Climate with Non-Conformists

For the first time in history, temperature has become a serious issue for humanity. Historically, environmental changes were seen as natural shifts that varied by place, season, and time. But today, the problem has grown more urgent, especially for those who disregard its seriousness. People are beginning to realize that the environment should be the foundation of everything, rather than being shaped by human activities.

Climate change is a complex issue involving natural science, economics, legal frameworks, and technological advancements. It varies across locations and time scales, with impacts felt differently by each individual. While Earth’s natural systems have historically managed environmental changes, human activities since the Industrial Revolution have dramatically increased greenhouse gas emissions. These emissions, coupled with industrial activities, have caused significant fluctuations in temperature, particularly during two key warming periods: 1910-1945 and 1976-2000. In these periods, industrial emissions increased by 25% and 80%, respectively: showcasing the link between human activity and climate change. Wars, such as World War I and II, also contributed to emissions through the use of energy-intensive technologies and nuclear weapons. Predictions for the future are grim, with CO2 emissions expected to rise from 7 billion to 21 billion tons by 2100, leading to a temperature increase of 0.13°C per decade if current rates continue.

Floods are another pressing issue linked to climate change. From 1992 to 1996, 75 floods were reported annually, totaling about 500 in five years—a significant increase compared to earlier decades. However, not all floods are directly caused by climate change. Instead, issues like UV radiation, rising sea levels, and melting glaciers play a significant role. Despite years of discussions and agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, tangible solutions remain elusive.

Climate Change as a Business and Political Issue

Climate change has become a multi-faceted issue. For billionaires, it’s a business opportunity; for politicians, a geopolitical challenge; and for healthcare professionals, a public health crisis. Wealthier nations and individuals often benefit from climate policies, while poorer communities bear the brunt of the damage. For instance, while rich investors debate the risks and rewards of green technologies, developing countries struggle to secure funding to address climate-related damages.

The Paris Agreement highlights these disparities. Wealthy nations, including the U.S., U.K., Germany, and China, dominate funding and negotiations, while developing nations face unmet promises of financial support. Proposed contributions, such as $100 billion by 2030, fall short of the estimated $1 trillion needed annually by 2050. This imbalance fuels conflicts between countries, investors, and policymakers.

Health Impacts of Climate Change

Climate change also poses significant health risks. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that by 2050, climate change could cause 250,000 additional deaths annually due to malnutrition, malaria, diarrhea, and heat stress. Air pollution alone is expected to shorten life expectancy by five years in countries like Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan. While some deaths, such as that of nine-year-old Ella Kissi-Debrah in London, are directly linked to air pollution, other health issues, such as malnutrition in South Africa, highlight deeper systemic problems. Addressing these challenges requires a stable economy and investments in climate mitigation and adaptation measures.

“Climate change is no longer just an environmental shift—it’s a global imbalance where the rich negotiate and the poor endure. Until humanity stops viewing the environment as a resource to exploit, and starts treating it as the foundation of survival, the crisis will only deepen.”

Conclusion

Climate change is no longer just an environmental issue. It’s a business opportunity, a political chessboard, and a health crisis. Addressing it requires global cooperation, equitable funding, and a shift in how we view and value the environment. Rich and poor alike must work together to create a sustainable future, ensuring that the environment supports humanity, not the other way around.