Alarmed by the recent natural disasters? Here’s what we can do
Alarmed by the recent natural disasters? Here’s what we can do
The world has been shocked by recent natural disasters. From floods to wildfires, people have been hit hard. What can we do to help? In July, the Athens wildfires claimed 91 lives. In July, up to 54 people died due to a heatwave in Quebec. In July, at least 65 people died due to a heatwave in Japan. In July, the same country saw over 200 die in recent floods. Natural disasters are striking at an increasing rate and climate change is to blame. So what can we do to help? Aside from humanitarian aid, we need to think more broadly. If we’re going to limit damage in the future, we need to commit to widespread, specific change. Today, we’re going to look at some of the biggest problems we’re facing in relation to climate change, and how we can pull together to affect positive change.What do the natural disasters tell us about climate change?
It’s a well-supported theory that climate change will — and has — increased the likelihood of natural disasters occurring. With rising sea levels, those in low-lying island nations will be the most vulnerable. More generally, the poorest people in the world are most at risk. Whilst before, we addressed the issue as ‘global warming’, we’ve now got a better understanding of the problem. The planet is undoubtedly warming, but the climate is becoming more unpredictable. ‘Climate change’ is a far more useful term.Climate change hearsay and outright lies
As with most attempts at progress, there are those that seek to inhibit the battle against climate change. Climate sceptics, despite being roundly embarrassed by the evidence against them, continue to spread doubt. How many times have you heard that, despite reports, the climate is actually cooling? Possibly hundreds. And it’s simply not true. But that kind of hearsay gets around fast. Remember, it only took a year or so for the Flat Earth myth to rear its ugly head again. If that kind of nonsense can rise to the fore, what about climate change denial, which is a lucrative lie for those with vested interests? Consider too, that it’s hard to apportion blame on individual events. When it comes to the climate, there are no certainties. We only speak in likelihoods, making every flood or fire easy to dismiss as a freak accident. So how do we change that? There are a few ways.The problem with climate change reporting
Journalistic balance is a great thing, but dangerous when not executed properly. In public discussions around climate change, we see those from either side of the spectrum. Why? According to peer-reviewed scientific studies, humans are causing the climate to heat up at an unnatural rate. The rate of consensus ranges from 97% to 99.4%, but it rarely dips below 90%. If you were given a 90% chance of having a disease, you’d go to the doctor.What individuals and organisations must do next
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Lobby your local government officials
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Make the changes you want to see others make
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Hit them where it hurts: the bottom line
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Commit to sustainability in business
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Spread the facts to family and friends