Sunday, February 2, groundhog Punxsutawney Phil revealed that there will be an extra 6 weeks of winter. Although a fun tradition, a groundhog seeing their shadow doesn’t truly reflect the current state of climate, and whether we will have an early spring or a late winter. But it does raise the question, what’s going on with our climate?
The doomsday clock, debuted in 1947 by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, is a tool created by Nobel prize winners to display a visual of how much time we have before our own creations destroy it, and was recently set to “89 seconds to midnight”. Since 1947 the clock has only been changed 26 times, and 6 times in just the past 10 years. Now, what does this mean for us? According to thebulletin.org (The website in charge of the doomsday clock), “Because the world is already perilously close to the precipice, a move of even a single second should be taken as an indication of extreme danger and an unmistakable warning that every second of delay in reversing course increases the probability of global disaster.”
In the past year alone, the sea level has risen, extreme weather and other climate related issues have affected every continent, but with all difficult world leaders, and most governments “failure to enact the financing and policy initiative necessary to halt global warming,” it seems like even our positive acts are not sufficient to stabilize the rapid downfall of our climate.
Recently, President Trump pulled the United States out of the Paris Climate Agreement, one of four countries to opt out. The Paris agreement is designed to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. So what will this do for climate initiatives in the U.S.? The U.S. ability to reach potential climate goals in relation to greenhouse gas emissions may be restricted or limited, putting the U.S. at risk to more climate related issues.
What can we do to prevent further damage to our planet? Stop the spread of false or inauthentic information, and instead inform others on the current climate dangers our planet faces. The use of AI is estimated to contribute to 2.5% and 3.7% of the world’s annual carbon emissions, and has greatly increased electricity demand and water consumption. Instead of having computer generated ideas, come up with your own, authentic thoughts.
Be aware of what impact you can have on the environment. Whether you are as “granola” as they come, or are someone who isn’t as aware of the growing dangers of our planet’s climate, you make a difference. However, it’s up to you in how you act to impact our planet.
Be conscious of your energy consumption, and learn how to reduce the amount of energy you use as a consumer. Whether you enjoy long showers, or have an hour commute, know what steps you can take to reduce your carbon footprint. Consider using public transportation, reminding yourself to not keep the water running while you brush your teeth, up-cycling or buying second hand, or simply just turning off the lights when you leave the house. All are small steps into becoming sustainable.
So yes, Groundhog day is a silly holiday, and Punxsutawney Phil is only right 30% of the time, but this year, use this holiday to remind you to be more aware of the dangers climate change is bringing.
