Climate Clock Is Ticking and requires us to take immediate steps for a sustainable future. To reduce carbon emissions, support renewable energy use and raise awareness among individuals and organizations.
The Mercator Research Institute on Global Commons and Climate Change in Berlin developed this display to show people how many years, days, minutes and seconds they have left to reduce carbon emissions and boost renewable energy generation. Furthermore, it shows what percentage of their energy generation comes from renewable sources.
Climate change is caused by human activities
Climate Change is rapidly altering, so taking decisive action must become a priority. Union Square’s Climate Clock serves as a visual reminder that now is the time for action; its display shows how much more global warming will result from continuing carbon dioxide emissions as well as how close we are to reaching key climate thresholds.
Scientists generally acknowledge that humans have caused climate change through increasing levels of heat-trapping greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. These act like glass in a greenhouse to trap heat inside, keeping it from escaping out into space. Some greenhouse gases occur naturally while others are produced through human activities – carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone are among these human-produced gases; including burning fossil fuels, deforestation, land use changes, livestock farming as well as some industrial processes can contribute to increased emissions.
Scientists have recently concluded that most of the warming observed over recent decades is attributable to human activity. While some natural processes may contribute, most is driven by humanity and accelerating. Recently, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change issued its Synthesis Report declaring the climate crisis “unequivocal” and human-made.
Though climate change is undeniably caused by humans, many still deny its existence or associate it with economics, politics and religion issues. To help facilitate discussions around this topic, the National Academies of Science offers a video segment called It’s Us which features several well-known climate scientists discussing this issue; educators can use Climate Change Resources from Alliance for Science as discussion starters.
One of the clearest signs of climate change is rising sea levels. This occurs as water absorbs more heat from the sun as temperatures warm, further stressing earth ecosystems through issues like pollution and ozone depletion.
The Climate Clock shows how long we have left to avoid catastrophic levels of global warming by estimating how much carbon dioxide can be released annually and measuring our rate of emission; currently the clock shows less than six years left, meaning we must increase change more quickly.
It is accelerating
Climate Clock landmarks can be found across several cities worldwide and measure how long remains until temperatures surpass a specific threshold. Created by artists Andrew Boyd and Gan Golan, the Climate Clock displays two key timelines: “Lifeline”, which measures time remaining until global temperature reaches 1.5 degC; and “Deathline”, which displays time until 2degC is reached.
Since the dawn of the 21st century, climate change has occurred at an unprecedented pace. Greenhouse gas emissions – such as carbon dioxide and methane emissions – have more than doubled since 1900.
While this has not caused irreversible global warming, it has caused extreme weather events and ocean acidification, species migration or extinction risk increases, resource competition increases and the resulting damages could cost trillions.
Take action now if you want a sustainable future! There are numerous steps you can take, from cutting personal energy consumption to supporting local initiatives that encourage sustainability. Furthermore, invest in renewable energies, use greener transportation options, purchase fair trade goods or reduce carbon emissions by recycling your waste – there is so much you can do.
Even in light of alarmist news, some countries are taking steps to combat climate change. The European Union, for example, has set an ambitious goal to reduce their emissions by 40% by 2030; and the US has also shown some progress toward cutting carbon emissions.
To avert a climate crisis, it is imperative that we work collaboratively. Furthermore, everyone should recognize and acknowledge the urgency of this situation and act swiftly; time is running out!
Climate crisis affects not only our planet but also people’s lives and well-being. To solve it effectively requires adopting an holistic approach to sustainable development that balances human rights with economic, ecological and ecological goals; taking this route will require substantial advances in education and healthcare as well as better lifestyle decisions that benefit both Earth and its inhabitants.
It is affecting all sectors of society
Climate change impacts all facets of society, from food production to economic development and public health, while simultaneously having devastating effects on individuals’ quality of life. Droughts reduce food availability and threaten human health; floods damage property, spread disease and affect food production; while heat waves destroy crops and lead to fatalities. Furthermore, this impact is compounded by longstanding socioeconomic inequities – for instance poorer communities are more exposed to climate hazards while lacking resources necessary to respond appropriately.
We must act now on climate change! Emissions must be cut quickly while adaptation efforts ramped up rapidly; to do this will require unparalleled political leadership as well as swift business actions.
Businesses must help customers lower their carbon footprint as well. This can be accomplished by offering low-carbon products, encouraging recycling programs and making use of renewable energy sources. Individuals can also take steps to save electricity and waste by turning off lights and appliances when not needed.
Increased demand for sustainable goods and services presents private sector companies with an enormous opportunity. For instance, as global temperatures increase, air conditioning and refrigeration demand will increase accordingly; when Arctic sea ice retreats, new shipping routes open up allowing companies to reduce transportation costs; furthermore biotech and medical technology firms could experience an uptick in sales as they develop crops more adapted to climate change.
Sustainable futures can only be realized with collective action by all sectors of society – government leaders, business owners and consumers alike. Reducing emissions requires investing in sustainable infrastructure as well as supporting innovative technologies that could revolutionise life on earth. Also essential is creating an awareness culture and providing incentives to encourage individuals and companies alike to act sustainably.
The Climate Clock doesn’t measure exactly when global temperatures will reach 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming; rather it depicts how much time remains to prevent it. It relies on the assumption that annual emissions, which fell during Covid-19 pandemic years but are expected to resume their previous levels by 2021, will remain at their 2019 levels.
It is a matter of urgency
Climate change affects every corner of the globe – rising sea levels, depleted ozone levels or melting Arctic ice being but three examples – prompting bold collective action as an emergency situation. Climate change does not just refer to carbon emissions but also includes environmental degradation, economic disruption and conflict – with its consequences already evident from hotter-than-ever weeks, heatwaves in localized regions and an increased risk of natural disasters resulting from its impacts.
Take immediate steps to preserve our species! In order to understand the causes of climate change and make informed decisions about how best to proceed. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has proposed various pathways for mitigating global warming; however, immediate attention must be directed toward those issues which pose the greatest threats first.
One of the key strategies for mitigating climate change is cutting our dependence on fossil fuels – they account for most human-caused greenhouse gasses – so as this trend decreases it will become easier to reduce other greenhouse emissions and transition towards renewable sources of energy. We must seize this momentous opportunity of transitioning towards a cleaner economy.
The IPCC report highlights that restricting global warming to 1.5degC would significantly reduce risks and costs associated with climate change, making limiting emissions at current pace insufficient to prevent temperatures rising above this threshold and nearing irretrievability. As such, immediate steps need to be taken in order to achieve this target and mitigate global warming to 1.5degC before it passes irreversibility.
As well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, we must also work towards ensuring all people can access sustainable development and prosperity. To do so effectively we must tackle climate change from an integrated and holistic viewpoint, address root causes of poverty inequality hunger malnutrition while creating resilient economies with long-term sustainability prospects.
Attracting new investors, expanding existing portfolios, and building strategic business plans. Parents should educate their children on the value of environmental stewardship – all are needed to combat climate change effectively.
