Summer will get hotter, true or false?

Find the podcast in the original of this transcription in Science or Fiction. © Futura

We have been interested in global warming for several decades, although scientific interests began to emerge in the mid-20th century.^H a century.

Let's go back several years

To give a little history, let's go back to the 19th century.^H a century. some Joseph FourierJoseph Fourier, physicalphysical He was the first to propose the idea of ​​global warming, in 1824. He then proposed that the Earth's atmosphere might be able to retain moisture. heatheat. Several years later, in 1896, Swedish chemist Svante Arrhenius theorized that increasing carbon dioxide levels could cause the planet to warm.

If we fast forward, we get to the 1950s, that's where Charles David Keeling was. Climate scientistClimate scientist American, makes the first accurate measurements of carbon dioxide concentrations₂ Atmosphere. The readings, now known as the Keeling curve, were the first to show a sustained increase in carbon dioxide levels₂. Keeling therefore alerts the world for the first time to the fact that humans are contributing to global warming and, by extension, global warming. Because since then we have known what the greenhouse effect is: it is a natural process through which it is confirmed GasGas Contained in the Earth's atmosphere retains the heat emanating from sunsunWhich heats the planet's surface. Major greenhouse gases include the famous carbon dioxide CO₂But also methane, water vapor and Nitrous oxideNitrous oxide.

Since the 1970s and 1980s, scientists began to notice concrete evidence of global warming. We have had some studies and reports that have specifically warned of the potential consequences of this BroadcastBroadcast of greenhouse gases. At that time, in 1979, the first summit was held on climateclimate a contract. A few years later, in 1988, something certain happened Intergovernmental Panel on Climate ChangeIntergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Very long name, you know it by diminutive: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

This innovation represents a turning point since the group was created to evaluate scientific, technical and socio-economic information relevant to understanding the risks associated with climate change. Since the 1990s, global warming has become a topic of global concern. signature Kyoto ProtocolKyoto Protocol in 1997, and more recently the Paris Agreement in 2015, are agreements aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and limiting the increase in global temperatures.

Hotter and hotter summer?

If we return to the original topic, i.e. what summer will be like in the not-so-distant future, today, it is widely accepted by the scientific community that summers will become hotter around the world due to climate change. For example, climate studies and reports published by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change point to a worrying trend of rising summer temperatures. For example, the years 2010 to 2019 were the hottest decade on record. In 2023, summer temperatures will reach record levels in many parts of the world, with… waveswaves Of the greatest heat.

Unfortunately, these phenomena are consistent with climate predictions that indicate that these heat waves will increase in frequency. DurationDuration intensity in the coming decades. It is clear that the consequences of increasingly hot summers are very worrying, especially since they are multiple. If we take the environmental level, EcosystemsEcosystems They are really threatened. Coral reefs, for example, are bleaching and dying due to rising water temperatures. the GlaciersGlaciers And the Icy peaksIcy peaks They are melting at an accelerating rate, causing sea levels to rise.

With all this, BiodiversityBiodiversity The ground is also affected: some ClassifyClassify Animals and plants struggle to adapt to these rapid changes, and may become extinct. On a humanitarian level, public health is a big issue. Heatwaves directly cause an increase in heat-related illnesses, such as heatstroke and DroughtDroughtVery dangerous for the elderly and young children.

But these heat waves will also bring with them air pollution, and the spread of diseases such as malariamalariathere Dengue feverDengue fever Or others. Even from a nutritional standpoint, there is cause for concern. High temperatures will make…agricultureagriculturewith crop yields such as wheatwheat And the butbut In decline. I'm not talking to you about risks droughtdrought…

What can we do ?

We are only talking here about heat, but climate change is not limited to that because we are already observing, and will continue to see, an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. TornadoesTornadoeshurricanes, and TornadoesTornadoes Become more powerful. Heat waves, wildfires, floods and StormsStorms Extreme snow events are also becoming more frequent. So, yes, summers are expected to become increasingly hotter globally, and the consequences are likely to be dire if nothing is done to mitigate the impact.

Of course, the biggest projects are started by governments, but you can also make your contribution. You can try to reduce your consumptionenergyenergy Thinking about stopping LightsLights and electrical appliances when not in use. It's very stupid, but that's what it is. You can also improveinsulationinsulation of your home to reduce the need for heating and air conditioning.

From a food perspective, reduce waste and eat local seasonseason It will reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation. Speaking of transportation, you can move toward more sustainable mobility solutions by stopping driving alone to carpool or by using more public transportation or cycling. And of course we must reduce and For recyclingFor recycling our loselose. It is best to prefer reusable materials to reduce their use PlasticPlastic.

There are plenty of waste-free alternatives for some everyday items, such as washable sponges, washable wipes to clean your face, reusable bags so you don't have to take so many plastic bags when buying fruits and vegetables in supermarkets, and many more. You can also make compost to get rid of food waste!

By combining these actions at all levels of society, it is possible to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit the effects of global warming. Every gesture counts!