Is It Too Late to Correct the Impacts of Climate Change?

With climate change and the release of large methane deposits, many argue that we are already past the point of no return. However, while global warming is an ongoing process, it is not irreversible, and corrective measures can still mitigate its effects.

Global Warming and Its Current State

Yes, evidence of global warming can be found in the world's newspapers over the last year or so. Scientists have already noted that the impacts of climate change are becoming more evident. The Glasgow summit aims to mitigate and minimize rather than reverse the process, with success defined as limiting the net temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Achieving this objective requires a significant behavioral and lifestyle change from every human on the planet, including you and me.

Can We Still Reverse Climate Change?

Though the current environmental situation might seem dire, it is not too late. According to the latest IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) report, the impacts of climate change can be reversed if immediate action is taken. Staving off even a half-degree rise in global temperatures can significantly mitigate the effects of the climate crisis.

However, this doesn't mean that all effects would be reversible in our lifetime. Scientists assert that most of the impacts are irreversible for centuries. The warming of the planet by 1.1 degrees Celsius over the last 170 years, largely due to greenhouse gases from human activities, has led to the melting of glaciers and a rise in sea levels, which will continue for millennia.

Mitigating Future Impacts

Despite these long-term impacts, the IPCC report provides a glimmer of hope. Rapidly reducing greenhouse gas emissions can help limit global temperature rise and prevent associated changes. Preventing a 2-degree rise in global temperatures by mid-century would reduce the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.

To achieve this, we must act quickly. Hard-earned progress during the past century, such as the warming up from the 'Little Ice Age,' should not be dismissed. While we cannot always control the past, we can certainly work towards a more sustainable future.