Article

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), global temperatures have already risen by 1.1°C above pre-industrial levels, leading to more frequent and severe heatwaves, storms, and droughts. Sea levels are rising at an accelerating rate, threatening coastal communities and ecosystems.

The impacts of climate change are not evenly distributed. Vulnerable populations, including low-income communities, indigenous peoples, and small island nations, are disproportionately affected. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that climate change is already causing over 150,000 deaths annually, primarily due to heat stress, malnutrition, and vector-borne diseases.

Beyond human health, climate change poses a significant threat to biodiversity and ecosystems. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) reports that climate change is accelerating species extinction rates, with up to one million species at risk of disappearing in the coming decades.

Addressing climate change requires urgent and coordinated action on a global scale. The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, aims to limit global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to limit the increase to 1.5°C. Achieving this goal will require rapid and deep cuts in greenhouse gas emissions, as well as investment in renewable energy and sustainable land use practices.

Individual actions, such as reducing energy consumption, supporting renewable energy, and advocating for climate-friendly policies, can also make a difference. By working together, we can mitigate the worst impacts of climate change and create a more sustainable and resilient future for all.

Key Facts:

• Global temperatures have risen by 1.1°C above pre-industrial levels.
• Climate change is causing over 150,000 deaths annually, according to the WHO.
• Up to one million species are at risk of extinction due to climate change, per the WWF.