The climate crisis has become a major issue worldwide, with increasingly profound and widespread impacts. The latest data shows that global temperatures continue to rise, and natural disasters such as forest fires, floods and storms are becoming more frequent. According to a report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the increase in earth’s temperature has exceeded 1.1 degrees Celsius since the pre-industrial era, and if not addressed, this figure is expected to increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius in the near future. One of the main factors exacerbating this crisis is greenhouse gas emissions. Industry, transportation and deforestation are the main contributors to CO2 and methane emissions. Advanced industrial countries, despite their commitment to reducing emissions, often fail to meet these targets. Meanwhile, developing countries, which are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, often experience difficulties in implementing mitigation measures due to limited resources and technology. Climate change also affects ecosystems drastically. The natural habitats of many animal and plant species are threatened with extinction due to changes in temperature and weather patterns. For example, coral reefs around the world are experiencing mass bleaching due to rising sea temperatures, which can lead to a loss of marine biodiversity. Some species are already showing signs of extinction, which could impact the food chain and ecosystem balance. On the societal side, the climate crisis also has an impact on human health. Rising temperatures can trigger heat-related illnesses, as well as worsen air quality, impacting people with asthma and other respiratory conditions. With the increasing frequency of natural disasters, many communities face challenges in terms of housing and infrastructure, which are often unprepared to cope with emergency situations. The water crisis is also getting worse. There has been a decline in the availability of clean water in several areas, which often triggers social tensions and conflict. Traditional methods of harvesting and water use are no longer adequate amidst unpredictable changes in rainfall patterns. Countries that rely on freshwater resources such as rivers and lakes are struggling to maintain water supplies for daily needs. In an effort to overcome this crisis, various international initiatives have been undertaken, including the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius. However, ambitious political commitment and real action from all countries is still urgently needed. Civil society, non-governmental organizations and the private sector also have an important role to play in these solutions, from public education to environmentally friendly technological innovation. Some countries, such as Japan and Germany, have shown progress in using renewable energy. Investments in technologies such as solar power, wind and bioenergy are increasing, offering alternatives to fossil energy sources. However, this energy transition must be accelerated in order to meet global emissions targets and contribute to planetary sustainability. Awareness of the importance of ecosystem balance and sustainability is becoming increasingly important. Environmental education for the younger generation must begin to be integrated into the curriculum, so that awareness of climate issues can be better captured and responded to proactively. Every individual is expected to make a contribution, from reducing their carbon footprint to choosing a more sustainable lifestyle. Looking at recent developments, one thing is clear: the climate crisis is not only a challenge for governments, but also requires deep global collaboration between all stakeholders. Success in overcoming this crisis will determine the future of our planet and future generations.
