The term “climate crisis” refers to significant and long-term changes in Earth’s climate patterns. This results primarily from human activities that increase greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere, leading to urgent and profound challenges. The climate crisis encompasses a range of environmental, economic, and social issues arising from the Earth's warming. Activities such as deforestation, industrial processes, and the burning of fossil fuels can enhance the greenhouse effect, trapping more heat and causing global temperatures to rise. According to the United Nations, global surface temperatures have risen faster since 1970 than in any other long-term period during the past 2,000 years.
One key consequence of the climate crisis is global warming, with the Earth’s average temperature steadily increasing. This leads to changes in weather patterns, ecosystem shifts, and more frequent and severe heatwaves. Each successive decade since the mid-20th century has been warmer than the previous one, contributing to more intense and frequent extreme weather events. Bangladesh serves as a stark example, ranked 7th in the Climate Risk Index 2021 as one of the most vulnerable countries to climate devastation due to its geographical location, low-lying topography, and high population density. Despite the government's active measures, the vulnerability of Bangladesh emphasizes the global need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support adaptation measures in vulnerable regions.
Another consequence of the climate crisis is the melting ice and rising sea levels, threatening coastal communities, low-lying areas, and island nations. Increased temperatures cause polar ice caps and glaciers to melt, contributing to rising sea levels. Additionally, the absorption of excess carbon dioxide by the world’s oceans leads to acidification, harming marine ecosystems and species.
Changes in climate, along with habitat destruction and fragmentation, contribute to biodiversity loss, with many species struggling to adapt or migrate. This crisis has far-reaching effects on human communities, affecting food security, water resources, agriculture, and increasing the risks of conflict and migration, all playing a significant role in vulnerability to natural disasters.
Addressing the climate crisis requires global cooperation, concerted efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, transition to renewable energy sources, and adaptation to ongoing changes. The Paris Agreement, a landmark international accord adopted in 2015, aims to bring countries together to collectively tackle the climate crisis and limit global temperatures. Key features include the Global Temperature Goal, Five-Year Review Cycle, Global Stocktake, Financial Support, Adaptation and Loss and Damage, and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). While considered a significant step forward, the scale and urgency of this problem require accelerated actions.
Preventing the climate crisis necessitates global and coordinated efforts at individual, corporate, community, and governmental levels. Everyone must play a crucial role in creating a more resilient and sustainable future through sustainable practices, supporting environmental stewardship initiatives, and advocating for policy changes.
Written by Hazira Miah.
Photo credit: Unsplash / Li-An Lim
Edited by Marina Ramzy.
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