Climate change: only those who don't want to see it don't.

We have all heard about the numerous consequences of climate change - the increase in temperature, the melting of glaciers and consequently the rise in sea level, the extinction of various species of fauna and flora that can no longer survive in these weather conditions, droughts, floods, wildfires, among many other phenomena.

"A few years ago, there was still room for climate change deniers to express themselves, but currently there is no possibility to debate this issue. Our planet Earth is complaining, and only those who do not want to see it do not!"

Three years ago, the young Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, then 15 years old, started the "Fridays for Future" movement, a protest against the inaction of politicians regarding the climate crisis, which globalized and culminated in a general school strike on March 15 in over 100 countries. Since then, the whole world, especially younger generations, has become more aware of these issues.

We have all heard about the numerous consequences of climate change - the increase in temperature, the melting of glaciers and consequently the rise in sea level, the extinction of various species of fauna and flora that can no longer survive in these weather conditions, droughts, floods, wildfires, among many other phenomena.

"A few years ago, there was still room for climate change deniers to express themselves, but currently there is no possibility to debate this issue. Our planet Earth is complaining, and only those who do not want to see it do not!"

Three years ago, the young Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, then 15 years old, started the "Fridays for Future" movement, a protest against the inaction of politicians regarding the climate crisis, which globalized and culminated in a general school strike on March 15 in over 100 countries. Since then, the whole world, especially younger generations, has become more aware of these issues.

Let's get to the facts!

'If you still have that friend or family member who refuses to acknowledge the consequences of global warming, you can present these facts and alert them to something real that is happening on our Planet:'

•  Humanity uses 74% more natural resources than the planet's ecosystems can regenerate – that is, the equivalent of living on "1.7 Earths." Portugal has an ecological footprint of 2.75 planets.

• In 2021, Earth Overshoot Day occurred on July 29. This means that we have exhausted the resources available for the entire year after just 7 months.

• "In the year 2021 alone, the global carbon footprint increased by 6.6%."

• Throughout the history of planet Earth, over 450 million years, five mass extinctions occurred, caused by meteorites and volcanic eruptions. The sixth will be caused by the impact of humans on the ecosystem.

• The climate changes caused by humanity will be responsible for 8% of the current species extinction.

• Meteorological phenomena such as torrential rains, prolonged droughts, heatwaves, and tornadoes will become increasingly frequent.

• By 2040 (in just 19 years, yes you will still experience this), 70% of the major glaciers on the planet will melt, causing further sea level rise and consequently flooding and the disappearance of islands and coastal cities.

 "It is urgent to change our lifestyle to a more sustainable one." We no longer have much time and many years have passed that we can no longer recover. However, we must do everything possible, at a personal and business/governmental level, to save what still exists!

Small actions such as reducing electricity consumption, avoiding the use of the car and opting for public or shared transport, reducing meat consumption, or recycling are some examples of how we can contribute to a greener world.

Maria do Mar Sousa, 09/10/2021