A call for climate
By Harry Ryu
October 28, 2023
UPDATED 12:00 PM EST
Summer's arrival often brings the challenge of intense heat and humidity, but in recent years, this has been exacerbated by the formation of heat domes. These heat domes occur when high-pressure systems trap heat near the Earth's surface, leading to prolonged and extreme heatwaves. This past summer, regions like Canada and the northwestern United States, which had previously experienced milder summers, suffered through unprecedented heatwaves, with temperatures soaring above 54°C. The consequences were dire, including dry conditions, forest fires, power outages, and tragic loss of life.
Simultaneously, the same summer also saw a paradoxical increase in heavy rainfall in various parts of the world. Western Europe, China, Japan, and India experienced record-breaking rainfall, resulting in catastrophic floods, landslides, and widespread damage. These extreme weather events serve as stark reminders that the climate crisis is no longer a distant concern; it's an urgent global issue affecting all life on Earth.
The climate crisis transcends borders, generations, genders, occupations, and health statuses, making it a universal challenge. The current generation finds itself in a unique position, being the first to witness the visible and tangible consequences of climate change and potentially the last with the opportunity to take meaningful action. The responsibility to address this crisis falls on individuals, communities, and governments alike.
A crucial strategy to avert the impending climate catastrophe is Carbon Net-Zero, also known as Carbon Neutrality. This approach involves balancing carbon emissions with carbon absorption, effectively halting further climate destabilization. The concept of carbon neutrality gained prominence with the Paris Agreement of 2015, which aimed to limit the increase in global average temperatures to less than 1.5°C compared to the pre-industrial era. However, the urgency of the situation now requires us to consider advancing the target for carbon neutrality, potentially to 2040, as suggested by the IPCC's 6th Climate Change Assessment Report.
Our historical quality of life has been built upon unchecked greenhouse gas emissions, and the climate crisis is nature's overdue bill for these emissions. Delaying action only accumulates more interest on this bill. Each one of us must strive to become a 'climate citizen,' committed to carbon neutrality. Climate citizens understand the causes and consequences of the climate crisis, acknowledge their rights and responsibilities, adopt climate-friendly behaviors, and actively work toward carbon neutrality. This responsibility extends to future generations.
To achieve carbon neutrality, we must first transform our lifestyles. Energy conservation is essential, and adopting practices that reduce waste and minimize unnecessary energy consumption can make a significant difference. The growth of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, introduces variability in power supply due to weather fluctuations. Therefore, we must adjust our consumption behavior to accommodate these changes. Dietary choices also play a substantial role in greenhouse gas emissions, emphasizing the importance of reducing meat consumption and considering vegetarianism. Furthermore, waste reduction inherently involves curbing emissions by favoring reusable alternatives over disposable products.
Transitioning from passive energy consumption to actively reducing energy demand is another crucial step. This can be achieved by installing renewable energy systems in our homes or investing in renewable energy-related funds. Unlike conventional power generation, renewable energy facilities like solar panels can be installed on a smaller scale, making energy production accessible to individuals and communities.
Active participation in political processes is paramount for addressing the climate crisis effectively. Voting for representatives who prioritize climate action and carbon neutrality is crucial. Politicians must feel the pressure of climate-conscious votes, and when they fail to prioritize these critical issues, constituents should hold them accountable. Some citizens may not voluntarily adopt climate-conscious behaviors, necessitating the creation and revision of laws, systems, and policies to ensure everyone contributes.
Lastly, the transition to a decarbonized society offers opportunities, particularly for future generations. It's essential to engage in discussions about the evolving world and encourage students to envision their roles in this new society. Climate crisis education should emphasize the interconnectedness between daily life and nature, fostering an understanding of the relationships between society, nature, and the environment. This understanding will guide us in creating a sustainable future, as we collectively strive to avert the impending climate catastrophe.