Today, October 24th, is the International Day of Climate Action, a day dedicated to raising awareness and encouraging action to combat climate change.
In the last 25 years CO₂ levels in the atmosphere have surged from approximately 360 parts per million (ppm) in the late 1990s to over 425 ppm today.
In 1990, global CO₂ emissions were 20 billion tonnes per year, current emissions now exceed 35 billion tonnes.
What generates CO₂?
About 90% of CO₂ emissions come from the burning of coal, oil, and natural gas for energy and transportation. Human activity such as deforestation, industrial activity are compounding the effect of these emissions. Soils and oceans that naturally absorb emissions are under pressure. Soils are increasingly salt affected with around 9% of planet’s agricultural land now salt affected. And as oceans take up emissions so they are becoming acidified which is now threatening eco systems and efficiency in absorbing CO₂.
What can we do?
We will need to change, and we can all do something. It seems obvious that we need to encourage individuals and communities to participate in activities that promote sustainability, such as tree planting, reducing energy consumption, and supporting renewable energy projects. Collective action at the grassroots level can drive significant change.
The International Day of Climate Action
Reminds us that this is global problem, and that climate change is a shared challenge that requires a united response.
It underscores the need for cooperation across borders to achieve meaningful progress. It can also be a day to realise that we can change, and we can make a difference.