IS CLIMATE CHANGE A REAL THREAT, OR JUST POLITICAL

PROPAGANDA?
‘Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. Such shifts can
be natural, due to changes in the sun’s activity or large volcanic eruptions.’ (un.org) Even though
climate change can be natural, humans activities have been the main driver of climate change
since mid-20th century. The combustion of fossil fuels produces greenhouse gas, creating ‘a
blanket’ around the Earth. That blanket keeps the Earth very warm because it traps the sun’s heat.
The greenhouse gases can come from, for example, using coal for heating a house or from
factories.

‘The terms ‘climate change’ and ‘global warming’ are frequently interchanged, yet they are
different things. Global warming is the long-term heating of Earth’s surface observed since the
pre-industrial period (between 1850. and 1900.) due to human activities.’ (nasa.gov) Because of
climate change there is a global warming. Global warming has far-reaching consequences,
including rising sea levels, extreme weather events, shifts in ecosystems, and impacts on human
societies and economies. Many people think climate change mainly means warmer temperatures.
But temperature rise is only the beginning of the story. Because the Earth is a system, where
everything is connected, changes in one area can influence changes in all others. Addressing
global warming often involves efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the
changing climate. For example, switching energy systems from fossil fuels to renewables like solar
or wind will reduce the emissions driving climate change.

Climate change and global warming stem from adverse alterations occurring in the Earth's
atmosphere. ‘Carbon dioxide (CO2) is an important heat-trapping gas, or greenhouse gas, that
comes from the extraction and burning of fossil fuels.’ (nasa.gov) Since 18th century, atmospheric
CO2 have been raised by 50%. ‘Methane (CH4) is a powerful greenhouse gas, and is the
second-largest contributor to climate warming after carbon dioxide (CO2).’ An estimated 60% of
methane are result of human activities.

Why has atmosphere changed so much since 18th century? One of the reasons are ‘First Industrial
Revolution’ and ‘Second Industrial Revolution’. First Industrial Revolution was period that occurred
during the period since 1760. to 1840. It brought significant advancements in manufacturing,
technology and economic process. Second Industrial Revolution happened the period since 1870.
to 1914. It was a phase of rapid scientific discovery, standardization, mass production and
industrialization. The combined influence of the First and Second Industrial Revolutions laid the
groundwork for ongoing climate change. While these periods of industrialization spurred
remarkable economic and technological advancements, they also set the stage for environmental
challenges. The effects of greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and changes in land use
contributed to alterations in the Earth's climate, marking a significant chapter in the human impact
on the environment.

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‘The word propaganda means: “information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to
promote or publicize a particular political cause or point of view.”’(wamc.org) ‘Political
propaganda is false information that is distributed to cause harm and advance a political cause.’
(liberties.eu) When individuals are informed about the causes of climate change and politicians
actively engage in discussions, it accelerates our ability to address and mitigate environmental
threats more quickly. This collective awareness and collaboration create a more effective
response to the challenges posed by climate change, fostering a greater potential for positive
outcomes and solutions.

Some data that show some of the problems of climate change: ‘The average temperature of the
Earth’s surface is now about 1.1°C warmer than it was in the late 1800s (before the industrial
revolution) and warmer than at any time in the last 100,000 years.’ (un.org) ‘The ocean has
absorbed much of this increased heat, with the top 100 meters of ocean showing warming of 0.33
degrees Celsius since 1969.’ (nasa.gov) ‘Global sea level rose about 20 centimeters in the last
century. The rate in the last two decades, however, is nearly double that of the last century and
accelerating slightly every year.’ (usa.gov) This shows that climate change is not random
occurrence but a significant problem that is not easily manageable.

In summary, the evidence overwhelmingly supports the assertion that climate change is an
unequivocal and pressing threat, demanding both immediate and sustained action. The intricate
challenges posed by climate change call for a united global effort, requiring collaboration from
individuals, communities, governments, and industries alike. Understanding the urgency of the
situation, it becomes imperative to navigate the complexities of this environmental crisis. Fostering
awareness on a global scale is paramount, as it empowers individuals and communities to make
informed decisions that contribute to positive change. Investing in renewable technologies stands
out as a key pillar in the battle against climate change. By transitioning to clean energy sources,
societies can significantly reduce their dependence on fossil fuels, mitigating greenhouse gas
emissions. Equally important is the role of accountability in the pursuit of climate resilience.
Holding policymakers responsible for implementing and upholding environmentally sound policies
is crucial.

In essence, recognizing the undeniable reality of climate change serves as the foundation for
meaningful progress. Implementing proactive measures on personal, community, national, and
international levels collectively shapes a trajectory toward a more sustainable and secure future
for our planet. It is a call to action that transcends individual interests, emphasizing the shared
responsibility we hold for the well-being of our environment and future generations.

‘One can see from space how the human race has changed the Earth. Nearly all
of the available land has been cleared of forest and is now used for agriculture
or urban development. The polar icecaps are shrinking and the desert areas are
increasing. At night, the Earth is no longer dark, but large areas are lit up. All of
this is evidence that human exploitation of the planet is reaching a critical limit. But
human demands and expectations are ever-increasing. We cannot continue to
pollute the atmosphere, poison the ocean and exhaust the land. There isn’t any
more available’
- Stephen Hawking

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REFERENCES:
▪ https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/what-is-climate-change
▪ https://climate.nasa.gov/what-is-climate-change/
▪ https://climate.nasa.gov
▪ WAMC Northeast Public Radio | By Blair HornerPublished January 23, 2023 at 3:52 PM
EST <https://www.wamc.org/commentary-opinion/2023-01-23/debunking-anti-climate-
change-propaganda>
▪ by LibertiesEUNovember 24, 2021<https://www.liberties.eu/en/stories/political-
propaganda/43850>
▪ <S. Levitus, J. Antonov, T. Boyer, O Baranova, H. Garcia, R. Locarnini, A. Mishonov, J.
Reagan, D. Seidov, E. Yarosh, M. Zweng, "NCEI ocean heat content, temperature
anomalies, salinity anomalies, thermosteric sea level anomalies, halosteric sea level
anomalies, and total steric sea level anomalies from 1955 to present calculated from in
situ oceanographic subsurface profile data (NCEI Accession 0164586), Version 4.4.
(2017) NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information>
https://climate.nasa.gov/evidence/
▪ R.S. Nerem, B.D. Beckley, <J. T. Fasullo, B.D. Hamlington, D. Masters, and G.T. Mitchum,
"Climate-change–driven accelerated sea-level rise detected in the altimeter era." PNAS
15, no. 9 (12 Feb. 2018): 2022-2025.> https://climate.nasa.gov/evidence/

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