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Climate change: The biggest crisis of our time

Here, Zenbird answers commonly asked questions about climate change. These easy-to-understand answers are based on scientific facts and research, which will help you deepen your understanding on the issue. It is important for all of us to have correct, up-to-date knowledge to tackle the biggest crisis of our time.

Commonly Asked Questions

How can cities move forward with decarbonization?

It is important to involve multiple stakeholders for cities to move forward with decarbonization. Hamamatsu-city, Shizuoka Prefecture is leading the way with the use of renewable energy generation such as solar. Blessed with more than 2,460 daylight hours per year, Hamamatsu is one of the sunniest cities in Japan.

In 2014, Hamamatsu launched multiple subsidies and measures to promote the installation of solar panels not only for residents but also to increase investment from enterprises. The launch of Hamamatsu Solar Center was part of this project, supporting businesses interested in solar deployment in the city. The partnership with local banks also allowed the city to promote loans for solar-related products. As a result, the city succeeded in utilizing idle lots and school rooftops for large-scale solar panel installation.

Thanks to these efforts, the city has some of the highest solar generation capacity in the country. Moreover, in 2017, the amount of the city’s greenhouse gas emissions was 8.8% lower than in 2013.

Is solar energy getting cheaper to use?

Supportive policies and advancing technology have been successfully pushing the price of solar energy lower and lower. Solar technology was originally used as the electricity supply for a satellite in 1958 at an extremely high price. However, this safe and clean renewable energy is now installed in various everyday places, including airports, warehouses and home rooftops.

Essentially, increased production of solar modules helped prices to fall. Greater competition in the market also followed as the demand has been rising. While the price of electricity from coal only fell from $111/MWh to $109/MWh between 2009 and 2019, solar prices saw a decline of 89% (from $359/MWh to $40/MWh) over the same period. Furthermore, the International Energy Agency expects that the expansion of solar power will be even more rapid if more governments and investors gear up their support.

Why do some people deny climate change?

Behavioral science can explain why climate change skepticism exists. A series of experiments revealed that those who feel optimistic about the projection of climate change spent less time focusing on arguments for climate change than non-optimists. The behavior of the first cohort shows “optimism bias.” The term refers to the tendency to be overly confident about our likelihood of experiencing a positive event and avoiding a negative event. In other words, optimism bias affects individuals’ ability to learn from undesirable information.

Similarly, “confirmation bias” is the tendency to favor information that supports our existing beliefs and ignores information to the contrary. For example, some climate change deniers claim that climate change stopped in 1998. They believe that the warming rate was slower between 1998 and 2012 than the rate of the previous two to three decades. However, scientists pointed out that the rate of warming over the longer term (1880 – 2017) was close to the rate between 1998 and 2012. Moreover, 1998-2012 was the warmest 15-year period on record at the time. Despite this evidence, many maintain their prior beliefs against the existence of climate change.

(Image: data.giss.nasa.gov)

Why aren’t politicians prioritizing combatting climate change?

In democracies, politicians represent those who vote for them. The greatest beneficiaries of climate change policies are young people, including the unborn and those too young to vote. These generations will be the hardest hit if the current crisis continues, even though they are the least culpable for climate change. However, their limited voting power is one reason for politicians’ low priority on climate policy.

Simultaneously, although the benefits of climate policies are for everyone, the cost of adaptation would mostly be borne by large companies in the energy, transportation and industrial sectors. Therefore, they have an incentive to lobby against these policies. For example, advocacy group Influence Map reported that the five major oil and gas companies, BP, Shell, ExxonMobil, Chevron and Total, have spent nearly 200 million USD on lobbying against climate change policies. This type of massive lobbying intends to persuade politicians not to support policies that prioritize combatting climate change.

What are the effects of climate change on our lives?

Climate change will expose our lives to serious threats in many ways, such as through social, cultural and natural resources.

For example, population displacement due to sea-level rise is a potential crisis that looms over major coastal cities such as Miami, Shanghai and Mumbai, as well as small islands like Kiribati in the Pacific. Coupled with intensifying natural disasters, coastal residents of these regions, especially those with fewer resources and support, could lose their homes.

Moreover, the health impacts of air pollution caused by the burning of fossil fuels have been one of the most alarming risks of climate change. A combination of heat and stagnant air leads to ground-level ozone, which can damage the lungs and aggravate chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma.

Carbon dioxide plays an integral part in plant growth, but an increased level of carbon dioxide in the air can also affect the quality of food crops. Studies show that rice, which is a crucial food source for more than two billion people, will contain less protein, micronutrients and vitamins under higher carbon dioxide concentration.

What is the impact of climate change on biodiversity?

Rapid climate change can lead to unusual life cycle events and disrupt animal food chains, both of which contribute to abrupt biodiversity losses. Arctic and mountain species are particularly vulnerable to warmer temperatures.

For example, a decline in sea ice disturbs the optimal habitat for sea algae, which is eaten by zooplankton. This means that arctic cod and seabirds lose their main source of food, and seals also lose their staple diet. In turn, polar bears that eat marine mammals are also threatened.

Melting glaciers in the mountains change mountain river flows and cause warmer water, too. This affects the habitat for marine species. Fish migrate from warm waters to cold waters, overcrowding the habitat for salmon and trout. Early springs cause shorter hibernation of mountain animals such as possums and squirrels, exposing them to more predators and disturbing their reproduction schedules.

How does climate change affect agriculture?

Food production is affected by climate change, which has made growing conditions more difficult in several regions globally.

Firstly, extreme weather can reduce yields as it damages the soil structure. Intense floods drown crops and pollute water, while severe droughts dry up soil and deplete water supplies.

Secondly, rising temperatures of the ocean cause fish and shellfish to move north, searching for cooler water. Warmer oceans also affect fish migration and reproduction schedules, forcing fishers to adjust their fishing patterns. On land, higher temperatures increase the prevalence of pests that transmit livestock diseases. Heat-related stresses can affect fertility of livestock too, which could, for example, reduce milk production over time.

Lastly, elevated CO2 levels may stimulate plant growth but inhibit protein content. For example, if CO2 levels increase by about 80%, crops such as wheat and rice will have a 6-15% lower concentration of protein.

How will Japan be threatened by climate change?

Coastal cities are vulnerable to rising sea levels, making cities prone to flooding and storm surges. However, approximately a fifth of Japan’s population lives in low-lying coastal urban centers. Coupled with ever-more devastating typhoons and other extreme weather events, people’s lives, as well as essential services such as energy, transport and health, will be at an alarming level of risk.

Studies have shown that Osaka is one of the most vulnerable port cities in the world. More than 200 billion USD of financial damage could result from coastal flooding. In 2018, travelers at Kansai International Airport in Osaka were left stranded as deadly Typhoon Jebi flooded the air transportation hub. If the sea level rises by one meter, a large part of Osaka-city and its neighboring coastal cities are expected to go underwater. Therefore, the local government has put mitigation strategies in place to save the city from intensifying extreme weather phenomena.

Which countries are most threatened by climate change?

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Pacific and Caribbean are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of ongoing environmental threats. Rising sea levels and extreme weather events there are severe issues. For example, if climate change continues in the way it has, the Pacific island of Kiribati could be submerged underwater in the coming decades. The Kiribati government has been seeking ways to mitigate the impact of the climate crisis. They have purchased land in Fiji for relocation and formed alliances with neighboring islands of Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

In 2017, Hurricane Maria’s devastating impact displaced the entire population of Barbuda. It has destroyed more than 90% of Dominica’s structures. While these countries are on the path to recovery, the World Bank estimates that many Caribbean islands could suffer the most serious damage per unit of GDP as a result of the climate crisis.

What is climate change in simple words?

The term climate change refers to a significant long-term variation in the regional or global average of weather conditions. These include temperature, humidity and rainfall patterns. It also refers to the effects of Earth’s warming, such as rising sea levels, loss of polar ice and mountain glaciers, and changes in vegetation blooming times.

Changes in Earth’s climate have been caused by two factors. The first is natural climatic variability, which has taken place over hundreds and thousands of years. They appear in volcanic eruptions, ocean currents, orbital changes and variation in solar radiation, for example. The second is human action. Particularly, the burning of fossil fuels intensifies the greenhouse effect and contributes to raising the planet’s temperature.

Which countries are most threatened by climate change?

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Pacific and Caribbean are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of ongoing environmental threats. Rising sea levels and extreme weather events there are severe issues. For example, if climate change continues in the way it has, the Pacific island of Kiribati could be submerged underwater in the coming decades. The Kiribati government has been seeking ways to mitigate the impact of the climate crisis. They have purchased land in Fiji for relocation and formed alliances with neighboring islands of Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

In 2017, Hurricane Maria’s devastating impact displaced the entire population of Barbuda. It has destroyed more than 90% of Dominica’s structures. While these countries are on the path to recovery, the World Bank estimates that many Caribbean islands could suffer the most serious damage per unit of GDP as a result of the climate crisis.

What is climate change in simple words?

The term climate change refers to a significant long-term variation in the regional or global average of weather conditions. These include temperature, humidity and rainfall patterns. It also refers to the effects of Earth’s warming, such as rising sea levels, loss of polar ice and mountain glaciers, and changes in vegetation blooming times.

Changes in Earth’s climate have been caused by two factors. The first is natural climatic variability, which has taken place over hundreds and thousands of years. They appear in volcanic eruptions, ocean currents, orbital changes and variation in solar radiation, for example. The second is human action. Particularly, the burning of fossil fuels intensifies the greenhouse effect and contributes to raising the planet’s temperature.

Is solar energy the solution for the climate change crisis?

Carbon dioxide is generated through the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas and oil. Given the enormous negative environmental impact of carbon dioxide on Earth, the significant development of solar and other renewable energy sources is essential to provide clean, sustainable power. Currently, solar energy is one of the best alternatives to other exhaustible energy sources (despite some demerits are presently overcoming).

Solar energy is usually created through home rooftops and utility-scale solar farms equipped with photovoltaic panels. These panels turn sunlight into electricity without burning any fuels. Therefore, it creates clean energy that doesn’t produce greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollutants. Solar energy will be accessible as long as we have the sun, and increasing the usage of renewable resources can reduce dependence on harmful, nonrenewable energy sources.

How bad are CO2 emissions produced by airplanes?

Air travel is one of the most carbon-intensive activities and emits a lot of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. One flight from the United States to Asia can produce as much as five metric tons of carbon dioxide, as well as other greenhouse gasses. This is equivalent to 5,000 kilograms (11,000 pounds), and every metric ton of carbon dioxide emitted leads to the loss of three square meters of ice in the Arctic sea.

If you are concerned about flight emissions, you can fly less by prioritizing other public transportation for short-distance traveling. Taking direct flights to your destination also helps as takeoffs and landings use more fuel than flying at altitude.

Compensating for your emissions by buying carbon offsets is another option. There are a wide range of carbon offsetting projects, including planting trees to reduce deforestation, providing clean drinking water to remote villages and financing renewable energy to speed up the transition away from fossil fuels.

What is the importance of a carbon footprint?

A carbon footprint refers to the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions generated by human activity. It is also one of the primary indicators used to understand one’s impact on global warming.

Using the carbon footprint calculators from the UN or Carbon Footprint Ltd., you can get a rough estimate of your emissions based on factors, including your eating habits, how much you drive or fly and even the size of your household.

While oil and gas companies are responsible for a large portion of carbon emissions, we can take action as individuals to mitigate the effects of climate change. Measuring your carbon footprint is the first step in lessening your impact.

How are rising temperatures shrinking the Arctic sea ice?

In the Arctic, sea ice melts during the summer, but the winter snow helps it freeze back, replenishing the ice that’s lost. However, because of on-going rising temperatures due to anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, glaciers are melting at a more rapid speed. As a result, this has caused a decline in the Arctic sea ice extent over the years.

Although the Arctic and Antarctica are both covered with glacial ice, the Arctic sea ice is considered a more important gauge in understanding the global climate. This is because the Arctic is warming faster than any other region on Earth. This part of the world is quite sensitive to changes in climate.

There’s even a study indicating that the Arctic summer ice could completely disappear as early as 2035. Depleting Arctic sea ice leads to a multitude of devastating consequences. It speeds up climate change and disrupts wildlife such as polar bears, as well as Arctic indigenous communities.

How bad is a 1-2 degrees Celsius rise in global temperature?

According to a report by IPCC, the globe is expected to experience a 1.5-degree temperature rise by 2040, relative to the pre-industrial period. Given that the global temperature is currently 1-degree warmer than the pre-industrial level, this 0.5-degree increase might seem like a small difference. However, temperature increases at different speeds in different places.

For example, if Earth experiences a 1.5-degree temperature increase, the Arctic will likely to be several degrees warmer than average. This will cause ice to melt and the sea level to rise. In addition, heat waves, severe droughts, crop shrinkage and coral bleaching will occur in many parts of the world.

If the globe reaches 2 degrees of warming, the effects will be even more devastating in terms of their frequency, length and damage. In particular, almost all coral reefs will be at risk of complete destruction, which would significantly disrupt the marine ecosystem.

Is extreme weather caused by global warming?

Theoretically, when temperatures are warmer, there is more water vapor in the air, causing more frequent and heavier rain. The rise in the Earth’s surface temperature can also lead to evaporation that can exacerbate droughts.

Although scientists have long predicted global warming would worsen some extreme weather events, this cause and effect relationship continues to be studied. Scientists use attribution science to validate this relationship, applying computer models to evaluate which of multiple factors cause-specific weather events.

A study that was completed after Hurricane Harvey hit Texas in 2017 found that global warming had increased the precipitation levels leading to extreme rainfall. The study also indicated that global warming intensified the probability of large-scale hurricanes by at least three times. To conclude, there is enough scientific evidence suggest global warming influences extreme weather.

How can we reduce greenhouse gas emissions?

Making small changes in your day-to-day life can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Given that transportation accounts for 14% of global greenhouse gas emissions, revising your transportation habits is a good place to start. Even if public transportation or cycling aren’t viable options for you, don’t give up yet. By efficient use of your car, being gentle on the brakes and using air conditioning moderately, you can save gas and limit emissions.

If you’re a not-so-picky eater, consider eating less red meat as livestock accounts for another 14% of emissions. Mass production of ruminant animals like cows is responsible for emissions of methane, which is the second most generated greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide.

You can cut down on electricity consumption at home by turning lights and appliances off when they’re not in use. Use heating and air conditioning moderately, and replace old bulbs with more efficient LEDs. Last but not least, know the facts. Understanding the science and the current situation of climate change helps you to reflect on your personal choices, as well as to spread further knowledge to people in your close circle.

[Reference] The diet that helps fight climate change|YouTube

How do greenhouse gases lead to climate change?

The increasing greenhouse gas concentration in the air accelerates heat retention, and this has led to climate change.

As introduced in “Why are greenhouse gases bad for the atmosphere?” there are three major greenhouse gases: carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. These gases are naturally present in the air, but their emissions have been drastically increased by human activity. For example, burning fossil fuels for transportation, electricity, agriculture and industrial processes is thought to be responsible.

Apart from raising the average temperature on Earth, increased greenhouse gases cause a range of environmental effects, including heat waves, droughts, wildfires and rising sea levels. Additionally, the increase has also caused other health risks to human beings, such as respiratory diseases from smog and air pollution and gastrointestinal illnesses from water pollution.

Why are greenhouse gases bad for the atmosphere?

The right balance of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere provides a steady climate on Earth. It offers a habitable space to all living things. While the atmosphere retains a certain amount of radiation from the sun by itself, greenhouse gases help the Earth trap solar energy and keep heat close to the surface. This heat retention mechanism is called the greenhouse effect.

However, this balance has been distorted by human activity, and subsequently, the greenhouse effect has been increased. Emissions of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide have skyrocketed in the past century, and there is more heat trapped in the atmosphere. Because of this overly enhanced greenhouse effect, the Earth’s temperature has risen. This increase in temperature has caused negative environmental impacts.

How effective are environmental strikes by the youths?

The power of youth in the fight against climate change comes from mass mobilization.

Self-taught climate activist Greta Thunberg started protesting in front of the Swedish Parliament in 2018, demanding immediate climate action from that country’s government. It was the lack of commitment by policymakers that fuelled Greta’s indignation. She also called for solidarity among young citizens to stand up for their future. The movement later became known as Fridays for Future, which, on March 15 2019, mobilized one of the largest environmental strikes, with 1.4 million youngsters from 123 countries.

Following this worldwide strike, more than 700 cities acknowledged the risk of climate change and made a climate emergency declaration, promising the prioritization of the looming threat. With the united pressure from concerned young citizens, it is safe to say that climate issues are seeing much greater prominence than in the past.

How can I become a climate-change activist?

It is always important to pursue both personal goals and collective actions, as the combination of the two will be even more effective in driving change.

Looking for community-based initiatives such as beach clean-ups or recycling schemes can be an easy way to start, as you can meet like-minded activists. Voting and lobbying are other ways you can get involved. This will let your local policymakers know your environmental concerns and help to initiate systemic change.

Addtionally, you can learn about climate change and required actions by taking online courses at sites like edX and Coursera. Participating in webinars with other activists can also give you opportunities to exchange information. While we all have to deal with COVID-19 restrictions, we can still raise awareness of the issue online.

How can we combat climate change?

Climate change is an uphill battle, but by combining efforts in the areas of adaptation and mitigation, we can slow the process.

In the context of climate change, adaptation refers to working to reduce the negative effects of the phenomenon. For example, the mass production of livestock generates methane, which accounts for 16% of greenhouse gas emissions. Pursuing food sustainability through ecological farming practices and plant-based diets can help reduce carbon emissions.

Mitigation, however, means addressing the root causes of climate change rather than reducing its effects. For example, the fossil fuels that we burn for electricity, heat and transportation account for 76% of greenhouse gas emissions. Taxing the use of fossil fuels and opting for renewable energy sources like solar and wind can help reduce these harmful emissions.

Why is urban beekeeping popular?

Urbanization was once associated with the threat of population decline in bees, but now many cities are using their limited space to boost local agriculture and business. Furthermore, bees travel within a 2-3 kilometer radius to collect nectar from plants and trees. For this reason, only backyard space is required for bee colonies to nest.

In addition to urban hobbyists wanting to develop self-sufficient lifestyles, some businesses, such as restaurants and department stores, have started keeping beehives on their rooftops. This contributes to a sustainable urban economy. Self-harvested honey and other honey-based products can be an appealing attraction to customers. It also promotes the consumption of local produce while reducing the time and cost of food transportation.

Why is urban beekeeping important?

Studies show a link between declines in bee populations and climate change. Some honey bees species can only survive within limited temperature ranges, pushing them to higher altitudes. It also means constricting them to smaller areas. It is important to provide bees safe, non-invasive spaces to help them adapt to different environments. Cities can offer friendlier habitats to bees than rural areas as trees and plants are less likely to be treated with pesticides. Additionally, there are lower numbers of the common honey bee predators.

Bees contribute to biodiversity in urban environments by pollinating and supporting plants and trees’ growth. They also serve as food and shelter for creatures of all sizes. For these reasons, urban beekeeping has proved to be an organic method for cities to diversify its ecosystem.

What beekeeping businesses and organizations exist in Tokyo?

In an extremely dense city like Tokyo, you can find beehives on top of high-rise buildings in areas such as Ginza and Shibuya. For instance, the Ginza Honey Bee Project was initiated by a group of people who are interested in urban beekeeping. The non-profit has four apiaries and ten bee gardens around Ginza. You can purchase their harvested honey and honey-based products in nearby department stores and sweets shops.

Confectionery maker Colombin started its rooftop apiaries in Harajuku and Shibuya as a way to conserve the environment. The hives then became the genesis of its now staple desserts such as honey custard puddings and honey marble cake.

Koto-city Honey Project in Tokyo is a non-profit that aims to expand and diversify green spaces in the local community with beekeeping. Beehives are kept on the rooftop of Koto-Ward City Hall. Their harvested honey is sold on the premises every October. The non-profit announces the results of chemical and radioactive material inspections every year, ensuring the safety of its harvested honey. Additionally, the project occasionally organizes workshops and events for local residents and nearby schools to raise awareness about the importance of bees and their contribution to the ecosystem.

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