The World Daily
Joint Highest Global Temperatures on Record

California's Death Valley recorded the planet's highest-ever reliably recorded temperature in 2020.

 

The World Daily | Katie Heinrich           JANUARY  13th   2021

 

2020 spelled grim news for the environmental community. Despite a 7% decline in fossil fuel output caused by the COVID-19 lockdown, 2020 was still tied with 2016 as the hottest year on record, with an increase of 1.25 degrees Celsius. Additionally, the only reason for this tie is that El Nino, a natural event that temporarily raises global temperatures, occurred in 2016.

 

The Damage

These heat waves and rising global temperatures have directly contributed to a variety of major global catastrophes. We started the year with record-breaking wildfires in Australia, leading to millions of wildlife deaths and the near-extinction of koalas, one of the world’s favorite animals. We have also seen the mass extinctions of species at an unprecedented level. Perhaps most pertinently, we’ve seen a deadly record heat wave in Europe, record-setting hurricanes and others natural disasters along the east coast of the United States, and still more wildfires on the west coast. In the midwest, we are seeing tropical disease such as West Nile Virus encroaching from what used to be the further south.

What Can We Do About It?

The good news is that it’s not the end of the world - yet, anyway. Although global temperatures have dangerously approached the 1.5 degree Celsius “deadline” that scientists have warned will mark the beginning of our downfall, there are still things we can do to combat climate change. There are five things you can do to really make an impact on the environment, and take a stand against climate change. And unfortunately, you’re probably not going to like most of them.

 

  1. Vote responsibly. Elect officials who prioritize environmental regulations and fighting climate change. Petition currently elected officials to change their policies.
  2. Reduce travel - or change your travel to be carbon-neutral, such as purchasing an electric car, or choosing to walk or bike. Definitely do not fly, or fly as little as possible.
  3. Never purchase new clothing. The textile industry is one of the leading contributors to climate change. Purchase clothes second-hand whenever possible.
  4. Cut out consumption of animal products. Even simply reducing the amount of animal products you consume can make an impact. If you live a lifestyle that will allow you to go completely vegan, even better.
  5. Don’t have children. This may be too much to ask, but having even one child can neutralize most of the efforts you may make against climate change in your lifetime. If possible, consider alternative options to parenthood, such as foster care or adoption. You’ll also be making someone else’s life better in the process as well.

 

Conclusion

If you have found yourself heartbroken over the dying koalas or sweltering in the dramatically increased summer heat, you’re not alone. However, we still have time to prevent the worst effects of climate change before we pass the point of no return. Despite the current narrative, it is not too late. It is our job, as stewards of future generations, to save what we have left of the planet and restore it to its former glory. Although no easy task, with everyone working together, it is not an impossible one.

 

By Katie Heinrich | © The World Daily 2021

 

 

Categories:
Environment
Tags:
Climate ChangeGlobal Warming