Scientists agree that human actions -in particular the use of fossil fuels such as oil and coal- are releasing huge volumes of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and causing the Earth to heat up. Global warming is causing extreme weather events all over the globe, and if we do not get it under control we risk catastrophic sea level rises, droughts, floods, desertification and the collapse of vital ecosystems crucial to human survival.
Scientists believe we may have less than a decade to make big cuts in emissions if we are to avoid triggering "positive feedbacks" in the climate system -such as the melting of the Northern permafrosts which would release even more greenhouse gases- that may cause "runaway global warming" that could heat the Earth by as much as 6 degrees C by the end of the century. Such a dramatic shift in the Earth's climate system would threaten the survival of civilisation as many of the natural systems such as rainforests, glaciers, coral reefs disappear, and whole continents succumb to desertification.
The answer to climate change is to shift our societies and economies away from the reliance on fossil fuels, replacing them with clean energy sources for our transport, heating, farming and industrial needs. We must phase out the use of fossil fuels and replace them with alternative, clean energy sources, and plan our towns, cities, communities and transport systems in a greener, more sustainable way. A huge investment in green energy and other climate change solutions would also create tens of thousands of jobs and help lift us out of the current recession.
But the world's governments are so far failing to take the necessary steps, as special interests and lack of leadership are preventing real action. This is why a global mass movement, the biggest since the civil rights movements of the 20th century, has come together to demand real action on climate change. So far campaigners in countries as far apart as China, America, Ireland and Africa have been pushing their governments towards real climate change solutions. The movement is growing, but we do not have much time - this is why you must get involved in helping campaign for green energy solutions to climate change, shifting Ireland towards a greener future. |
