Our climate is changing around us faster than predicted. From more
frequent and extreme storms to unprecedented heat waves, we’re feeling
the impacts of human-caused global warming.
But we still have time to change course. We can avoid more dire impacts of climate change by limiting warming to 1.5° C (2.7° F) according to a recent report by the United Nations.
The world is already 1° C (1.8° F) hotter than it was between 1850 and 1900, the pre-industrial era. And while there’s no question that limiting warming to 1.5° C will be difficult, there’s also no question that we have the technology needed to do it—and that it’s worth it.
In 2015, 196 countries signed on to a single, sweeping plan that aims to keep global warming to well below 2° C (3.6° F)—or even 1.5° C. The unprecedented Paris Agreement builds on decades of gradual work by the international community to combat climate change and adapt to its impacts. World leaders must work together to eliminate the release of heat-trapping carbon by 2050—and, ideally, by 2040. To do this, they will need to strengthen their commitments to cut emissions over time.
But climate change is not a problem that government can solve alone; we need collaboration across regional governments, businesses, and communities as well. We also need to help wildlife and people cope with a rapidly warming planet.
But we still have time to change course. We can avoid more dire impacts of climate change by limiting warming to 1.5° C (2.7° F) according to a recent report by the United Nations.
The world is already 1° C (1.8° F) hotter than it was between 1850 and 1900, the pre-industrial era. And while there’s no question that limiting warming to 1.5° C will be difficult, there’s also no question that we have the technology needed to do it—and that it’s worth it.
In 2015, 196 countries signed on to a single, sweeping plan that aims to keep global warming to well below 2° C (3.6° F)—or even 1.5° C. The unprecedented Paris Agreement builds on decades of gradual work by the international community to combat climate change and adapt to its impacts. World leaders must work together to eliminate the release of heat-trapping carbon by 2050—and, ideally, by 2040. To do this, they will need to strengthen their commitments to cut emissions over time.
But climate change is not a problem that government can solve alone; we need collaboration across regional governments, businesses, and communities as well. We also need to help wildlife and people cope with a rapidly warming planet.
Here’s what’s at stake if we limit warming to 1.5° C versus 2° C.
Sea Level Rise
Sea level rise by 2100
1.5°C
1.5 feet
2°C
1.8 feet
Rising sea levels could impact tens of millions of people and
wildlife around the world, particularly those living on coasts and
islands
Coral Bleaching
Coral reefs at risk of severe degradation by 2100
1.5°C
70%
2°C
Virtually all
Changes in water temperature causes algae to leave coral reefs,
turning them white and making them vulnerable to disease and death—a
phenomenon known as coral bleaching.
Ice-Free Arctic
Ice-free Arctic summers
1.5°C
At least one a century
2°C
At least one a decade
Arctic sea ice recedes every summer, but still covers millions of
square miles of ocean today. But the Arctic is warming faster than
anywhere else on Earth and ice-free summers could become a reality.
Heat Waves
People exposed to extreme heat waves every 20 years
1.5°C
700 million
2°C
2 billion
Heat waves will become more frequent and severe around the world,
affecting hundreds of millions—or even billions—of people if we don’t
act.
Flooding
Increase in flood risk
1.5°C
100%
2°C
170%
Global warming increases the risk of more frequent—and
heavier—rainfall, snowfall, and other precipitation. And as that risk
increases, so too does the risk of flooding.
Wildlife Habitat
Plants and animals at risk of losing more than half of their habitats
1.5°C
6% of insects
8% of plants
4% of vertebrates*
2°C
18% of insects
16% of plants
8% of vertebrates
As the earth continues to warm, crucial habitats may no longer be
hospitable for certain animals or plants. This puts a variety of species
at risk, depending on whether they can adapt or move.
*Animals with a backbone
*Animals with a backbone
You are part of the solution. Here’s how.
Your impact on climate change primarily comes from what you eat, how
you power your home and mobile devices, and how you travel from place to
place. The average US citizen emits 20 tons of greenhouse gas emissions
per year due primarily to these activities. (This is 10 times the
emissions from the average person in India, for example.) Here are a few
ideas for reducing your carbon footprint:
Electricity
If you own your own house, consider
getting solar panels or looking into community solar projects in your
area. Also, check if your utilities offer renewable energy options (most
do) and make the switch. As renewable energy prices drop, this change
can have little to no effect on your bills.
Transportation
Reduce the fossil fuel impact of your
daily commute to work or school by riding your bike, carpooling, or
using public transportation one or more days per week.
Food
Take a hard look at household food waste
in your home and commit to cutting it from its current level. Only buy
what you need and eat what you buy.
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