Global Temp rises Above 1.5 °C

?? We've hit a critical milestone: the global temperature has surpassed 1.5 degrees, ushering in a cascade of events and ?critical tipping point beyond which the impacts of climate change become increasingly severe and widespread.? Last year alone, five million people succumbed to lethal heat because they had nowhere to escape the scorching temperatures. We witnessed record-breaking heatwaves, pushing our planet to its limits. But this isn't just about statistics; it's about the very fabric of our existence.

If we continue on this trajectory, millions more will perish, food scarcity will intensify, and entire regions will become uninhabitable.

What this means:?

Reaching 1.5 degrees of warming signifies a critical moment in our planet's history, highlighting the urgent need for ambitious and collective action to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to unavoidable impacts, and build a more resilient and sustainable future for generations to come.

Watch the Episode on Earth's Rising Temperature

Watch the full episode in the comments to learn more about how you can join in.?

What this looks like:?

1. Increased Frequency of Extreme Weather Events: As global temperatures rise, we're already witnessing a surge in extreme weather events such as heatwaves, hurricanes, droughts, floods, and wildfires. These events are becoming more frequent, intense, and unpredictable, posing significant risks to human lives, infrastructure, and ecosystems.
2. Rising Sea Levels: Warmer temperatures contribute to the melting of polar ice caps and glaciers, leading to rising sea levels. This phenomenon threatens coastal communities, habitats, and economies, exacerbating the risk of flooding, erosion, and saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources.
3. Impacts on Ecosystems and Biodiversity: Climate change disrupts ecosystems and threatens biodiversity, leading to habitat loss, species extinction, and altered migration patterns. This can have cascading effects on food security, human health, and the stability of ecosystems that support life on Earth.
4. Human Health Risks: Higher temperatures can exacerbate health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions. Heatwaves can lead to heat-related illnesses and mortality, while changes in precipitation patterns can affect the spread of vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue fever.
5. Food and Water Security Challenges: Climate change impacts agricultural productivity, water availability, and food distribution systems, leading to food shortages, price volatility, and conflicts over resources. This poses challenges to global food security and exacerbates inequalities, particularly in regions already vulnerable to food insecurity.

The root cause: our reliance on fossil fuels

• The crux of the matter lies in our reliance on fossil fuels. Governments worldwide are constrained by emissions targets but falter when it comes to regulating fossil fuel production.Why? Because profit margins overshadow the urgency of the crisis. But we can't afford to prioritize profits over people any longer. This is a moment that demands action from all of us. Whether it's dedicating full-time efforts or volunteering a few hours a week, every contribution matters.

Episode Summary

In this new episode of Driving Impact, we speak to Dr. Tzeporah Berman, an experienced climate activist, on the importance of reducing fossil fuel production and the need for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.?

Dr Berman emphasizes the role of citizens in advocating for change, such as contacting elected officials, organizing petitions, and participating in marches. Dr. Berman also highlights the work of Stand.earth, an organization that analyzes data on various sectors and campaigns for change. She encourages individuals to support the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty and engage with organizations working towards climate action.?

The conversation concludes with a discussion on the outcomes of COP28 and the ongoing efforts to address climate change. In this conversation, we discuss various environmental issues and conservation efforts. We highlight California's lawsuit against the oil industry and its commitment to the Fossil Fuel Non-proliferation Treaty.?

We emphasize the importance of raising awareness and mobilizing public support for environmental causes.?

There are simple actions each individual can take:?

1) contact elected officials & organizations about the change you would like to see (i.e.: your vote matters) 2) organize petitions for climate change and?

3) reduce your carbon footprint

4) participate in marches?

Takeaways:

• Reducing fossil fuel production is crucial for addressing climate change.
• Citizens can make a difference by contacting elected officials, organizing petitions, and participating in marches.
• Stand.earth analyzes data on various sectors and campaigns for change.
• Supporting the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty is a powerful way to advocate for reducing fossil fuel production.
• COP28 highlighted the need for stronger action on climate change. California is suing the oil industry for hiding information about climate change and weakening environmental laws.
• California has signed onto the Fossil Peel Treaty, demonstrating its commitment to addressing climate change.
• Raising awareness and mobilizing public support are crucial for conservation efforts.
• Individuals can make a difference by reducing their carbon footprint and engaging with elected officials and organizations.

Reaching 1.5 C degrees is a sobering reality check. We're at a crossroads, but it's not too late to change course. Let's rally together, with all hands on deck, to combat climate change. Our future depends on it.?

#ClimateAction #GlobalWarming #ActNow ????

Resources:

https://stand.earth/

Tzeporah Berman: The bad math of the fossil fuel industry

Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty