Climate change poses a significant threat to our planet's biodiversity. Currently, one million of the estimated eight million species of plants and animals are at risk of extinction. Data shows that the situation is becoming increasingly dire. For instance, Delhi recently recorded India's highest temperature at 52.3 degrees Celsius. Over the past 170 years, 2.4 trillion tons of CO2 have been released into the atmosphere, with half of this total occurring in the last 50 years. Alarmingly, the extinction rate is now nearly 1,000 times higher than the natural rate.
According to recent reports, by mid-century, we may see a staggering 30-50% of Earth's species disappear. Furthermore, approximately 27% of coral reefs have already been destroyed. In the United States, the amount of plastic bottles discarded weekly is enough to circle the Earth five times.
2023 has been recorded as the hottest year on record, with average global temperatures rising by 2.12 degrees Fahrenheit above the 20th-century average. A significant finding indicates that two-thirds of extreme weather events in the last 20 years have been influenced by human activities. Instances of floods and heavy rainfall have quadrupled since 1980. The IPCC reports that if global temperatures increase by 2°C, we could lose 99% of coral reefs.
The concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere is at its highest point in human history. The last occurrence of such elevated CO2 levels was more than three million years ago, a time when sea levels were substantially higher, and trees thrived at the South Pole. Approximately 25% of greenhouse gas emissions stem from land clearing, crop production, and fertilization, with significant contributions from animal-based food production.
Dozens of plant and animal species face extinction daily, which is nearly 1,000 times the natural extinction rate. Projections suggest that by mid-century, 30-50% of species could vanish. Between 1970 and 2016, there has been an average decline of 68% in the population sizes of various species, including mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and fish.
Predictions indicate that by 2050, global mean sea levels may rise by almost one foot compared to levels in 2000, with projections of over three feet by 2100. This rise poses a threat to many major cities worldwide, potentially submerging them and leading to severe consequences for human populations.
Climate change adversely affects the availability and quality of water for drinking and agriculture, exacerbating food insecurity. Currently, between 720 million and 811 million people are undernourished, with 2.3 billion experiencing the effects of malnutrition. Additionally, climate change is expected to worsen child undernutrition and increase mortality rates associated with diet-related diseases and illnesses like malaria.
The wealthiest 1% of the global population is responsible for more than double the carbon emissions compared to the poorest 50%. Industrial activities from 100 companies owned by the wealthiest individuals contribute to over 70% of global emissions. Addressing climate change requires equitable solutions that consider these disparities.
Q1. What is the current extinction rate of species?
Answer: The current extinction rate is nearly 1,000 times the natural rate, with dozens of species going extinct each day.
Q2. How does climate change affect coral reefs?
Answer: Climate change threatens coral reefs significantly, with predictions indicating that 99% could be lost if global temperatures rise by 2°C.
Q3. What impact does climate change have on food security?
Answer: Climate change limits water availability for agriculture, exacerbating food insecurity, with millions facing malnutrition globally.
Q4. How are rising sea levels predicted to affect cities?
Answer: By 2050, rising sea levels could submerge many major cities, leading to severe consequences for human populations and infrastructure.
Q5. What role does wealth disparity play in climate change?
Answer: The wealthiest 1% contribute disproportionately to carbon emissions, highlighting the need for equitable climate solutions to address these disparities.
Question 1: What percentage of global emissions is contributed by the wealthiest individuals?
A) 50%
B) 70%
C) 80%
D) 40%
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: By how much are global sea levels predicted to rise by 2050?
A) 0.5 feet
B) 1 foot
C) 2 feet
D) 3 feet
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: What is the estimated decline in population sizes of various species since 1970?
A) 50%
B) 68%
C) 30%
D) 40%
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: What year was recorded as the hottest year on record?
A) 2020
B) 2019
C) 2023
D) 2021
Correct Answer: C
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