Planet on Fire: Is Global Warming a Reality?

As we all know, the Earth’s temperature is increasing due to the emission of carbon pollution resulting from the burning of fossil fuels. The BBC reported, “This month, the global sea surface hit a new record high temperature.” This rise in temperature has disrupted the natural systems of our planet, leading to severe consequences such as stronger storms, rising sea levels, and hotter temperatures.

Do you ever worry about the world the children of today will inherit from us? Is a dark dystopian novel playing out before our eyes?  Are we pawns in this story? Or, might there be some big reason you are here? I too have wondered these things — since I was a boy in the 1960’s.  Then, almost every family in the USA had a kid that became a hippie, went to India, then went back-to-the-land.  Built a cabin, planted a vegetable garden, denounced consumerism. Then for some reason the magic went away. We returned to fashion, phones, and the endless hope that things will make us happy.  The place humanity is headed, doesn’t seem good.

While filming Saving Walden’s World in Kerala, I spoke with feminist scholar J. Devika who put it this way, “ I’m just hoping we are cured of this insanity of destroying this fragile piece of earth on which we live.” What she said next was prophetic, “If we are not going to quit this insanity we are in, this land is going to be swallowed by the sea.” Then in 2018 and 2021 Kerala faced devastating floods, made worse by climate change and generations of colonial destruction of a magnificent and biodiverse jungle for tea and rubber plantations.

These changes pose a serious threat to the health and well-being of our families and future generations. To delve deeper into the causes of this phenomenon, let us start with a question:

Like J. Devika, have you seen climate impacts where you live?  Please comment below and let us know what you are witnessing.

At nearly every climate summit there is a debate.  The wealthy point to poor nations with large families who burn dirty fuels, while the affluent take multiple flights a year and own multiple vehicles per household.

Meanwhile, the poorer nations say it is the wealthy nations who have contributed the most to climate change on a per-capita basis, and it is they who most suffer from heat-waves, drought, floods, sea-level rise and food insecurity.

To find answers beyond the claustrophobic American dream, I traveled to Kerala in 1993.  By train, then bicycle, I made my way to Gandhi’s Sevagram and Binoba Bhave’s ashram, in search of a certain guru I had heard about — Swami-you-don’t-need-a-cara. I wanted to break the mantra; I need my car, or, fill in the blank.

At Sevagram they asked, why I came to India.  I said, I’d come to learn from you. If you follow us, you’ll follow us over the cliff. They asked me to lead the prayers in the morning.

The documentary “Saving Walden’s World” takes viewers on a journey to three locations that are ahead of the curve in addressing global warming and its impacts. These locations, Cuba, Kerala, and Slovenia, have implemented policies and programs that prioritize universal access to higher education, child care, maternity leave, healthcare, contraception, and family planning services.

Research has confirmed that when women come out of poverty and can control their own reproduction AND attend college, they naturally have fewer children.  And, it just so happens, that having one less child is best way to reduce your climate impact, followed by not driving, not flying and eating vegetarian diets. Painfully obvious, in Cuba, Kerala and Slovenia, every person we filmed had multiple university degrees yet no personal car.

This documentary, soon to be released, serves as a reminder that urgent action is needed to address global warming, and that solutions can be found through policies and programs that prioritize gender equality, basic human rights, and sustainability. By learning from these examples and implementing similar policies, we can create a more equitable and sustainable world for ourselves and future generations.

The uncomfortable truth is that climate change is mostly a problem of affluence.  Mostly, people have large carbon footprints because they can.  The burgeoning middle-class of India emits seven times more than the poor.

We filmed Usha Nair, the Vice President of the All India Women’s Conference (AIWC) for our film. She explained, “it has become more and more clear that lifestyle change has to happen. Otherwise, there is no future for the planet.” I was startled.  As little impact as the people of India have historically had on climate, her willingness to point to the elephant in the room, lifestyle, was refreshing. She continued, “when children are less, the families are able to afford to send them to schools and colleges. And so down the line, it affects every sector.  Where women are not empowered. They are the ones who are going to face major problems.”

If up till now, you have avoided the topic of climate change, but sense a tsunami approaching, read on. We’ll dive into the science, but also, the personal and collective ways you might decide to flex your agency.

What’s global warming and climate change?

The terms “global warming” and “climate change” are frequently used interchangeably, but they have different meanings. Global warming refers to the gradual and continuous increase in the Earth’s average temperature, which has been well-documented since the early 20th century and has become more pronounced since the late 1970s. Since 1880, the global surface temperature has risen by about 1 degree Celsius (2 degrees Fahrenheit) relative to the mid-20th-century baseline.

Global warming is a long-term trend in the Earth’s climate that is characterized by rising temperatures, changes in precipitation, and other climate-related phenomena. Human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes release greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat from the sun and prevent it from escaping into space, leading to a warming effect on the Earth’s surface.

The Greenhouse Effect

The greenhouse effect is a natural process that helps to regulate the Earth’s temperature and keep it stable. It occurs due to the presence of certain gases in the atmosphere, which trap the sun’s heat. As we know it, the Earth would be too cold to support life, without the greenhouse effect.

However, human activities have significantly increased the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, leading to an enhanced greenhouse effect and global warming. As we burn fossil fuels, deforest large areas, and engage in other activities that release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, we alter the balance of gases that keep our planet’s temperature in check. This has serious consequences for our climate, including rising temperatures, changes in precipitation patterns, and more frequent and severe weather events.

Are humans causing climate change?

It is an undeniable fact that certain gases in the Earth’s atmosphere trap heat and contribute to global warming. At the same time, human activities such as burning fossil fuels release large amounts of carbon pollution into the atmosphere, exacerbating the greenhouse effect and causing temperatures to rise even further.

Given these well-established scientific principles, it is only logical to conclude that humans are the primary cause of the planet’s warming and the resulting climate change that we are experiencing today. While natural factors may contribute to some extent, the overwhelming evidence points to human activities as the driving force behind the changes we are seeing in our climate.

Evidence of Global Warming

There is an overwhelming amount of evidence that supports the reality of global warming. Below are some of the key pieces of evidence that clearly illustrate the severity of this issue:

1. Temperature Records: Temperature records from around the world show a steady increase in the Earth’s average temperature since the early 20th century. The 10 warmest years on record have all occurred since 1998, with 2016 being the hottest year on record.
2. Glacier Retreat: Glaciers and ice caps around the world are melting at an unprecedented rate. Since the 1960s, the amount of ice lost has increased four-fold. This trend is expected to continue, leading to rising sea levels and increased flooding in coastal areas.
3. Sea Level Rise: The rising sea levels have been accelerating at a rapid pace over the past century. The rise is caused by the thermal expansion of seawater, as well as the melting of glaciers and ice caps. Sea level rise is a major threat to coastal communities and low-lying islands.
4. Extreme Weather Events: Extreme weather events such as heatwaves, droughts, and heavy rainfall are becoming more frequent and severe. These events are linked to global warming and are expected to increase in frequency and intensity.
5. Ocean Acidification: The increased concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere is leading to ocean acidification, a process that makes the ocean more acidic. This change in the ocean’s chemistry has the potential to disrupt marine ecosystems and harm ocean life.

The combination of these pieces of evidence suggests that global warming is indeed happening and has resulted in catastrophic climate changes.

This is what we know

It is now an established fact that the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, is contributing to the planet’s rising temperature, leading to climate change. The more carbon pollution there is in the atmosphere, the more heat from the sun’s energy is trapped, which further intensifies the increase in temperature. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as “global warming,” and since 1880, the world has already become nearly 1 degree Celsius warmer.

It is worth noting that the impact of rising temperatures is not limited to the wildlife population, as it affects all of us. For instance, sea levels across the globe have risen by almost 20 centimeters (7.8 inches) since 1901, causing the submergence of entire islands and posing a threat to populated areas in coastal cities such as New York, Melbourne, and Dakar. Furthermore, extreme weather events such as hurricanes, floods, and droughts are becoming more frequent and intense. This was evident in the devastating impact of Hurricane Harvey in 2017, which destroyed homes and left millions without power for weeks and months.

Is Global Warming a Reality?

After examining the presented evidence, it is evident that global warming is a real and pressing issue. The planet’s temperature is rising, glaciers are melting, sea levels are increasing, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe, and species are disappearing at an alarming rate. Human activities that release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere are responsible for these changes.

The scientific consensus is clear on the reality of global warming and the need for immediate action to address it. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), a group of leading climate scientists from around the world, has affirmed that global warming is undeniable and that it is highly likely caused by human activities.

What you can do

Although addressing global warming is a complex issue that requires the involvement of governments and corporations, individuals can also make a positive impact. Here are some actions that you can take to reduce your carbon footprint and help the environment:

1. Reduce Your Energy Use: One of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions is the burning of fossil fuels for energy production. Check out some ways to achieve this:

• Have one fewer child
• Use public transport, carpool, or walk/bike instead of driving alone
• Avoid air travel
• Eat vegetarian food, and if you must eat meat, have smaller and less frequent portions.
• Avoid consumerism and support your local economy.
• Go for energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs
• Use a programmable thermostat to reduce heating and cooling when you are not at home
• Always turn off electronics when not in use
• Invest in renewable energy sources like solar panels if possible

2. Reduce Your Waste: Landfills generate methane, a potent greenhouse gas. By reducing waste, you can also minimize your carbon footprint. Check out some ways to accomplish this:

• Decrease your use of single-use plastics like straws and water bottles
• Recycle and compost whenever possible
• Buy products with less packaging
• Repair or repurpose items instead of discarding them

3. Support Climate-Friendly Policies and Companies: As an individual, you can also support policies and companies that prioritize climate action. Learn some ways to achieve this:

• Select political candidates who prioritize climate action
• Support organizations that work on climate issues
• Choose products from companies that prioritize sustainability and climate action
• Invest in renewable energy or sustainable companies

By taking these actions, you can make a positive impact on the environment and help to address the issue of global warming. Together, we can create a more sustainable future for ourselves and future generations.

Conclusion

The reality of global warming is indisputable, and it is driven by human activities that release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The resulting impacts on the Earth’s climate, ecosystems, human health, and economy are significant and far-reaching. Urgent action is necessary to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the changing climate. This entails a shift to renewable energy sources, improvement of energy efficiency, conservation of forests and other natural carbon sinks, and investment in climate adaptation measures. Taking action now can help to mitigate the worst effects of global warming and establish a more sustainable future for both ourselves and future generations.