emissions by supporting projects that reduce or capture greenhouse gases.

3. Change your diet:  The food system is responsible for about a quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions, especially when it involves raising livestock, such as cows, pigs, or chickens, that produce methane and require a lot of land, water, and feed. You can reduce your emissions by eating less meat and dairy products, and more plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, and seeds. You can also choose organic, local, and seasonal foods, and avoid food waste by planning your meals, storing your food properly, and composting your leftovers.

4.  Reduce your consumption: The production and disposal of goods and services also generate a lot of greenhouse gas emissions, especially when they involve extracting natural resources, using chemicals, or creating plastic waste. You can reduce your emissions by buying less and reusing more. You can also opt for durable, recyclable, and biodegradable products, and avoid single-use and disposable items. You can also recycle or donate your unwanted items, and support businesses that are environmentally friendly and socially responsible.

5. Spread the word: You can also help fight the climate crisis by raising awareness and influencing others to take action. You can educate yourself and others about the causes and effects of climate change, and the solutions that are available. You can also join or support movements, campaigns, and organizations that advocate for climate action, such as Count Us In or ActNow. You can also lobby your local politicians and businesses to adopt policies and practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support a low-carbon transition.

These are some of the ways that you can help reduce your greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to the climate solution. Remember, every action counts, and together we can make a difference. Thank you for caring about the planet and its people.

How Can Technology or AI Help Fight Climate Change?

                      

Technology or AI are things that we use to make our lives better or easier. They can also help us fight climate change, which is a big problem that makes the Earth hotter and causes many troubles. Here are some ways that technology or AI can help us:

Measuring and reporting how much we pollute: Technology or AI can help us collect and show data on how much gas we put into the air from different sources, such as cars, factories, or farms. These gases make the Earth warmer and change the weather. We can use this data to see how much we pollute and how we can pollute less.

Reducing pollution and its effects: Technology or AI can help us use less energy, make more clean energy, and make things smarter. For example, they can help us make and use electricity from the sun, the wind, or the water, instead of from coal or gas. They can also help us make and use cars, machines, and crops that use less fuel, make less gas, and work better. They can also help us make and use new materials that do not harm the environment, such as plastics that can break down or be reused.

pollution from the air: Technology or AI can help us take out the extra gas that is already in the air, by making the natural or artificial things that can do that better. For example, they can help us watch and fix the places that have a lot of plants or water, such as forests, wetlands, or oceans, that can take in and store gas from the air. They can also help us make and use machines that can suck and hide gas from the air.

Adapting to the changes: Technology or AI can help us deal with the troubles that climate change causes, by making us stronger and ready. For example, they can help us predict and handle the bad weather, such as heat, drought, flood, storm, or fire, by giving us warnings, plans, and help. They can also help us protect and help the people and places that are in danger, such as the coast, the islands, or the coral reefs, by giving us tools, information, and money.

These are some ways that technology or AI can help us fight climate change, but there are also many more. However, technology or AI cannot solve the problem by themselves, and they also have some problems and risks, such as being unfair, unsafe, or harmful. Therefore, we need to use them carefully and responsibly, and work with other people, such as leaders, businesses, and groups, that want to fight climate change and save the planet.

Conclusion

Climate change is a real and serious problem that affects everyone and everything on Earth. It is caused by the greenhouse gases that humans emit into the atmosphere, mainly from burning fossil fuels, deforestation, agriculture, and waste. It can lead to more extreme weather events, sea level rise, loss of biodiversity, food insecurity, water scarcity, health risks, displacement, migration, conflict, and violence.

However, climate change is not inevitable, and we can still prevent the worst impacts by taking action to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the changes that are already happening. We can use less electricity, transform our transport, change our diet, reduce our consumption, and spread the word. We can also support the efforts of scientists, governments, organizations, and communities that are working to fight the climate crisis and protect the planet.

Climate change is not only a challenge, but also an opportunity. It is an opportunity to create a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient world. It is an opportunity to innovate, collaborate, and inspire. It is an opportunity to make a positive difference for ourselves and future generations.

We have the power and the responsibility to act on climate change. We have the knowledge and the solutions to do it. We have the hope and the courage to make it happen. We are the change that we want to see in the world. Let's start today.