Cambio climático

The climate change It is one of the main threats humanity is facing

Understanding the causes and consequences of climate change and what we can do to fight, is part of our daily work efforts.

On this page we bring you the best information available so that you can draw your own conclusions.

“Climate Change is a natural process that has always been part of the Earth's history, so there is no need to worry.”

Error: Yes, you have to worry, or rather, TAKE CARE. Because the most relevant thing is NOT the CHANGE itself but the SPEED of that change and its consequences.

It is true that in the distant past the Earth suffered numerous climatic changes. But at what RHYTHM? At what velocity? The current rate of increase in global average temperature is what makes this Climate Change unprecedented in the history of the Earth. It may seem slow in human times but we should not confuse human times with the times of our planet. That this increase in temperature is perceptible and measurable in JUST 50 YEARS (literally nothing for the Earth) is a fact in itself.

It would probably take the Earth itself centuries and even millennia to achieve the increase in temperature that human beings have been inducing for the last 100 years.

It has been demonstrated with simulation models that global temperature would not have skyrocketed or accelerated in recent decades without our presence, without our emission of greenhouse gases.

Likewise, it was proven that the causes of the periods of cooling and warming of the earth in the past cannot be responsible for the current warming. As an example, the sun's activity evidenced by sunspots is decreasing, which means the planet should be cooling… [more information about sun activity and about Milankovich cycles here].

The only thing that explains global warming and current climate change is the increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere emitted by human activities.

Yup, it's us.

“Global warming is a lie”

Error: Global warming is a fact observed by various institutions, scientists and observatories. In 1992, climate change was recognized by all member countries of the United Nations when the signing of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) which was signed by 165 countries.

In the following video you can see the temperature anomalies of the Earth's surface with respect to the average between 1951 and 1980.

“There is no scientific consensus regarding climate change”

YES THERE IS scientific consensus on climate change. The fact that there are people who call themselves scientists and declare that the earth is flat does not imply that there is no scientific consensus that the earth is “round” (Although technically speaking it is almost a sphere, It is a geoid with a peculiar shaper).

The IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel of Scientists on Climate Change) It was precisely created in 1988 to clear up any doubts that may arise. Its mission is to provide the world with an objective and scientific opinion on climate change, its natural, political and economic impacts and risks, and possible response options. Thousands of scientists and other experts contribute voluntarily by writing and reviewing reports, which are in turn reviewed by representatives of all governments.

On March 20, 2023, the final delivery of the Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was made, an eight-year task of the world's most authoritative scientific body. Drawing on the findings of 234 scientists on the physical science of climate change, 270 scientists on impacts, adaptation and vulnerability, and 278 scientists on mitigation, this IPCC synthesis report provides the best and most comprehensive scientific assessment available.

The reports are very complete and are available on the IPCC website [Access by clicking here]

Unfortunately, many of the reports are only found in English, they may decide to trust (or not) organizations like ours that seek to rescue the most relevant parts of the reports, summarize them and make them available in Spanish. We invite you to read this note about “10 highlights from the latest IPCC report“.

10 highlights from the latest IPCC report

(1) There is no doubt that humans are responsible for climate change. We already see an increase of 1.1°C above the 1850–1900 average. Natural activity (solar and volcanic) is responsible for affecting between -0.1°C to +0.1C the global average temperature. The internal variability was of the order of -0.2°C to +0.2C. There is no doubt, it is us.

(2) Greenhouse gas emissions continue to increase due to unsustainable energy use, land use, changes in land use, lifestyles, and production and consumption patterns. Net anthropogenic emissions were estimated at almost 60 GtCO2-eq* in 2019, 12% higher than in 2010 and 54% higher than in 1990.

(3) We are modifying everything, very quickly and that has consequences. There have been widespread and rapid changes in the atmosphere, ocean, cryosphere, and biosphere. Human-caused climate change is already affecting the frequency, intensity and duration of many extreme weather and climate events in all regions of the world. This has led to widespread adverse impacts and related loss and damage to nature and people.

Keep reading …

“If the temperature of the planet increases 2 degrees, nothing happens, we can live with 2 degrees more if we go from 20 to 22 degrees”

Error: Do not confuse the temperature of a particular place and day, where a change of 2 degrees is not enough, with the global average temperature. Behind this degree of increase in global temperature there is a significant increase in the internal energy accumulated on our planet. That is, the Climate System (atmosphere, oceans, glaciers, etc.) as a whole has an amount of stored energy that is significantly greater than 100 years ago. If one quantifies this increase in energy and translates it into temperature, it gives you an increase of 1.2°C, which is what has already increased compared to pre-industrial levels.

Think about how much time and energy it takes to heat a pot of water to a boil. Now think about how much energy is needed to heat the entire planet Earth... All that energy produces disruptions that increase the frequency (how often they occur), intensity (severity) and duration (how long they take to go away) of extreme weather and climate phenomena such as heat waves, torrential rains and hurricanes among others.

“Climate change is something political, it is a current of thought against development and production. The world needs to feed itself and it needs energy, production models cannot be changed.”

This is a backward and dangerous way of thinking. Climate change is a scientifically proven and globally agreed fact and should not be questioned by politicians or other influential people. Those who do so clearly deny it out of ignorance or convenience (for example, they are linked to the oil lobby).

Those of us dedicated to the fight against climate change recognize that precisely the most vulnerable people with the fewest resources are the first to suffer the consequences of climate change. Precisely because we are concerned about poverty and the lack of resources to deal with crop failure, heat waves in neighborhoods without running water, and strong winds that destroy the only home of many families, we believe that climate change It must be a priority with a social perspective.

Furthermore, solutions to climate change could involve the creation of millions of jobs in the world linked to the energy transition, the circular economy, agroecology, the regeneration of ecosystems, sustainable tourism and many other activities that have a positive economic impact on our societies.

Climate change is a real, urgent threat that can have devastating consequences. At the same time, solutions can help create jobs, strengthen communities to be more resilient, contribute to improving air, water and land quality and, at the end of the day, a better world.

“When there were no human beings, temperature measurements did not exist”

The temperature in the Earth's distant past can be estimated from data known as “PROXI DATA.” One of the possible “PROXI DATA” are huge ice drillings in Greenland or Antarctica, in which, through an analysis of their chemical composition, they allow us to infer the evolution of global temperature in the distant past.

But they are not the only “PROXI DATA” possible. The evolution of our planet in the distant past can also be inferred from what is known as the study of tree rings, since the growth of certain trees (which live for millennia) is closely linked to the characteristics of the moment. of the surrounding atmosphere. Other possible “PROXI DATA” is the analysis of coral reefs.

“We will be able to adapt to any change, there is no need to worry”

No. Precisely this unprecedented RHYTHM or SPEED of change is what would not give the capacity to adapt to numerous systems, whether we are talking about humanity, biological ecosystems or certain components of the cryosphere.

“It is not global warming, it is the phenomenon of the girl and the boy”

They have nothing to do with each other. Global warming is a trend, it is a change. El Niño is a natural oscillation. Oscillation of what? From sea surface temperature in the Equatorial Pacific Ocean. When it is hotter than normal we speak of the “Boy” phase or stage and the opposite case “Girl”.

The portion of the ocean we are talking about is so large that this change in the ocean is coupled to a change in the atmosphere, which through what are known as TELECONNECTIONS, induce changes in climate patterns in different corners of the planet. El Niño generally induces more rain than normal in Eastern Argentina but, at the same time, induces droughts in northeastern Brazil, or Indonesia/Northern Australia.

[More Information].

“The truth is: chemtrails”

The chemtrails conspiracy theory raises the mistaken belief that long-lasting condensation trails left by high-altitude airplanes are actually "chemtrails" consisting of chemical or biological substances sprayed by airplanes for nefarious purposes not disclosed to the general public. Believers in this conspiracy theory say that while normal contrails dissipate relatively quickly, contrails that remain longer must contain additional substances. Those who subscribe to the theory speculate that the purpose of the chemical release could be solar radiation management, climate modification, psychological manipulation, human population control, or biological or chemical warfare, and that the contrails cause respiratory and respiratory illnesses. other health problems.

These claims have been dismissed by the scientific community. These are the long-lasting condensation trails left by high-altitude aircraft.

On the other hand, it is true that there is more and more research and development in “geoengineering“. In this video we can see how the technique of “cloud seeding“. However, any in-depth investigation reveals that there is no link between the chemostela conspiracy theory and geoengineering or cloud seeding. To learn more, we invite you to visit the following pages with more information:

– cloud seeding
– Chemotrail conspiracy theory
– Geoengineering

The use of geoengineering and cloud seeding raises serious ethical questions. To learn more, we invite you to read the book “under a white sky”.

What is climate change?

It is the change that occurs in the climate system, including the atmosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, lithosphere and biosphere, until a new equilibrium is reached. Modifications are observed in the average values as well as the occurrence of extreme events.

When we talk about global change, we take into account changes that occur in the use of land (especially deforestation) and climate change. When we talk about climate change, we consider global warming (temperature) and also changes in precipitation patterns (rainfall, hail, snow, etc.), among other issues.

What are the human activities that cause climate change?

The two main activities that generate climate change are change in land use (mainly deforestation) and the burning of fossil fuels.

In the first case, the advance of deforestation is mainly due to the demand for land by agricultural activity that "generates the food that humanity requires." Although there is a lot to say about this since in the world 70% of land is for animal grazing, 30% of which is cultivated, 2/3 of which is direct human consumption (wheat, rice and fruits) and 1/3 of which is food for animals. human (corn and soybeans). [We recommend this book].

In the second case, fossil fuels are burnt for energy in power plants or they are used directly as fuels for land, sea and air transportation, among other activities.

What is global warming?

Global warming is what occurs generally in the average temperature of the planet as a result of the increase in greenhouse gases. Currently, we see a temperature increase of more than 1.2°C compared to pre-industrial levels. This has serious consequences for the habitability of the planet. [More information].

What is the greenhouse effect?

When the solar radiation reaches Earth, a part of it is reflected back into space and another part is absorbed by the land and the ocean. Part of the absorbed portion is released directly into space and another part is absorbed by greenhouse gases. The effect itself is not harmful. In fact, if it did not exist, temperatures on Earth would be so low that life as we know it would not be possible. The issue is that human activities cause an increase in the amount of greenhouse gases (GHG), and the average temperature of the planet is currently widespread and continuously increasing.

What are greenhouse gases (GHG)?

The main GHG in the Earth´s atmosphere are water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O) and ozone (O3).

Not all gases have the same effect, which is why their «warming potential». For example, methane has almost 85 times the warming capacity of carbon dioxide. At the same time, it is important to know their cycles and how long they remain in the atmosphere.

To make comparisons, use the «carbon dioxide equivalent» as a measure, normalizing the values taking CO2 as a reference.

Find out here how we (Sustainability Without Borders) measure the carbon footprint.

Current GHG concentrations

In April 2019, the CO2 concentration exceeded 400 ppm (Parts per million). The highest concentration of the last 800,000 thousand years. The current concentration (October 2023) is 418 ppm. [[More Information].].

For humanity to be able to operate in a known climate, CO2 concentration must be reduced to 350 ppm. This is why activists and organizations around the world are advocating for urgent mitigation policies.visit 350.org].

The following graph shows the concentration of carbon dioxide and shows that current levels are the highest in the last 800,000 years.

Dioxido de carbono en la atmosfera de la Tierra.

What are the human activities that cause climate change?

Have we already passed the 1.5 threshold?

We have not yet passed the threshold of 1.5 established as a recommendation by the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to avoid the worst consequences of climate change.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) estimates that there is a probability of around 66% that, in the time interval between 2023 and 2027, the average annual global temperature, in the vicinity of the Earth's surface, will exceed by more than 1, 5 °C above pre-industrial levels for at least one year (WMO, 2023). [Ir a la noticia]

Why should we be concerned about Climate Change in Argentina?

The signs of change in Argentina are very noticeable. To start, just look at the map of the Temperature Anomaly SMN throughout the country YEAR BY YEAR since 1961 and, with the naked eye, you can see how they are turning redder in recent decades. This is another way of showing the notable increase in average temperature that Argentina is experiencing, with the numerous consequences that this can bring.

Being an agro-exporting country whose income of dollars (foreign currency) depends on the yield that depends on the climate, we should be concerned. In 2023 the temperature record was broken throughout the world and in Argentina we experienced 9 HEAT WAVES and lost 3 POINTS OF GDP due to drought.

According to the WHO in its 2021 report, it is projected that, during the period between 2030 and 2050, the phenomenon of climate change will lead to an estimated number of approximately 250,000 additional deaths annually, originating from problems such as malnutrition, the increase in cases of malaria, gastrointestinal conditions and exposure to accentuated levels of heat stress.

Likewise, the report Groundswell: Preparing for Internal Climate Migration (2018) projects that by 2050, without concrete climate and development action, more than 143 million people, or about 3 percent of the population in sub-Saharan Africa , Latin America and South Asia could be forced to mobilize within their own countries to escape the slow impacts of climate change. In Latin America, internal climate migrants could number more than 17 million, representing up to 2.6 percent of the region's total population.

More information in this website

“Una verdad incómoda” (An Inconvenient Truth, 2006): Directed by Davis Guggenheim, this documentary presents Al Gore's fight against climate change and offers a compelling view of the effects of global warming.

“Antes que sea tarde” (Before the Flood, 2016): Produced and narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio, this documentary examines the impacts of climate change around the world and addresses solutions to combat it.

“Nuestro planeta” (Our Planet, 2019): Aunque es una serie documental en lugar de una película, “Nuestro planeta” ofrece una impresionante visión de la belleza de la naturaleza y cómo el cambio climático está afectando a nuestro planeta.

“Chasing Ice” (2012): This documentary follows photographer James Balog as he documents the retreat of glaciers due to climate change, using time-lapse cameras to capture striking visual images.

“The Future of Energy” (The Future of Energy, 2013): Explores renewable energy sources and their benefits to combat climate change.

“The True Story of Climate Change” (The True Cost of Climate Change, 2015): This documentary examines the impacts of climate change on the world and presents solutions to address the problem.

“The limits of our planet: A scientific view” is a documentary directed by Jonathan Clay and starring David Attenborough and Johan Rockström. In this documentary, Attenborough and Rockström analyze the collapse of the Earth's biodiversity and explain that it is not too late to solve it

“Clima” (El gato y la Caja 2022). This book was made openly and in community. The drafts of the chapters were available online so that anyone could read and comment on them, and so that the authors could correct, modify or strengthen the final texts.

Todo lo que necesitás saber sobre el cambio climático. Book by Martín De Ambrosio. That climate change is a fact is something that only a few now deny. Scientists have agreed that it is an unprecedented phenomenon in the history of humanity, with consequences in every aspect one can imagine, from the economy to national and international politics and geography.

La Argentina y el cambio climático. Vicente Barros, Inés Camilloni. The current relevance of the problem of Climate Change these days is indisputable. Every day, from different sectors (scientific, popular, informative) in one way or another the issue is addressed through news, comments, dissemination of new discoveries on the subject, and alerts.

“Saving Us: A Climate Scientist’s Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World” is a book written by Katharine Hayhoe, a climate scientist and professor at Texas Tech University. In this book, Hayhoe addresses the climate crisis and offers a perspective of hope and healing in a divided world.

“La transición energética en la Argentina: Una hoja de ruta para entender los proyectos en curso” is a book written by Maristella Svampa and Pablo Bertinat. In this book, the authors address the energy transition in Argentina and the challenges that the country faces on its path towards a more sustainable energy matrix.

“Re Calientes: Por qué la crisis climática es el problema más urgente de nuestro tiempo” is a book written by Laura Arrocha that addresses the climate crisis and its impact on society. In the book, Arrocha explains the science behind climate change and how it affects life on Earth.

“All We Can Save: Truth, Courage, and Solutions for the Climate Crisis” is a book edited by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and Katharine K. Wilkinson that presents a collection of essays and poems written by 60 women leaders in the climate movement.3. El libro se enfoca en la crisis climática y cómo las mujeres están liderando el camino hacia soluciones prácticas y esperanzadoras

“Under a White Sky: The Nature of the Future” is a book written by Elizabeth Kolbert that addresses the climate crisis and how humanity is dealing with it. In the book, Kolbert explores the technological innovations being used to address the climate crisis, such as solar geoengineering and gene editing.

Carolina Vera is an Argentine scientist specialized in the study of climate variability and climate change in South America.

Celeste Saulo is an Argentine scientist and teacher specialized in meteorology and atmospheric sciences and the first woman to head the World Meteorological Organization.

Christiana Figueres She is a Costa Rican diplomat who was the architect of the Paris Agreement when she became executive secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Inés Camilloni She is Associate Professor and CONICET researcher at the University of Buenos Aires, Vice Chair IPCC WG1.

Climate Change

The climate change It is one of the main threats humanity is facingUnderstanding the causes and consequences of climate change and what we can do to fight, is part of our daily work efforts.On this page we bring you the best information available so that you can draw your own conclusions.

Arguments of deniers who misinform about Climate Change

Basic concepts and definitions

Argentina Greenhouse Gas Inventory

Recommended reports

Recommended Documentaries

Recommended books

Personas a las cuales seguir

The climate change It is one of the main threats humanity is facing

Understanding the causes and consequences of climate change and what we can do to fight, is part of our daily work efforts.

On this page we bring you the best information available so that you can draw your own conclusions.