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.