A Crash Course on Climate Change

By Martha Aguilar

November 23rd, 2023

In the time it took me to begin this speech, more than 10,000 metric tons of climate-warming gases have been pumped into our atmosphere by human activity. This includes over 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions and 90% of carbon dioxide emissions. The effect is so profound that we have a name for it: Climate Change.

What is Climate Change?
Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. It has been an ongoing, well-known issue since the 1800s. While some causes are natural, human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily through the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas, which produce heat-trapping greenhouse gases. Other causes include manufacturing goods, deforestation, transportation, and food production. As greenhouse gas emissions envelop the Earth, they trap the sun’s heat, creating the predicament we are in today.

What Can We Do?
There are actions we can take to reduce our impact on the environment: Saving energy at home by switching to energy-efficient appliances and using LED light bulbs can help. Transportation choices like walking, biking, and using public transportation reduce our carbon footprint. Reducing food waste is crucial because when food rots in landfills, it produces methane (CH4), a potent greenhouse gas. Focusing on a plant-based diet also helps, as producing plant-based foods requires less energy, land, and water. Lastly, we can reduce, reuse, recycle, and repair. Recycling plastics, paper, and metals, repairing old clothes or items, and thrifting instead of buying new can significantly reduce environmental strain.

How Does It Affect Us Now?
The world is warming faster than at any point in recorded history. Rising temperatures are changing weather patterns and disrupting the natural balance, posing serious risks to humans and other life forms on Earth. The effects of climate change include hotter temperatures (Arizona has warmed by over two degrees Fahrenheit in the last century, with Phoenix projected to have an average summer temperature of 109.9°F by 2050), severe storms, increased drought, and rising oceans. The ocean has absorbed about 90% of the heat generated by rising emissions, which causes ice melting, sea-level rise, marine heatwaves, and ocean acidification. We are also witnessing a loss of species, health risks such as heart disease, stroke, asthma, pregnancy complications, and cancer, as well as increased poverty and displacement as climate change exacerbates socioeconomic disparities.

What Will You Do?
Now that we understand the severity of climate change, what actions will you take to fight back against it?