PELAKITA.ID – Since the dawn of the Industrial Revolution, human activities have drastically altered Earth’s climate.
The average global surface temperature has increased by approximately 1.1°C (2°F) since 1850, with the most significant warming occurring since the 1970s. The primary driver of this trend is the accumulation of greenhouse gases—especially carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O)—released from burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes.
Breaking Heat Records: How Fast Are We Warming?
The rise in global temperatures has been anything but uniform. The past decade (2014–2024) has been the warmest period on record, with each successive year frequently ranking among the hottest.
In 2024, the global average temperature was about 1.55°C above pre-industrial levels (1850–1900), marking it as the hottest year ever recorded.
According to NASA and the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service, 2023 and 2024 saw unprecedented heatwaves, with ocean temperatures reaching record highs and Antarctic sea ice melting at alarming rates.
Extreme weather events have become more frequent and intense, reinforcing the connection between rising temperatures and climate instability.
The Role of Greenhouse Gases: How Are We Fueling the Crisis?
Carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentrations in the atmosphere have risen from approximately 280 parts per million (ppm) in the 1850s to over 420 ppm in 2024.
This drastic increase is primarily due to the burning of coal, oil, and natural gas. Methane emissions—produced by agriculture, livestock, and oil extraction—have also surged, with methane being more than 80 times more potent than CO₂ over a 20-year period in trapping heat.
These rising emissions have led to a stronger greenhouse effect, trapping heat in the Earth’s atmosphere and disrupting climate patterns across the globe. Scientists warn that if emissions continue at their current rate, the planet could exceed the 1.5°C warming threshold set by the Paris Agreement as early as the 2030s.
Impacts on Weather, Oceans, and Ice Caps
The warming of the planet has already resulted in disastrous climate shifts, including:
More extreme weather: Heatwaves, droughts, hurricanes, and wildfires have increased in frequency and intensity. The 2023 Canadian wildfires burned an area larger than 18 million hectares, sending smoke as far as Europe.
Rising sea levels: Since 1880, global sea levels have risen by more than 20 cm (8 inches) due to ice sheet melting and thermal expansion of seawater. Low-lying cities like Jakarta and Miami are already experiencing increased flooding.
Melting ice caps: The Arctic is warming nearly four times faster than the global average, leading to record-low sea ice levels and disrupting ecosystems that depend on stable ice conditions.
Ocean warming and acidification: Over 90% of excess heat trapped by greenhouse gases has been absorbed by the oceans, causing coral bleaching and disrupting marine biodiversity.
Can We Slow Down the Warming?
To prevent the worst effects of climate change, urgent action is needed. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) stresses that global emissions must be cut by nearly 50% by 2030 to keep warming below 1.5°C. Key strategies include:
Transitioning to renewable energy: Solar and wind energy have become cheaper and more accessible, providing cleaner alternatives to fossil fuels.
Reforestation and conservation: Protecting and restoring forests can absorb significant amounts of CO₂ from the atmosphere.
Technological innovations: Carbon capture and storage (CCS) and sustainable agriculture practices can help mitigate emissions.
Policy and global cooperation: The Paris Agreement and other international efforts aim to coordinate emission reduction targets and financial support for vulnerable nations.
The Future: A Race Against Time
The climate crisis is no longer a distant threat—it is happening now. With the current trajectory of warming, the next decade will be crucial in determining whether humanity can prevent catastrophic climate change.
While scientific advancements and policy efforts offer hope, the responsibility ultimately lies with governments, businesses, and individuals to take decisive action before time runs out.
If we fail to act, the warming will continue, bringing irreversible damage to ecosystems, economies, and human lives. But if we move swiftly and collectively, a more sustainable and livable future is still within reach.
