It’s a Huge Milestone – But Who Knew?
5 October, 2016
It didn’t get as much publicity as it should have.
It’s a critical milestone – and we passed it at the end of September 2016.
In fact, it’s a banner week for the end of the world.
But did you see it on TV?
Some of the more “serious” newspapers covered it – but mainstream TV?
I didn’t see it.
Instead we were treated to “really important” stuff like the vice-presidential debate in the US, the Tory Party conference in the UK – oh, and a Kardashian being mugged.
The closest we got was some coverage of the hurricane that hit Haiti and the devastation it caused. We’re going to see a lot more news of that type over the coming years.
And in the future, it’s possible that history books will look back on September 2016 as a major milestone for our planet’s climate.
Because 2016 will be the year that we officially pushed atmospheric carbon levels past the dreaded 400 ppm mark.
Permanently.
How We Passed 400 ppm
Since the industrial revolution, we humans have been adding more carbon dioxide to the atmosphere than trees and plants and the oceans can take up. That’s meant higher global temperatures, along with a host of other climate change impacts.
What’s so terrifying about this number? For several years now, scientists have been warning us that if atmospheric carbon were allowed to surpass 400 parts per million, it would mark a serious “milestone.”
In addition, 2016 is already set to be set to be the hottest year on record. The planet has already edged right up against the 1.5C (2.7F) warming threshold.
The Paris agreement – an international convention dedicated to fighting climate change and its effects—has just been ratified, which is good news.
Countries that adopt the agreement say they will try to prevent global average temperatures from rising beyond 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. They aim to do this by limiting carbon emissions and by adopting clean energy.
However, their pledges are probably not even enough to avoid 2C of warming. And 2C of warming will have serious repercussions around the world.
Will that affect you and me? Absolutely!
Here are some examples of what we’re facing:
400 ppm Means Extinction
Due to climate change, The Nature Conservancy suggests one fourth of Earth’s species could be on their way to extinction by 2050. Does it matter if some species die out? It does – here’s why (apart from the awfulness of condemning plants and animals to death):
400 ppm means Food Chain Disruption
Food chains are seriously impacted when certain animals and plants become extinct. In the Arctic, for example, rising ocean temperatures means there isn’t as much sea algae. That affects the amount of zooplankton, which affects fish. Fewer fish mean less food for seals. That means less food for polar bears – who are already suffering from habitat destruction (less ice).Over the last 50 years, average winter temperatures throughout Alaska and western Canada have risen by as much as 7°F.
400 ppm Means Ocean Acidification and Coral Bleaching
The planet’s oceans are constantly absorbing excess carbon dioxide (CO2), which is making the water more acid. Combined with rising water temperatures, entire marine ecosystems are being wiped out. Huge expanses of life-sustaining coral, such as Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, are also bleaching and dying.
400 ppm Means Rising sea levels
Rising sea levels mean coastlines will flood, and communities will become displaced. By 2100, approximately 13 million people in the US are projected to lose their homes due to rising sea levels. It’s already happening in the Pacific Ocean.
Now that we’ve reached 400 ppm – permanently – aren’t you glad that the mainstream media told you a Kardashian was mugged?
Please Share this post widely. Not enough people people know – or care. (Sharing buttons below and right). And see the fabulous drawing by Robin Wood below.
Warm regards,
P.S. Don’t forget to download “Live Well, Live Green” for FREE here!
Related:
- How well will you do in this Climate Change Quiz ?
- Climate Change – Yes, we CAN help – download your FREE report!
I knew this was going to happen. No one wants to give up what it takes to protect the planet. Quite sad really. Kind of glad I’m coming to the end of my run and have no grandchildren. But who knows. Some brilliant child may just be coming in that will find a way to turn it around. So many are trying and so many are doing the opposite. Who wins?