by Taetske | 2:12 pm
(Last Updated On: August 1, 2021)

 

Mother Earth needs help, time is running out

 

Climate change and global warming are recent additions to our vocabulary. I think that by now most people know what they mean. Just to make sure you understand the differences between the two terms (as I understand them), too much carbon dioxide (CO2) contributes to what is called the greenhouse effect.

There are more chemicals that add to this effect, and their global warming potentials are expressed as CO2 equivalents (CO2e). As the atmosphere warms, the seas warm, thus global warming.

As the seas are the major driver of our climate, this warming causes the airflow in the atmosphere to change. For example, if there is a large patch of warm water near Indonesia, it can cause a change in the air patterns in the northern hemisphere and that will change the climate in the U.S.

So, global warming is significantly affected by pollution, this, in turn, contributes to warming seas and this contributes to climate change.

 

Air-pollution

Air-pollution image Pexels

 

Our actions and their effect

To address our contributions, we pollute the water and the air. We cut trees and keep too many animals as a food source. One of the major sources of pollution, our cars, is a source of pollution that no one wants to address. After all, no one is willing to give up their personal mode of transportation.

All of these negative actions are contributing to global warming and therefore climate change.

 

Patagonia

Patagonia image FreePhotos

 

While it is getting warmer, the ice will continue to melt and soon, many coastal regions on our planet will slowly but surely disappear under the water. This is already happening in the islands of the South Pacific. The Marshall Islands normally are only about 6 feet above the water.  Now, you can see the seas rising and the people of these islands struggling to maintain their land.

When you look around, you see a lot of negative and sometimes positive information. I would like to point out some of them.

 

Here comes some good news

California has passed a new law that will make the state carbon-free by 2045. This is quite contrary to the course the rest of the US is taking, as President Trump does not believe in Global warming and opted out of the 2015 Paris climate deal. Remember that California (as of May 2018) is the 5th largest economy in the world, just surpassing the UK.

Now you might say that 2045 is still quite far away, and changing by that date could be too late to save the planet. But we have to start somewhere and now, worldwide, there are many countries which are getting greener every year.

 

Windmills

Windmills image Hans Braxmeier

 

Anyhow, California is the second U.S. state after Hawaii, which has realized the importance of going green. By the year 2030, all California utility companies must get 60% of their energy from renewable sources to then by the year 2045 be completely green.

There are many people who have raised their voice on Global warming. One of them is Al Gore who, for 40 years, has drawn out attention to this fact.

 

Here comes some bad news again

Now on the other side comes some disturbing news. The person who attacked Bears Ears and the Grand Staircase- Escalante is promoting drilling on most of the U.S. coastlines and also pushes the bright idea of cutting 800 years old trees in the Tongass Park in Alaska.

He has now come up with a new idea. You can bet it is a terrible idea, but what can one expect from a person who denies global warming?

 

How easing the rules can cause a catastrophe

This new decision, to weaken the rules on gas and oil companies and allowing them to release huge loads of methane into the atmosphere, will exacerbate the already growing volume of CO2e chemicals currently being released into the world’s atmosphere.

Who do you think thought up such a brilliant idea? President Trump and acting EPA administrator Andrew Wheeler. It seems that neither public health nor our future is important. Money rules the world but we, the normal citizens, really do not see much of it.

Here you can view an interesting video of National Geographic.

 

 

The Waste Prevention Rule

They are trying to weaken the common-sense Waste Prevention Rule. This rule requires that oil and gas companies take common-sense actions to prevent the waste of valuable gas on federal and tribal lands. It also includes the reduction of harmful air pollution including methane, smog-forming gasses such as nitrogen oxides, and sulfur oxides, besides other toxic pollutants.

How on earth can a president try to destroy what we have? I find it strange, dangerous, and sad and do hope the people wake up and put a stop to all this harmful nonsense. There are, luckily, many groups that are speaking up and I hope many more will follow for the benefit of humanity as a whole.

More than once, one reads that our Planet has a deadline, a deadline for climate change, or the point of no return. Are we willing to run the risk? It seems too many people really do not even care. This news is very alarming, to say the least. A new report gives some worrying data.

 

Lonely tree in the desert

Lonely tree in the desert image Anja

 

A new report and a serious warning for all of us

The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns that by 2030 is when we should expect the crucial threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) will be passed. This will contribute, if not actually cause, extreme drought, wildfires, floods, and other weather phenomena.

The consequences will be that hundreds of millions of people, worldwide, will be close to starving as food will become short.

They base these apocalyptic predictions on current levels of greenhouse gas emissions. The so-called Ostrich behavior of sticking one’s head in the sand will not make this looming event go away.

 

Burned landscape

Burned landscape image Anja Jost

 

Be prepared for big changes

Global warming and climate change will (has) cause(d) instability in the weather patterns and will show up as extreme weather events. Who would imagine that hurricane Michael would make landfall in Florida as a level 5 hurricane this late in the summer?

Just as climate change will cause severe drought in some places, in others it will cause massive floods. On one part of the globe, the scarcity of water will cause crops and cattle to die, while somewhere else massive floods will wash away land and make life impossible.

 

Floodwaters

Floodwaters image Vicki Nunn

 

Hurricanes will be more and more destructive than Harvey, Florence, Sandy, or Michael. You must also consider that the U.S. is not the only country that is experiencing very heavy hurricanes (called typhoons in the Pacific).

Wikipedia says that the 2018 hurricane season “is the most active Pacific hurricane season on record”. Climate change causes all of this. Coral reefs will disappear as the water temperature rises, making it too hot for corals to survive.

 

The devastating effect of a hurricane

The devastating effect of a hurricane image Wikilmages

 

Some countries show it is possible to go green

The fact that a lot of countries are doing their best to go green is a good sign, but not enough. Globally the net emissions of carbon dioxide need to fall below 45%, calculated on the numbers from 2010 to 2030. Then by 2050, it should be 0% just to maintain this 1.5 degrees C. rise.

Of course, this means big changes in the industry, transportation, and cities as a whole. Some people say that it is not possible, but I strongly disagree.

 

An afterthought

Before the industrial revolution, we had mainly agriculture and horses. Then factories were built and mining started, including big changes be it thought-wise, work-wise, and investment-wise.

There are countries that have made the switchover from gas and coal to wind, sun, and water. It is possible, but everybody has to see and want it.

The idea that with our actions we will make this planet an awful habitat, when actually caring for the planet would make life great here, is a concept not yet understood by all. I hope this understanding will come before it is too late.

 

A colorful and captivating book

Andrew Revkin, the strategic adviser for environmental and scientific journalism at the National Geographic Society, presents us with this beautifully illustrated book. Humanity’s developing relationship with Earth’s dynamic climate system and the wondrous weather it generates. I am sure you will enjoy this book.

An Illustrated history
.

Lately, I came across this video; it was really disturbing. It shows our sins and tells us there is not 1 minute to lose. I hope you will watch this video; it is eye-opening.

 

 

 

I have made a special page for you with a collection of things you might find interesting. Before you leave, have a look at Recommendations.

 

Source: BBC News, 10th September 2018. CNN, 8th October 2018, story by Brandon Miller and Jay Croft.

Photo Source: Pixabay

 

Perhaps you like to read this post. There are some unusual solutions out there.

80 Solutions Global Warming, hope for our Planet

Comments

Chris

What a great article – and one that really makes you stop and think!

I believe that we’ve got to the point now where 99.9% of us are aware that further bad actions are going to ruin our children, and grandchildren’s lives. It’s just that a lot of us don’t fully understand the actions that need to be taken to reverse the damage already done! 

Do you agree with this?

Oct 25.2018 | 01:55 pm

    Taetske

    Good afternoon Chris,

    Even if most people somehow understand the seriousness of the situation voting for leaders who refuse to take action leads to extremely serious consequences. We will all suffer, our children, grandchildren, and generations after them. I wonder if the planet by that time will be habitable. 

    Below my post I suggest reading a post I wrote some time ago. There are a lot of solutions but they have to be put into action all at once. If the whole world would do it we are saved, but I think it will be extremely difficult for this to happen.

    Thank you for leaving a comment on my website.

    Regards, Taetske

    Oct 25.2018 | 02:43 pm

Jurgen

I still remember the period “The Inconvenient Truth” was very popular back in 2006. We’re now 12 years further and still we’re talking about global warming. Although I do notice that more effort is being made to actually change things. For example, in our country, we have several big cities that don’t allow certain vehicles anymore.

For the next ten years I also see a positive change happening when more electrical vehicles will be used, eventually replacing gasoline/diesel vehicles.

Oct 25.2018 | 02:35 pm

    Taetske

    Good Morning Jurgen,

    Also in Spain there have been times when in cities like Madrid or Barcelona you were allowed to drive or not depending on your number plate, even or uneven numbers. This happened only when the air was very bad. I hope people wake up before it is too late.

    Below my post I mention solutions for the world, some of these solutions are quite amazing, perhaps you care to read that post.

    Thank you for leaving a comment. I hope you downloaded your free PDF?

    Regards, Taetske

    Oct 26.2018 | 06:48 am

Salim

This is a nice write-up about our ecosystem, things are beginning to change as a result of excessive CO2 released to the atmosphere. Pitifully, only few out of the world’s population have a clue of the results of high in sea level, depletion of the ozone layer, etc. Therefore, we need to push enough advert and campaign on this awareness! You’ve done a creative write-up, thanks for your concern.

Jan 20.2019 | 02:39 pm

    Taetske

    Good Morning Salem,

    Thank you for visiting my website and leaving a comment. I hope you downloaded your free PDF?

    It is important that all people know about these issues as the planet is our habitat. It is high time we become conscious that our actions have consequences.

    Regards, Taetske

    Jan 21.2019 | 07:07 am

Miche

Hi Taetske! You have presented a very important topic! I Think that everyone of us must feel involved in this process! The situation is getting worst and politicians will be interested in changing just when we, the people, will claim a change! I think that it is time not just to share the news about how bad it is going but above all the ones that tell us that a change is possible! I think that it will be interesting to follow the Californian policy and say to the world how they (the 5th economy of the world!) are achieving this goal and how they are making this keeping their economy profitable! The fear that most of people have is: less pollution=less economy=more poverty. California can be the prove that this is not true! 

Jan 20.2019 | 02:42 pm

    Taetske

    Good Morning Miche,

    I follow what you are saying but the belief people might have is incorrect. More pollution=better economy? but more health issues and more deaths. They will not be able to enjoy life when their habitat is gone. What California is doing is a good example to follow. Change is necessary so we, but especially the coming generations can survive on our planet. We should choose our leaders with more care as it is obvious some of them make a mess of our environment with their ignorant and destructive decisions.

    Thank you for your comment. I hope you have downloaded your free PDF.

    Regards, Taetske

    Jan 21.2019 | 07:17 am

mzakapon

Hi Excellent post about Mother Earth and it’s problem. I have heard it from my childhood that global warming and green house effect is serious issue for our future existence. But this issue is not yet strictly considered as a major global problem by the government and thus not considered to many people yet. I believe a strong public opinion and knowledge share conference can impact better on this. I am going to share it to my other friends. Thanks for sharing this forgotten issue again.

Jan 20.2019 | 02:51 pm

    Taetske

    Good Morning,

    The governments are the ones responsible for our environment. Our responsibility is to choose the right leaders to do this. There are many places in this world where money is more important than taking care of the environment. We after all only have this planet as our habitat and therefore should take better care of it.

    Thank you for your visit and leaving a comment. I hope you have downloaded your free PDF?

    Regards, Taetske 

    Jan 21.2019 | 07:25 am

Kenechi

Global warming is real and I believe in it. In recorded history of over 60years, the average global temperature has increased at the fastest rate in recorded history. When carbon dioxide and other air pollutants and green house gases collect in the atmosphere and absorb sunlight and solar radiation they gradually bounce of the earth’s surface and the government of many countries are not doing anything about this and this gradual increase in the average temperature of the earth’s atmosphere is permanently changing the earth’s climate. It was a good topic and I hopefully believe that every government will embrace the fact that global warming is real.

Jan 20.2019 | 03:17 pm

    Taetske

    Good Morning Kenechi,

    Thank you for your visit and leaving a comment. I hope you have downloaded your free PDF?

    The human race as a whole has the responsibility to take care of the planet, it is our habitat and hopefully will be for future generations. On a personal level, we can do a lot of things to keep our environment clean. For the bigger things, the government is responsible. When we see that our leaders make a mess we should protest and vote for better people. It is not too late but neither is there time to dilly dally, action is asked for. 

    Regards, Taetske

    Jan 21.2019 | 07:32 am

Triumphant Life TV

What an incredible article – and one that truly makes you stop and think! I trust that we must the point now where 99.9% of us know that further awful activities will demolish our youngsters, and grandkids’ lives. It’s simply that a ton of us don’t completely comprehend the activities that should be taken to turn around the harm effectively done! Do you concur with me?

Jan 20.2019 | 03:23 pm

    Taetske

    Good Morning,

    Nice to hear you found my article interesting. I also think that by now most people must have heard about Global Warming but more like an abstract idea. Till the effects are not directly impacting their lives they might not take any action. We can do so much on a personal level but when people do not understand it is getting urgent they remain passive. Luckily worldwide there are many movements/people doing important things to save our planet. I hope that as a whole it is enough. Below this post, I mentioned some of these planet-saving possibilities in the other post I wrote. You might care to read it.

    Thank you for your comment. I hope you downloaded your free PDF?

    Regards, Taetske

    Jan 21.2019 | 07:41 am

Ajayi-Ojo Peter

This article is a bomb because most people just do whatever they like, not knowing the adverse effect it has on the ecosystem. What an incredible way this will enlighten everyone.  The reason times are changing and the weather seems not as predictable as it was before. 

Though the UN has passed a law, you still have some oil and gas companies violating this law. Because for them it is cheaper to flare gas when drilling for oil. Some governments are not helping matters because of corruption or what they tend to benefit at the end of the day. One should ask what lasting measures have they taken to stop this pollution? Thanks for sharing this article.

Dec 15.2020 | 07:12 pm

    Taetske

    Good afternoon Peter,

    Thank you for your visit and for your comment. I hope you downloaded your free PDF? Tulip widget.

    It is true that a lot of people do not realize what far-reaching consequences their actions might have. In the case of the authorities and or governments they will certainly know, but if they do not care for the people and the environment it creates a big mess. You can see this happen all over the world. The saying; there is no planet B is true, even if our actions do not reflect that fact. We have to choose our leaders with more care.

    Regards, Taetske

    Dec 16.2020 | 04:37 pm

CeCemorgan

Hi Taetske, very informative article you have here!  As a whole we need to start taking better care of our earth. Good job California for starting somewhere. I believe Global warming is real! Just thinking back from childhood to now, the weather is just not the same. (it’s so bipolar) Although it may not effect us, we need to worry about the next generation. I agree with you Taetske, If we dont act now it can be catastrophic to the upcoming generation. 

Dec 15.2020 | 07:22 pm

    Taetske

    Good afternoon Sierra,

    Often, looking around, there do not seem a lot of positive things to talk about. Still, in our world there are positive things happening, but one does not hear about it too often. Somehow it seems that people like to dwell on dark and sad stories. My post is neither very positive, it is a more urgent call to wake up so our future generations have a place to live. 

    You might like to have a look at the green widget Save the Planet in the sidebar. bUnited is a worldwide movement that could resonate with you, please have a look.

    Living on my farm since 1981 I have seen a big change in climate. It definitely is a serious issue, and we should not wait as the clock is ticking.

    Thank you for your comment. I hope you downloaded your free PDF, tulip widget.

    Regards, Taetske

    Dec 16.2020 | 04:11 pm

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