CLIMATE CHANGE

"Young People Leading the Charge Against Climate Change"

The impact of greenhouse gases on Earth's climate is a startling reality that scientists have been studying for decades. Climate change has already brought extreme environmental events, which will continue to have severe consequences for the planet unless we take immediate and meaningful action. The Paris Agreement, which forged an unprecedented global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, called for pledges from countries around the world to reach Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050. Limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius is crucial to mitigate severe consequences for places already experiencing occasional water shortages, intense and long-lasting droughts, and food insecurity. Achieving this ambitious goal will require the overhaul of every significant industry, including the complete transformation of manufacturing, transportation, and energy production. Technological advancements and government policies will play a role in achieving a carbon-free future. However, young activists and entrepreneurs are leading the charge in the fight against climate change, advocating for a sustainable future and inspiring people of all ages to take action. Climate change intersects with all aspects of daily living, and it will take a collective effort to address it. Teamwork from diverse groups, including scientists, corporations, and individuals, is crucial in expanding solutions and pushing toward a sustainable future. This essay explores the urgent need for global action to slow down and stop climate change in meaningful ways, emphasizing the role of young people in leading this charge and promoting teamwork to achieve a carbon-free future.

As scientists have studied our planet's climate over the years, one undeniable conclusion has emerged: greenhouse gases are causing the Earth's average temperature to rise at an alarming rate. Unchecked, such warming will lead to extreme environmental events that will be difficult to prepare for, experience, and recover from. With effects that will continue to exacerbate the world's existing inequalities, the situation seems dire. However, amid the gloom, there are things we can do to help protect our planet, ourselves, and each other. The 2015 Paris Agreement saw countries commit to taking decisive action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and keep climate change in check. While many countries made pledges to reach Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050, reaching this goal poses a monumental challenge. Staying below the desired temperature rise of 1.5 degrees Celsius will require the transformation of every major industry and significant technological advancements. The International Energy Agency has outlined specific milestones to help limit the global warming to this ideal level by 2050. Emissions from every sector and every area of the world will need a customized approach, and the stakes keep getting higher. Still, many solutions exist, and it will take the efforts of scientists, governments, corporations, and individuals, especially individuals banding together as groups and communities, to achieve meaningful change. Young people, in particular, have shown themselves to be a driving force in environmental activism and have led the charge against climate change. Ultimately, immediate and concerted global action on a vast scale is crucial to minimizing the negative impact of climate change and safeguarding our planet's future.

As the world grapples with the devastating effects of extreme environmental events caused by climate change, it has become increasingly clear that urgent global action is needed. The effects of climate change have already caused immense damage to our planet, and we must take action to prevent further damage and make a better future for ourselves and the next generations to come. Climate change has caused intense and long-lasting droughts in areas that have already been experiencing occasional water shortages, such as southern Europe, Central America, and Australia. Additionally, climate change causes extreme weather events such as hurricanes, heatwaves, wildfires, and floods, which are hard to prepare for, experience, and recover from. These events are expected to increase in frequency and intensity in the future, amplifying the devastating impact of climate change. Despite the severity of these events, there are things we can do to help slow down and stop climate change in meaningful ways. International efforts such as the Paris Agreement strive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impact of climate change on our planet. For instance, countries have pledged to reach Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050, reducing emissions as much as possible and removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere for any they can't eliminate. The goal of these pledges is to limit how much the average global temperature goes up, specifically limiting warming by the end of the century to less than two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial Revolution levels and ideally to stop at 1.5 degrees. While limiting ourselves to 1.5 degrees is nothing short of a monumental challenge, it is possible to get to Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050 by transforming every major industry. The International Energy Agency has even given us a road map full of possible milestones to achieve this goal, involving stopping the sale of fossil fuel boilers to heat our water and homes by 2025 and stopping the sale of gasoline-powered cars by 2035. By 2040, the whole world would be running on electricity with net zero emissions, and by 2050, even manufacturing would be transformed with more than 90 percent of heavy industry like machinery production and shipbuilding being considered low emission manufacturing processes, achieving a carbon neutral world that fights against climate change.

The Paris Agreement was a historic moment for the international community, where countries agreed to take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global temperature increase to less than two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, and ideally, stopping at 1.5 degrees. The implementation of this goal, however, is a difficult challenge. As a society, we have become heavily invested in burning fossil fuels for energy, making it tough to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to Net Zero by 2050. Critics might argue that it is not practical or feasible to reduce emissions to Net Zero, ignoring the potential benefits of creating new green industries and jobs, and restructuring the economy. However, the cost of inaction in the face of climate change's devastating effects on human and natural systems will be far greater. Despite the challenges, the Paris Agreement and global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through innovative technologies and policies are essential towards a Net Zero carbon future. By reducing emissions, we are taking significant steps towards slowing down and stopping climate change's progression in meaningful ways. As the international community continues to address climate change, emphasizing the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it becomes increasingly important to prioritize limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius is a crucial component of a broader effort to combat climate change. Science has shown that just half a degree can make all the difference in the world, and reducing warming to this threshold would significantly alleviate the effects of droughts in areas such as southern Europe, Central America and Australia. Not only does this translate into better food security and a higher quality of life for millions of individuals, but it also increases the likelihood of survival for all life on planet Earth. Despite the daunting challenge of achieving this goal and the inevitable counterarguments regarding its feasibility, countries worldwide have already committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and following clear roadmaps to create specific milestones in achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050. It is imperative to recognize the overwhelming consequences of not achieving the goal of 1.5 degrees Celsius and to acknowledge the necessary changes that must be made within various industries to combat climate change. As the urgency of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius becomes increasingly apparent, overhauling industries to reduce emissions and eventually achieve Net Zero has become a major focus for policymakers and businesses alike.

It is no secret that achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050 will be a tough challenge for individuals, corporations, and governments alike. This transformation requires significant changes to how we produce and consume energy, including switching from fossil fuels to renewable sources and improving energy efficiency in buildings and transportation. The International Energy Agency has suggested a roadmap to achieve this goal, which would involve stopping the sale of fossil fuel boilers, gasoline-powered cars, transitioning heavy industry to low-emission processes, and increasing efficiency in buildings and appliances. While these changes are necessary to address the urgent threat of climate change, they will require significant investments in research and development of new technologies. According to the essay, improvements to electricity storage and transmission are needed to get power whenever and wherever it is needed. Critics of Net Zero may argue that renewable energy is too costly and economically unfeasible. However, ignoring the potential costs of unrestrained climate change could increase expenses in the long run. Advances in technology and economies of scale have made renewable energy sources cost-competitive with fossil fuels. The complex process of reaching Net Zero not only requires the overhaul of industries, but also significant technological advances. It is ultimately a necessary step in ensuring a sustainable future for the planet.

To achieve a Net Zero future and slow down or stop climate change, it is crucial to develop new technologies that can reduce carbon emissions to a minimum. As we have learned, several carbon-neutral technologies already exist, such as wind and solar energy, nuclear and hydroelectricity. However, to implement these technologies worldwide and sustainably power entire communities, improvements in electricity storage and transmission are necessary. Policymakers need to eliminate subsidies for fossil fuels, which can create a green premium, an artificial increase in the cost of carbon-free energy sources. Subsequently, research efforts and investments can make low-carbon technologies more affordable, accessible, and scalable globally. Some may argue that these technologies are expensive and infeasible to implement. However, technological advancements such as the development of efficient low-carbon heat pumps and low-emission manufacturing processes will be required to achieve the global goal of Net Zero emissions by 2050. These solutions can result in a dramatic reduction in greenhouse gases; they can also jump-start the economy and create new jobs, especially in the energy sector. It is vital to see the opportunities in developing these technologies as a path to a sustainable future. As we delve deeper into the necessary technological advancements, we must also recognize the critical role of government policies and subsidies in creating a sustainable future.

The availability and affordability of carbon-free options are shaped by government policies and subsidies. The decisions that governments make can either make carbon-free energy more accessible or obstruct it by creating a green premium. Fossil fuel subsidies make various carbon-free options artificially expensive, by comparison, discouraging people from investing in environmentally friendly options. However, governments can reduce and eliminate fossil fuel subsidies to make carbon-free energy more affordable. Diverting current fossil fuel subsidies to make carbon-neutral energy cheaper is one example of this. The International Energy Agency advocates for government partnerships and subsidies to support decarbonization investments. They suggest that in 2020, the renewable energy sector attracted $303.5 billion in investment, while networks and storage benefited from $147 billion worth of investment. Although some argue that the energy transition will increase energy costs, they overlook the expensive environmental and social effects of climate change, such as crop and livestock damage and increased healthcare costs. Consistently declining renewable energy costs make it highly competitive with fossil fuels, and scaling up infrastructure and deployment speeds up cost reduction. In conclusion, to achieve a Net Zero future, it is necessary to make affordable and accessible carbon-free options. Governments have a crucial role to play in this process, and they should implement policies that support a shift towards renewable energy.

Young people have recognized the gravity of the climate crisis and have taken up the mantle in the fight against global climate change. By taking creative approaches to raise awareness and making impactful changes in their local communities, they have become instrumental in driving change and inspiring others to take action. Rwandan student Joseline Irocose invented an app that helps people locate local recycling centers for their electronics, and Delaney Reynolds founded a program in Florida to educate youth about the dangers of sea level rise. These examples show that young people possess the creativity, passion, and innovative ideas needed to lead the charge towards a sustainable future. Despite some skeptics who may argue that young people lack the expertise and resources to make a real impact in combating climate change, research consistently demonstrates the effectiveness of youth-led initiatives. Moreover, young people are the ones who will inherit the devastating effects of climate change, which further emphasizes the critical role that they play in this fight. Therefore, it is crucial to acknowledge and recognize the impact of young people's actions as the urgency of the climate crisis accelerates. In sum, young people have become indispensable in the fight against climate change, and their contributions will prove fundamental in the journey towards a sustainable and habitable future for all.

In the fight against climate change, young people are making a significant impact, recognized for their passion, dedication, and innovative ideas. From inventing electronic recycling apps to educating communities about the dangers of sea-level rise, these young activists and entrepreneurs prove that they are not only aware of the effects of climate change but are also taking active steps to combat it. While some may believe that young people lack the experience to make a difference in this issue, their collective efforts have made an impact and continue to inspire change in others. As climate change becomes an increasing threat to our society, the rising generation of inspired individuals continues to innovate sustainable solutions that promise to protect our planet in the future. The example set forth by young people taking action against climate change demonstrates the soundness of individual efforts and inspiring change in others, as such initiatives are a necessary part of turning the tide on climate change and can ultimately lead to grand scale success for our future.

The impending threat of climate change has been prevalent for decades, and as research has indicated, greenhouse gas emissions continue to raise Earth's average temperature. The Paris Agreement of 2015 marked the decisive action of governments committed to reducing emissions and creating policies aimed at limiting global warming temperatures, specifically to 1.5 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial revolution levels. Despite half a degree difference in temperature, 1.5 degrees of warming significantly reduces the intensity and duration of extreme climate events, such as droughts that impact water shortages in Southern Europe, Central America, and Australia. However, keeping Earth's climate under a 1.5 degree or two-degree Celsius increase is a challenging task as industries that we depend on release greenhouse gases, putting the planet at even greater risks. But progress is being made, and carbon-neutral technologies are available in every sector, waiting for affordable sustainability solutions, creating hope for a greener future.

As of the publishing of this essay, the year is 2023, and we are on track for temperature rises between two and three degrees Celsius by the end of the century. So, it is crucial to overhaul our approach in every aspect of our lives to stay under 1.5 degrees Celsius increase in global warming. To achieve this goal, we need a big technological advancement for energy storage and transmission to utilize carbon-free electricity, eliminating fossil fuels from our systems. Governments need to reduce and eliminate fossil fuel subsidies, making carbon-free energy, renewable energy, more affordable. Similarly, the manufacturing industries need to transform as more low-carbon manufacturing processes need to be put in place for more efficient and effective production.

The task of transforming these industries is monumental and challenging, yet it is not a sci-fi pipe dream. The goal is simple, to be energy dependent with net-zero carbon emission by 2050, but it comes with complexities, such as investing in more low-carbon technologies and improving human creativity. The need for a collective effort has never been stronger, with surveys suggesting that the majority of individuals around the globe are concerned about climate change and willing to help make a difference. Young people, entrepreneurs, educators, and activists have and continue to lead the charge against climate change, creating solutions that everyone can participate in and contribute to. In conclusion, combating climate change requires collective efforts from individuals, institutions, and governments to make a lasting impact and reduce its impact on planet Earth.

The daunting reality of climate change is that it demands a collective effort from every level of society to achieve a Net Zero future. The fight against climate change requires interaction among government policies, corporations, scientific advancements, and individual responsibility. The survey tells us that most people are concerned about climate change and are willing to make a difference. Notably, young people have taken the lead, organizing school strikes and rallies, urging policymakers to take concrete action against climate change. As Crash Course Climate and Energy puts it, "Almost always, change happens because a group of people, often from different backgrounds and walks of life, team up for something they care about." The participation of millions of people globally is necessary to make a radical change and achieve a sustainable future. Some may argue that addressing climate change is the sole responsibility of policymakers and corporations, yet, in reality, individual efforts play just as significant a role. Personal efforts such as reducing carbon emissions, sustainable consumption, and individual activism are equally important in taking effective action against climate change. In conclusion, the fight against climate change is a collective effort, and it requires action from every level of society. Young people have taken the lead in this endeavor by organizing rallies and urging policymakers to take action, proving that every individual's efforts matter in achieving a sustainable future.

In conclusion, the undeniable impact of greenhouse gases on our planet's climate has brought us to the realization that we must take immediate action to slow down and stop climate change. Global efforts, such as the Paris Agreement, have committed us to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. It is essential that we overhaul industries and employ available carbon-neutral technologies to achieve a Net Zero future. As evidenced by inspiring young activists and entrepreneurs, young people are leading the charge against climate change. It is clear that climate change intersects with every aspect of daily life and necessitates teamwork and community effort. Although the challenge is monumental, the potential benefits for our planet and future generations are incalculable. Therefore, we must continue to work together to protect our planet and ourselves.