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In creating the summary of the vast information that was provided to us in such a mere brevity, we had to first address the concerns and points we felt most pressing and compelling.
To begin with, the Paris agreement was examined in the document all of us were able to study, instead of simply summarizing it, we wanted to discuss the thoughts it provoked within us. But to review it, the main point seemed to be limiting the average annual temperature increase to 2℃, with an aim to keep it at 1.5 or lower. They selected this value as the temperature rise globally can be seen as a representative of global warming, greenhouse gas emissions and can be linked back to climate change and the water cycle. The unit celsius was briefly explained to be a value that was well suited to the data while being one most citizens can understand and attain to. Instead, gigatons of carbon dioxide could’ve been used as we were able to learn of how with increasing carbon dioxide comes a decreased likelihood of obtaining the Paris target range, but this unit was labeled as one which would be far harder to grasp for citizens. If the world is successful at changing the habits and , as well as energy sources and consumption, we could see rising sea levels among other plentiful perks. On the other hand, a greater increase of even a mere degree could cause the eventual loss of coastal cities, the complete deglaciation of the northern hemisphere and an incremental impact on food supply and ecosystems. The levels of temperature increase are stated to be ‘domains’ each holding an increase in the tipping elements of climate change. Furthermore, seeing a rise which surpassed assumptions (entering into the fourth, 3-5 degrees celsius, or possibly even eighth domain) could force us into extreme negative environmental consequences which may not be reversible. While it is said to be 66% probable that the 2-degree goal is obtainable, UNFCCC and Paris agree in saying that simply 2 degrees isn’t enough to be a safe bet. They say that for a better likelihood, we need to have a maximum of 1000 GTCO2, as well stating to attain the 1.5 degrees, it should be 400 GTCO2. Contrarily, some say the limit is impossible but were unable to back the proceeding hypothesis. One issue is the challenges associated with mass carbon dioxide removal a.k.a negative emissions. Others say it may be achieved under certain but not unreasonable conditions After reading this, we wanted to know how we as Canada are doing and where we fell in reducing warming to less than 1.5 degrees. we was unable to discover the data we desired, but hope regardless of where we fall that we as a country will aspire to do more in the ways of our ecological role. It’s difficult, as the pressing issue it is, to grasp the fact that with time and progression, our ways could destroy the globe as we know it.
Separately, the first source also discussed renewable v.s nonrenewable energy, and that more than that general split, even some ‘clean’ sources aren’t as useful as we may think. With the modern day resources and technology booming, the cost of wind and solar electricity are dropping as their efficient functioning improves. Meanwhile, hydroelectricity and other ‘old’ sources, are high in both capital and planning. Because there are those who say decarbonizing is neither smooth nor planned, we also must review the notion that instead of going back, with negative emissions, there is the plausibility of renewable energy technologies. This is brought alongside the debate of putting our money into reducing our past damage or looking towards the future, a political, ethical and social debate. If we’re able to fund a technology explosion like the one renewable energy could provide, we could cause an induced implosion of coal, oil, and gas. Similarly, Oregon has a plan to eliminate most fossil fuels by 2035, one of the first goals of it’s kind in the world and China has closed over 1000 coal mines, which is an incredible step in the right direction. This self-development in countries, also including India can tip the scale completely. Moving on, it isn’t just the energy sector that is greatly prepared for electrification, it too is transportation, becoming more than a source of émissions, becoming a role model for what may become of oil, gas, and coal. Replacing what’s old and costly, having taken it’s toll on the environment, could mean a world of good for us and many others in the future. We believe that we could first address limiting our emissions and later, or elsewhere in the world, the opposite approach could be taken.
With ease, many say that the greatest medium of effect on climate change is water, as we both rely on it’s useful characteristic in day to day life and it’s role as our secondary glimpse into the growing consequences of climate change. The water cycle is said to be one of the greatest effects of climate change, even citizens can see it. For example, those who studied greatly the effects of global warming on water stated that Central North America would see more droughts, something we’ve seen just in the past few years. Flooding, wildfires, heatwaves and cyclones were among the other natural issues that have been predicted to arise in number since the industrialization. The factor of energy production and the strategy we choose to reduce emissions, is a choice water needs to be considered in, said Angela Kallhauge of the International Renewable Energy Agency. One possible renewable energy strategy is Morocco’s solar voltaic water pumping, which was mentioned by Said Mouline. This was discussed to be achievable through the possibility of social connections and partnerships. If we are willing and determined, as the first reading said, engaging our economic sources while focusing on political adaptation can be a truly effective strategy.
The next source, one with yet again an enormous focus on water stated how key water is to our livelihoods, ecosystems and so much more. As we recently discussed, through the negativity of climate change, we could continue to see severe and frequent droughts, flooding and storms. We may begin to see glacier snow melting which coupled with the last point may result in a complete alteration of the water cycle and bodies. To be completely honest with you, this may not have crippling results for many of us, but it will for the poor, vulnerable people who often live without shelter in the areas most affected. None the matter, as on our side we have the opportunity to improve our water resource management while transferring knowledge and technology to combat the conflict as best we can.
Despite what many may think, we don’t have unlimited water. In fact, we have access to fresh water a mere 2.5% of the world’s water, a number that’s been repeated over and over. But what surprised us isn’t how little water that actually is, it’s that we hardly get any of that. Polar regions are unusable, while ground water which is possible to attain makes up a portion of the freshwater, surface water makes up a tiny 0.3%. Of that usable water, agricultural purposes take 70% for the preparation of our food while industries such as factories use around 22% in creating almost everything else we own, including our clothes. And last but not least, we have 8%, a petite fraction of the water. We have to work to preserve water as it isn’t as abundant as we may think, and to date, we have yet to create an uncostly, effective and sensible way to transform salt water. In the issue of reducing effects on the water cycle, of multiple other global organizations we find the Catholic Church and transnationals such as the united nations taking a stand. One place we can greatly observe the effects of the water crises is in Asia, where through a population boom in urbanization, many people in coastal cities are found as the victims of natural disasters.
To conclude, we wanted to look deeper in examination at what message these pieces discussed that stood out most to us. First off, it isn’t about our habits, it’s about the policies in government, the global conferences like this one which all of us are so lucky to be a part of. With that, we quickly came to realize that; it isn’t about the shorter showers or not running the water, it’s about putting time and effort into working on sharing your voice because as youth it matters. We matter, our voice matters, and it’s time we put it to use to do something good for the world. Thank you.
