According to NASA, “Earth in 2024 was about 2.65 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than the mid-19th century average (1850-1900)” and “the annual average, with mathematical uncertainties, may have exceeded the level for the first time.” While this temperature increase may not seem drastic, it poses a significant threat to the environment and essential resources needed for human survival, leading to rising sea levels and an increase in natural disasters. 

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) explains that “global warming results from the increasing concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases that trap heat in the earth’s atmosphere… As the earth’s atmosphere heats up, it holds more water, changing weather patterns and fueling more severe rainfall events. At the same time, warmer air causes more moisture to evaporate from the planet’s surface in dry weather, resulting in more frequent and intense droughts and heat waves.” 

Colder regions are especially vulnerable  to the consequences of global warming, experiencing reduced snow and warmer temperatures. According to Climate Portal, “Atmospheric changes to wind patterns and cloud cover have also caused the Middle East, northern Asia, and parts of Europe to warm faster than the planet as a whole.” One example of these effects is the droughts in the western US, which experienced abnormally warm weather and little rainfall during the winter of 2024. 

Global warming occurs primarily due to two factors: human activity and natural climate patterns such as El Niño and La Niña. Human activities–such as deforestation, carbon emissions from vehicles, and the burning of fossil fuels like coal and oil–are among the main contributors. Additionally, El Niño and La Niña influence weather patterns worldwide. According to the BBC, “El Niño means warmer water spreads further and stays closer to the surface. This releases more heat into the atmosphere, creating wetter and warmer air… under La Niña, the effect is reversed…The extreme weather events worsened by El Niño and La Niña affect infrastructure, food, and energy systems around the world.”

Despite these challenges, there is hope for the future. The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting highlights the role of leaders and industry experts in addressing climate change, stating, “Leaders and industry experts are giving us more clarity on the state of the planet, and the actions required to effectively mitigate risks and invest in opportunities for the future…and… there is growing recognition and evidence that companies that harness data and technology…” These efforts emphasize the importance of collective action in combating climate change.

To help create a cleaner atmosphere, individuals should try limiting the amount of gases being emitted into the air. Small actions–such as walking or using public transportation instead of driving, picking up litter, and recycling–can make a difference. As climate activist Xive Bastida once said, “We are on Earth to take care of life. We are on Earth to take care of each other.”