Solar cycles responsible for climate refugees?

Author: Nasya (Indonesia, Young Reporter)

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. These shifts may be natural, such as through variations in the solar cycle. But since the 1800s, human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to burning fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas. Burning fossil fuels generates greenhouse gas emissions that act like a blanket wrapped around the Earth, trapping the sun’s heat and raising temperatures.

Climate change can affect our health, ability to grow food, housing, safety and work. Conditions like sea-level rise and saltwater intrusion have advanced to the point where whole communities have had to relocate(example in Ancol beach, located in Jakarta, Indonesia), and protracted droughts are putting people at risk of famine. In the future, the number of “climate refugees” is expected to rise. Switching energy systems from fossil fuels to renewables like solar or wind will reduce the emissions driving climate change. But we have to start right now. While a growing coalition of countries is committing to net zero emissions by 2050, about half of emissions cuts must be in place by 2030 to keep warming below 1.5°C. Fossil fuel production must decline by roughly 6 percent per year between 2020 and 2030.

Adapting to climate consequences protects people, homes, businesses, livelihoods, infrastructure and natural ecosystems. Adaptation will be required everywhere, but must be prioritized now for the most vulnerable people with the fewest resources to cope with climate hazards. The rate of return can be high. Early warning systems for disasters, for instance, save lives and property, and can deliver benefits up to 10 times the initial cost.

The point is that we have to save and start to reduce the use of fuels that are quickly becoming scarce or running out. We must start looking for alternative ways that work like fuels using sunlight.

What kind of actions will you take to remind People to be aware of the scarcity of fuel?

Solar cycles are not the only cause of climate change.