Introduction :
Global warming continues to wreak havoc across the world, and last year was no exception. According to the European climate agency Copernicus, the Earth has broken annual heat records, coming dangerously close to the internationally agreed global warming threshold. This alarming reality highlights the need to continue raising public awareness about the dangers of global warming and the steps that can be taken to mitigate it.
Unprecedented heat records:
In 2023, the Earth will have warmed 1.48 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial times, moving closer to the 1.5°C limit set in the 2015 Paris Agreement. Samantha Burgess, Deputy Director of Copernicus, warns that January 2024 is expected to be so hot that, for the first time, a 12-month period will exceed the 1.5°C threshold. These figures show the urgency of taking measures to further limit global warming.
The consequences of global warming:
Global warming has devastating consequences on our planet. Last year, many parts of the world were hit by extreme weather, including deadly heatwaves in Europe, North America and China, prolonged droughts that affected the Horn of Africa, torrential rains that destroyed dams and caused catastrophic flooding in Libya, as well as devastating forest fires in Canada. These tragic events are directly linked to global warming, which amplifies the intensity and frequency of extreme weather phenomena.
Human responsibility:
According to researchers, all heatwave episodes occurring today are made more likely and more intense by human-caused climate change. Human activities, such as the burning of coal, oil and natural gas, contribute to the increase of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, thereby causing global warming. It is therefore essential to take concrete measures to reduce our carbon footprint and adopt renewable energy sources.
Call to action:
The fight against global warming cannot be postponed. It is essential that we act now to preserve our planet for future generations. Informed policy decisions and consumer choices are needed to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, promote the use of renewable energy, adopt sustainable agricultural practices and implement environmental protection policies.
Conclusion :
The observation is clear, global warming is an alarming reality that requires urgent action. Last year’s extreme weather events and record-breaking heat events are stark signs of the harmful consequences of climate change. It is time for all of us to take concrete steps to reduce our impact on the environment and preserve our Earth for generations to come. Each of us has a role to play, whether by adopting sustainable lifestyles, supporting environmental protection policies or encouraging innovation in renewable energy.