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It’s easy to feel pessimistic when scientists around the world are warning that climate change has advanced so far, it’s now inevitable that societies will either Transform yourself or be transformed. But, Two of the AuthorsRecent International climate reportWe also see reason to be optimistic.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s latest reports discuss the future, but also outline how existing solutions can be improved. reduce greenhouse gas emissionsAnd Help people adjust to impacts of climate change that can’t be avoided.
The problem is that these solutions aren’t being deployed fast enough. These solutions are not being implemented fast enough, Industries are being pushed back, people’s Fear of changeThis has helped to maintain the status quo.
To slow climate change and adapt, the world must shift how it produces and uses energy, transports people, goods, designs buildings, and crops food. It all starts with accepting innovation and changing.
Fear of change can lead you to a worsening of change
Societies have seen fundamental changes in how they live and see themselves in the world since the industrial revolution and the rise of social media.
Some transformations are generally regarded as negative, including those related to climate change. For example, about half the world’s coral reef Ecosystems are dyingBecause of Oceans are becoming more acidic and hot.. Kiribati and other island nations, as well as coastal communities in Louisiana and Alaska, include Land is being lost to rising seas.
Other transformations have had both positive and negative effects. The industrial revolutionWhile it led to a vastly improved standard of living for many, it also spawned inequalities, social disruptions, and environmental destruction.
People resist transformation because they fear losing what is important to them. Wanting to retain things as they are – known as status quo bias – explains all sorts of individual decisions, from sticking with incumbent politicians to Not enrolling in retirement and health plansEven though the alternatives may seem rationally superior,
For larger changes, this effect may be more severe. In the past, delaying inevitable changes has resulted in transformations that were unnecessarily severe, such as this. Collapse of some 13th century civilizationsIn what is now the U.S. Southwest. As more people Witness the impacts of climate change in actionThey may come to realize that change is inevitable and embrace new solutions.
A mixture of good and poor
The IPCC reports clearly show that the future will require more climate-related transformations. The question is how many good and which bad will these transformations bring about?
If countries allow greenhouse gases emissions to continue at high rates and communities adapt only incrementally, transformations will most likely be forced. Most of the time, it’s bad.
As spring flooding worsens, a riverside community might raise its levees. As the flooding grows, such adaptations reach their limits. The cost of levees to keep water out may be too high or too intrusive, which could make it difficult for people to live near the river. The community may die.
Scott Olson/Getty Images
Riverside communities could also consider a more proactive and anticipatory approach. It could shift to higher ground, transform its riverfront into parkland, provide affordable housing for those who are displaced, and work with upstream communities to improve floodwater capture landscapes. The community can also switch to electrified transportation and renewable energy simultaneously to slow global warming.
Optimism resides in deliberate action
Numerous examples can be found in the IPCC reports that can be used to guide such positive transformation.
Renewable energy, for example, is now available. Generally, less expensive than fossil fuelsSo, a shift towards clean energy can often be a cost-saving move. Redesigning communities can help improve the resilience to natural hazards. Steps such asNatural wildfire breaks are important to prevent homes from burning.
Sixth Assessment Report of the IPCC
Land use and the Design of infrastructureThese can be based on forward-looking information about the climate, such as roads or bridges. Pricing for insuranceAnd Disclosures about climate risks for corporatesCan help the public identify hazards in products they buy or companies they support as investors.
These changes cannot be achieved by one group alone. Everyone must participate, GovernmentsThat is possible Mandate and incentivize positive changesBusinesses that make decisions about greenhouse gas emissions are often in control, and citizens who have the power to increase their pressure on both.
Transformation is inevitable
Both. Adapt toAnd mitigate climate changeThe last five years have seen significant progress in the field, but Not fast enoughTo stop the transformations already in progress.
These transformations can be made easier by using proven solutions to disrupt existing systems and create a better tomorrow.
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