Climate change, global warming, accelerated extinction: these are words that we have all heard before. Of all the issues that simultaneously plague our world and collective consciousness, I have observed to my surprise, an extraordinarily underwhelming amount of discussion and awareness about the climate crisis. This strikes me as peculiar, given the all-encompassing nature of the #Climate Crisis and its relevance to each and every one of our lives.
Scientists have warned since the 1970s that global warming is a significant threat to all life on Earth. With the Paris Agreement, countries around the world pledged to limit global warming within a 1.5°C average temperature rise. To a layman, a 1.5°C rise may not sound like much, but scientists have shown that this would lead to:
- 1 billion people being exposed to extreme heat at least every 5 years
- Ice-free seasons in the arctic lasting longer (polar bears have to fast much longer)
- Sea levels will rise by 40 cm (about half the height of a toddler)
- 8 in 10 of remaining coral reefs will be destroyed
- Species loss of 4% for vertebrates, 8% for plants and 6% for insects
Not only will these effects harm ecosystems, but will have direct impacts on our lives. For instance, countries lying on the tropical belt such as Malaysia are far more vulnerable to extreme heat waves, and coastal flooding. How much will this impact our agricultural production and food security? Will global warming exacerbate peatland fires and transboundary haze? What are the implications on human health due to heat strokes and natural disasters? These are questions that we all should be asking and thinking about, if we plan to continue living on this planet at least for the next few decades.
Unfortunately, the worst news is yet to come. At present, the global average temperature has already risen by 1.1°C. With just 0.4°C of leeway remaining to achieve the Paris Agreement target, are we really doing enough to get there?
Let’s have a look at what a 2°C hotter world would look like:
The numbers speak for themselves, that a 2°C hotter world will be subject to much more peril than a 1.5°C one, and by extension, a 3°C hotter world would be unimaginable. The aim of the Paris Agreement is to strengthen the global response to keep the temperature rise well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
But to have a likely chance of keeping warming at 1.5°C over the longer term, the world will need to reach net-zero emissions within 25 years. Based on the present state of climate action in the world, it seems inevitable that we are to exceed the 1.5°C target.
This is why we simply cannot go on as we are now. We must do all within our power to curb climate change, and limit global warming as soon as possible, in order to prevent the worst from happening.
Despite all of this, there are reasons to be hopeful. According to UNICEF Malaysia’s recent survey this year, 9 in 10 youths in Malaysia have experienced environment and climate-related effects in the last three years. In fact, 92 per cent of young people think that climate change is a crisis. These results are really insightful, because they indicate that young people, like you and me, are indeed aware of the urgency of the climate crisis. But just like me, you may be feeling powerless, or overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the issue. You may be wondering how a single individual like yourself could do anything to solve a problem of this magnitude.
I was recently privileged to have been part of the Malaysian Local Conference of Youth (MYLCOY2020) organised by the Malaysian Youth Delegation, and I was extremely inspired to hear young climate leaders share their success stories as well as humble beginnings with climate advocacy. In fact, I am quoting some of them when I say that: “No action is too small” and “1 person is more than 0” so start with yourself, and your community.
Start by equipping yourself with the relevant knowledge, by reading reliably sourced climate change articles and following the work of environmental organisations on social media (@MYDClimate is one not to be missed). Get involved by joining some of those organisations or their initiatives (MYLCOY2020 is a great place to start), or if you have a great idea, start your own initiative! Take action, but don’t just do it on the streets, but vote at the ballot box and vote with our wallets with the consumption choices we make. That way if policymakers and companies want our votes and our ringgit, they are going to have to change their ways.
The climate crisis is grave, and the window of opportunity for effective climate action is narrowing fast. However, we must not give in to despair but instead take effective action now to ensure the planet remains livable and conducive for the flourishing of life now and into the future. After all, those who have the privilege to know, have the duty to act.
Now is time for the youth to rise up, and fight to save our planet, our home.
About the Author
Josephine is a member of the Malaysian Youth Delegation, writing on her personal capacity to raise awareness about climate change. It is her hope that small acts like publishing this article, will strengthen the Malaysian and global climate movement.