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Riscaldamento Globale e Cambiamento Climatico

Global Warming

  • Definition: Global warming refers to the increase in the Earth’s temperature, primarily in the atmosphere and the oceans.
  • Causes:
    • Natural factors contribute to warming, but the most significant causes are human activities, specifically:
    • Fossil fuel consumption
    • Deforestation
    • Intensive agriculture and livestock farming
  • Temperature Rise:
    • The globe's average temperature has increased by almost 1 degree Celsius over the last 100 years.
    • This may seem insignificant, but it poses a serious concern.

Consequences of Global Warming

  • Retreat of Glaciers: Leads to rising sea levels.
  • North Atlantic Current: Slowing of this current alters climates, causing significant differences in climate between cities like New York and Naples or Lisbon, even at similar latitudes.
  • Changes in Precipitation:
    • Altered distribution and quantity of rainfall.
    • Increased frequency and intensity of hurricanes.
  • Ocean Acidification:
    • Devastating effects on marine organisms and ecosystems.
  • Species Extinction:
    • Both plant and animal species are threatened by changing conditions.
  • Geographic Impact Example:
    • In Peru, researchers found that vegetation and animal species are migrating to higher altitudes, seeking cooler temperatures due to global warming.

Human Actions and Responsibilities

  • Reducing Ecological Footprint:
    • Individuals can significantly reduce their impact by:
    • Using energy from renewable sources to decrease CO2 emissions.
    • Limiting petrol or diesel car usage and opting for electric vehicles.
  • UN Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development:
    • Focused on climate change (Goal 13), emphasizing:
    • Raising awareness about climate change.
    • Enhancing the capacity to adapt to climate-related risks and natural disasters.
  • Activism Example:
    • Greta Thunberg (17-year-old Swedish activist):
    • Started protesting in 2018 by demonstrating outside the Swedish Parliament for climate action.
    • Initiated the global movement "Fridays for Future" to educate and mobilize youth against climate change.
    • Participated in events like "Rise for Climate" in Brussels and spoke at the European Parliament on April 16, 2019, urging swift political action to combat climate change.