climate change news is a crucial area of discussion today due to the rapidly increasing changes happening globally. There are concerns surrounding drastic impacts related to increasing temperatures, devastating weather patterns and what it means for human society.
Key Summary Points
- A play titled "Kyoto" about the 1997 climate protocol was popular among theater goers and highlighted the negotiations which were intense as it pertained to climate change action.
- The world is currently failing at keeping greenhouse gas emissions under control even as various weather related disasters increase in volume.
- New research indicates the ocean temperatures have increased a massive four times in the last 40 years alone.
- The world is increasing C02 emissions twice as much as was needed to follow the goals previously set.
- An uncompromising report shows massive GDP loss by the end of the century along with increasing mass death due to various new issues created from a changing environment.
- Though concerns over the lack of political follow through exist there are still calls to keep fighting for solutions.
Theatrical Perspective of "Kyoto"
A play titled "Kyoto" was showcased in London’s West End showcasing the negotiations around the 1997 climate protocol with complex elements. Though that sounds dull the show highlights an oil industry lobbyist with cunning and unprincipled nature as he worked to frustrate climate progress. The play offers a historical view of world decisions on Climate change as both entertaining and informative which makes for thought provoking story telling and new found understanding of this historical time frame.
Historical Accuracy Vs Story Telling
The play’s interpretation had several inaccuracies to what the actual protocol had offered, instead the treaty itself did not reach expectations in holding back green house gas emissions over the last two decades. The play however highlighted the efforts from scientists and how they had hoped that those efforts would actually show great change and create unity instead they fell short due to lack of adherence.
Scientific Updates
Global Heating Crisis
Numerous new studies showcase our failures in addressing global heating challenges. From reports on devastating weather to unprecedented temperature increases in both air and ocean many scientists state concerns about underestimating current affects that humanity may continue to endure from climate change.
Rising Temperatures
The planet is reaching record-breaking heat waves. Temperatures are not following the necessary protocols in slowing down which also questions what the total impact will ultimately be in all geographic locations.
Research Into Specific Environmental Issues
Accelerated Warming of the Oceans
Research from the University of Reading has stated The rate of ocean temperatures increasing has grown four times more in the last four decades. The rapid increase showcases growing issues with more greenhouse gas admissions showing the rate may still continue to increase over time. The hot tap mentioned was a metaphor for the consistent running increase which had created many concerns about the long term affects.
Atmospheric CO2 Increase
Carbon dioxide levels have jumped and are moving past predictions set in prior years. The desired goal to remain within a set limit was greatly passed which is a major issue regarding attempts to keep our world balanced. With projections to move toward 1.5C above the normal pre-industrial temperatures in order to slow the heating all past agreements are currently behind their desired goals.
Projected Economic and Health Impacts
Global Economic Threats
The global economy could face a loss of 50% GDP between 2070 to 2090 without immediate action being taken. This massive loss includes various impacts from food shortages, water shortages, health issues and mass displacement. Should those current changes become the new standard, mass migration, conflicts, and potentially war with nuclear consequences will be a concern.
Widespread Suffering
A report shows increases in death related to higher temperatures with the elderly having 167% higher rates of death since the 90’s. Higher instances of dust storms have also put many people into dangerous circumstances which adds greater problems to breathing. An added stressor is how climate change has brought on diseases which make it all that more dangerous.
Future of Food and Migration
Plummeting Crop Yields
Areas near the equator may face issues with lower crop yields due to changes with rain patterns that directly effects the food supply. That shortage along with lack of resources might lead to mass starvation with hundreds of millions suffering in Africa and Asia.
Potential Mass Migration
With a huge imbalance in food, water and resources mass migration will potentially follow. With lack of order there is an increased likelihood of increased violence and larger scale conflicts over what is already difficult to achieve. With certain regions possessing weapons of mass destruction that creates other potential crises as these situations all become closer together with growing concern for safety.
Scientific Perspectives and Call to Action
Scientists call attention to how dire the world currently is but still insist that change is possible with greater action now more than ever. Despite large challenges people need to understand that they are not alone.
Urgency for Immediate Changes
The call is to stabilise our climate to keep temperature rises below 2 degrees from pre-industrial levels to have some sense of habitability of this planet. To achieve a manageable atmosphere requires reducing green house gasses to net zero emission and needs to start at this current moment in time. The actions of the government in the past have not been helpful but rather a hindering aspect to proper changes being seen through and enforced, action should not be put off to some future day to consider but more something of high urgency.
Key Takeaways
- A London play explored the political wrangling around the Kyoto protocol from the 1990’s but falls short in some historical accuracy as protocols weren't all effective.
- Scientific evidence has revealed a massive decline in health and environmental standings from weather patterns to global heating and all point towards a concerning timeline.
- Reports showcase increases in Ocean temperatures, atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and show the world falling short on previously made goals.
- The global economy may have issues that are directly correlated with mass deaths of populations with future potential conflict as well.
- While challenges have been highlighted and show our short comings it has been emphasized action still has potential and will be required to keep balance for all.