The consequences of a world dependent on fossil fuels

Quinten Seghers, Staff Writer|November 17, 2018

The Earth is a very special, yet very fragile planet. It contains many unique traits that, when combined, make it the perfect place for harboring large amounts of biological life.
Some of the key traits that allow Earth to sustain life are, being in the habitable zone of the solar system (an area that allows for liquid water to exist on an planet), plenty of water, light (from the sun), a magnetic field, and protection from asteroids thanks to Jupiter’s strong magnetic pull.
Earth’s careful assortment of necessary traits for life makes it imperative that its environment is protected. If any dramatic changes to the Earth’s environment were to occur. Like for example if an asteroid were to hit Earth, it would put life on Earth at the brink of extinction.
With Earth being the only suitable home for humans so far, it places even more pressure on humanity to protect its environment. Despite this, many humans are putting their species in danger by endangering Earth’s habitat.
If Earth’s natural environment is eradicated, humans will soon follow, one way or another.
Earth is at risk of entering a complete environmental collapse due to rapidly rising temperatures which have been on the rise since the start of the industrial revolution in the 1880’s. This increase in global temperature has been primarily due to the release of carbon dioxide from burning coal, oil, and natural gas.
According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, “the average global temperature on Earth has increased by about 0.8 Celsius (1.4 Fahrenheit) since 1880”, signaling a significant change in the temperature of the Earth. Also, according to the Cable News Network, “By the end of the century, the global temperature is likely to rise more than 2 degrees Celsius, or 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit.”
The CNN report takes into account that the amount of CO2 that humans let into the atmosphere will consistently increase at a steady rate over the years. So there is still a chance for mankind if humans lower their CO2 emissions. But it’s a slim chance either way.
Nevertheless, the future is rather bleak, even if humans were to stop emitting all greenhouse gases by tomorrow. According to The Conversation, “the Earth’s temperature would rise about another 1.1F (0.6C).“ If global temperatures were to rise by just 2 Celsius, it would have devastating effects. For example, there would be an increase of droughts, extreme weather conditions, unpredictable weather cycles, and more.
The events that would take place after a global temperature increase of 2 Celsius wouldn’t just cost humanity economically, it would cost lives.
The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change 48th session took place on October 1st until October 6th, 2018, in Incheon, Republic of Korea. The delegation only confirmed current fears about the state of the Earth. During the session, representatives from 195 countries released a statement emphasizing the dire situation that the Earth is in.
In the released statement, the delegation elaborated that rising temperatures due to excessive amounts of greenhouses gases entering the atmosphere would cause severe problems for mankind in the future. The delegation also stated that there is significant evidence that shows that the world is already being negatively affected by rising global temperatures.
The effects of global warming are already clear and taking a toll on the society of Cape Town, South Africa. This city will possibly soon be the first major city to run out of water. Around the world, there are massive coral bleaching events, destroying many ecosystems vital for the oceans health. There is also a noticeable increase in the frequency and severity of abnormal weather events.
This will push humans into a make or break situation unless the world bands together and takes decisive action immediately in order to prevent such an event from occurring. Unfortunately, such a course of action already seems unlikely in Earth’s current political climate.
The report also included that if humanity’s emission levels stay consistent, then the Earth will be on track to break the 1.5 Fahrenheit (or 2 Celsius) threshold that the committee had previously hoped to avoid.
The world has approximately 12 years to significantly change its energy practices and switch to renewable energy and other non-CO2 releasing methods to provide the Earth with its rising energy demands or face the consequences.
Humans have been receiving these warning signs for years now and it’s up to them to do something about it, otherwise, the Earth will bear the cost.
Please help out and make environmentally conscious decisions. Here are some ways that one can help out the Earth from their home!
  1. Print as little as possible
  2. Recycle
  3. Use a reusable water bottle and a reusable bag
  4. Switch to energy efficient light bulbs
  5. Limit water usage
  6. Always try to bike or walk instead of using a car