The answer is not as simple as “global warming” (a term I generally eschew). Although the average temperature of the Earth has risen by about 1.2°C since pre-industrial times, this does not mean that every place will get warmer at the same rate or in the same way. The term “global climate change” is more accurate, as it reflects the complex and diverse effects of human activities on the planet's climate system.
The highest-ever average temperature in the history of meteorological record keeping was just last Tuesday. The second highest was the day before.
One of these effects is the increase in greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, in the atmosphere. These gases trap heat from the sun and prevent it from escaping back into space, creating a greenhouse effect that warms the Earth. The more greenhouse gases we emit, the more heat we trap, and the more we disrupt the natural balance of the climate.
Another effect is the change in ocean currents, which are driven by differences in temperature and salinity. The oceans act as a giant conveyor belt, transporting heat and moisture around the world and influencing weather patterns. However, as the oceans warm up and melt ice sheets and glaciers, they become less dense and less able to circulate. This can alter or slow down the ocean currents, affecting regional climates and ecosystems.
A third effect is the feedback loop between climate change and natural phenomena. For example, as the Earth warms up, more water evaporates from land and sea, creating more clouds and precipitation. However, this also means more water vapor in the air, which is itself a greenhouse gas that enhances warming. Another example is the melting of snow and ice, which reduces the reflectivity of the Earth's surface and exposes darker land or water that absorbs more heat.
These effects interact with each other in complex and unpredictable ways, creating a range of impacts on different parts of the world. Some places may experience more heat waves, droughts, floods, storms, wildfires, or sea level rise, while others may see colder winters, heavier snowfall, or changes in biodiversity. The severity and frequency of these events may also increase over time, posing serious challenges for human health, food security, water resources, infrastructure, and the economy.
The good news is that we can still take action to mitigate and adapt to global climate change. By reducing our greenhouse gas emissions, using renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, conserving water and forests, promoting sustainable agriculture and transportation, and supporting green innovation and education, we can slow down the rate of warming and limit its consequences. By preparing for and responding to extreme weather events, enhancing our resilience and adaptation capacity, strengthening our disaster risk management and early warning systems, and cooperating with other countries and communities, we can cope with the impacts of climate change and protect our lives and livelihoods.
Global climate change is not a distant or abstract problem. It is happening here and now, affecting us all in different ways. It is also not inevitable or irreversible. We have the power and responsibility to shape our future and safeguard our planet for ourselves and future generations.