Love in Action
September 10, 2024
What Would a World with Little to No Waste Look Like?
November 1, 2024
by Sara Grunberg
October 1
Climate Change Explained:
“Save the planet!” “Stop climate change!” These are phrases we hear frequently in today’s reality. The hard truth behind these statements is that while climate change is indeed affecting our planet, the primary impact is on us, humans. A common misconception is that climate change means the world is ending and that we are destroying the planet. While it is true that our current trends are causing significant disruptions to nature, which affect all species, the planet itself will continue to exist beyond our species’ time. Earth has been around for approximately 4.6 billion years and has hosted various species, including dinosaurs, long before us. Therefore, when we talk about fighting climate change, we are actually trying to ensure that the conditions remain suitable for our survival, as well as for other current species. It is vital to understand these misconceptions surrounding the topic of climate change and to be knowledgeable in the facts supported by scientific data.
According to the Framework Convention on Climate Change, climate change is defined as “a change of climate that is attributed directly or indirectly to human activity, that alters the composition of the global atmosphere, and that is in addition to natural climate variability over comparable time periods” (Pielke, 2004). To break it down, when discussing climate change, the focus is largely around greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide (CO₂). When CO₂ is released into the atmosphere, it traps heat, sourced from the sun. The atmosphere acts like a blanket around the Earth, holding in this heat and warming the planet.
This process leads to climate change, commonly referred to as global warming. However, “global warming” suggests that the planet is simply getting warmer, but in reality, it leads to a range of diverse impacts.
These include irregular weather patterns, more intense storm systems, and changing conditions that can threaten the survival of various species, potentially leading to extinction. The only certainty about climate change is that it creates a range of uncertain scenarios.
Before diving into the current trends of CO₂ emissions, let’s take a look at history. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), ice core samples show that over the past 800,000 years, atmospheric CO₂ levels never exceeded 300 parts per million (ppm). Instead, CO₂ levels fluctuated between 180 ppm and 300 ppm in a natural cyclical pattern. As of 2023, the global average atmospheric CO₂ level was 419.3 ppm, setting a new record high. The most recent data from July 2024 shows a level of 425.6 ppm. The increase between 2022 and 2023 was 2.8 ppm—the 12th year in a row where the amount of CO₂ in the atmosphere increased by more than 2 ppm (NOAA, 2024). Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii has been monitoring and recording CO₂ atmospheric levels since 1958.
Where are these emissions coming from? CO₂ is emitted from a number of human activities and natural processes. However, with the dramatic increase of atmospheric CO₂ levels, scientists and activists are focused on the additive CO₂ from human activity emissions.
One major source of emissions come from burning fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are natural energy sources formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals buried over millions of years, such as coal, oil, and natural gas. Land use changes, such as deforestation, also contribute to CO₂ emissions when forests are cleared.
While various human activities contribute to increased CO₂ emissions, the burning of fossil fuels and land use changes are the primary practices driving climate change.
Many people wonder how scientists know that the increase in CO₂ is due to human activity. Science provides an answer! Carbon is the foundation of all life on Earth and exists in different isotopes: C12, C13, and C14. Plants readily absorb C12 during photosynthesis, and when they decompose deep into the soil to form fossil fuels, these fuels contain C12 (Wood, 1989). When fossil fuels are burned, they release C12 into the atmosphere. However, the isotopes C13 and C14 do not increase proportionally in the atmosphere. The increase in C12 has also been reported in ice core samples. The disproportionate rise in C12 is a clear indicator that the additional CO₂ in the atmosphere comes from the burning of fossil fuels, a result of human activity.
Now, why is the increase of CO₂ a problem? There are several problems that create a domino effect—hang in there.
Due to the temperature increase, ice caps are melting. When ice caps melt, the resulting water contributes to rising sea levels. Additionally, the heat absorbed by the oceans causes the water to expand, further contributing to the increase in sea level.
Figure 1. (left) A healthy ocean snail has a transparent shell with smoothly contoured ridges. (right) A shell exposed to more acidic, corrosive waters is cloudy, ragged, and pockmarked with ‘kinks’ and weak spots. Photos courtesy Nina Bednarsek, NOAA PMEL.
The ocean absorbs about 30% of the CO₂ that is released in the atmosphere. As levels of atmospheric CO₂ increase from human activity, the amount of CO₂ absorbed by the ocean also increases. When CO₂ is absorbed by seawater, a series of chemical reactions occur resulting in the increased concentration of hydrogen ions, acidifying the water (NOAA, 2024). Ocean acidification degrades calcium carbonate shells and skeletons of marine life, like corals and shellfish (Figure 1).
Changing climates can alter habitats and ecosystems, making it difficult for species to adapt to the changing conditions at such an accelerated pace, contributing to biodiversity loss. The changes in temperature can also impact the timing of natural cycles such as plant blooming and animal migrations, disrupting food chains and ecological balances.
Additionally, the heat from the rising temperatures create an increase in frequency and severity of extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, droughts, and heavy rainfall. Ultimately, having an impact on human livelihoods and the economy, including damage to infrastructure, increased insurance premiums, and costs associated with adapting to changing conditions. Even further, climate change can affect human health through increased heat stress, the spread of vector-borne diseases, and poor air quality.
As depicted, climate change effects everyone and everything on Earth that result in scenarios that scientists are uncertain how they will unfold. All of this information can feel overwhelming and give a sense of hopelessness. However, if we all take small steps to reducing our carbon emissions, we can make a difference. There are several ways you can participate in lowering your carbon footprint.
Since emissions linked to transportation are one of the largest contributors, this month the “call to action” is to carpool with your friends and family. To take it a step further, use your bike for transportation; the only CO₂ emitted comes from your own breath. Share your sustainable successes with Maegen Anders at manders@sistersosf.org. This earth is not ours to inherit, but one we need to protect for future generations.
Sara Grunberg
In the role of Sustainability Coordinator for Lourdes University and the Sylvania Franciscans, Sara Grunberg works as the common link between all campus ministries in achieving a sustainable campus. Sara was raised in the Franciscan tradition as a student at Sylvania Franciscan Academy, later graduating from Notre Dame Academy. At the University of Dayton, she earned a B.S. in Environmental biology, worked on a student-run farm, and learned beekeeping. From there, she attended the College of Charleston for a master’s degree in environmental and sustainability studies.
