This Climate Week, we’re sharing 5 climate realities that are top of mind for climate scientists.
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1. Warming is Accelerating.
Nearly every corner of the Earth is warming in a way we haven’t seen for thousands of years. In fact, you have to go back almost 125,000 years to find surface temperatures hotter than those found today [1]. Even more troubling, at our current rate of carbon emissions, we could pass the 1.5 degree warming threshold within the next two decades.
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2. Burning Fossil Fuels Contributes to Extreme Weather.
Using advanced modeling, scientists have shown that extreme weather events, such as heat waves, are often caused by human activity. Namely, the burning of fossil fuels. According to the CDC, extreme heat affects our bodies in a number of alarming ways, and can be deadly [2]. Extreme heat can also contribute to wildfires and other disasters that are becoming far too common [3].
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3. Natural Allies are Weakening.
The Earth’s natural allies—forests, oceans, and soil—soak up much of the carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere. Without their help, the Earth would be even farm warmer than it is [4]. But these natural allies are getting tired, and over saturated. All the more reason to stand up for our water, trees, and soil by ending the new fossil fuel production that wreaks havoc on natural resources.
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4. There is Still Time.
If there’s good news, it’s this: The Earth “rewards good behavior." [5] Our planet has the power to stabilize heating and rising temperatures, and will do so within a couple of decades [5], but only in conjunction with reduced, and eventually zero, emissions. That means we have to stop burning fossil fuels. However, some of the changes to our environment, such as sea level rise, are likely permanent.
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5. The Sooner We Act, the Better.
If there is anything scientists know for sure, it’s that time is of the essence. There is still a window in which we can dramatically reduce the effects of global warming and secure a healthier future for our children. But we simply cannot wait any longer. Now means now. And it all starts with keeping fossil fuels in the ground and investing in a cleaner, safer, renewable energy economy.