Planet Earth is in a state of unprecedented transformation. Global temperatures are rising at an alarming rate, weather patterns are becoming more erratic, and extreme weather events are intensifying.

In recent decades, we have witnessed an alarming frequency and intensity of extreme weather events around the world. From scorching heat waves to devastating hurricanes, flash floods and prolonged droughts, these events are becoming a new norm. Scientists are increasingly convinced that these phenomena are not merely whims of nature, but clear symptoms of a much larger problem: climate change.

But what is Climate Change?

Climate change refers to significant and long-lasting changes in global weather patterns. While the Earth's climate has changed throughout its history, today, we are seeing an unprecedented acceleration of these changes due to human activities. The burning of fossil fuels, deforestation and other industrial practices have significantly increased levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4). These gases trap heat, resulting in global warming.

However, scientists were rarely able to pin down the exact contribution of climate change to these events. Today, thanks to the combination of human intelligence, mathematical models, precise meteorological data and supercomputers, it is possible to calculate the climate footprints of many important weather events.

The goal of climate attribution is to demonstrate the extent to which greenhouse gases, from the burning of fossil fuels, are related to observed weather effects.

Scientific Evidence: The Clear Link

The international scientific community is clear and forceful: climate change, caused mainly by greenhouse gas emissions derived from human activities, is mainly responsible for this intensification of extreme weather events.

Comprehensive scientific studies show that climate change is altering atmospheric circulation patterns, increasing the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere and modifying the frequency and intensity of precipitation.

Scientists now try to calculate and disseminate these climate signatures within days or weeks of an extreme weather event, when people are very attentive, says Michael Wehner, a scientist who calculates the attributions at the US Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. . USA in California.

Quickly relating the event to greenhouse gases “helps people realize that climate change is not our children's or our grandchildren's problem. Important things are happening now,” says Wehner.

Here are some examples of how climate change is affecting our climate:

1. Heat Waves: Heat waves are becoming more frequent and severe. According to NASA, the last five years have been the hottest on record since 1880. Rising global temperatures are making heat waves longer, hotter and more dangerous to human health.
2. Hurricanes and Tropical Storms: Hurricanes are increasing in intensity due to warming oceans. Warmer water acts as fuel for these storm systems, making hurricanes stronger and bringing heavier rain. Recent examples include Hurricane Dorian in 2019 and Hurricane Harvey in 2017, both causing massive destruction and loss of life.
3. Floods and Extreme Rainfall: Global warming increases the atmosphere's ability to retain moisture, resulting in more intense and frequent rainfall. These extreme rainfall can lead to flash floods, such as those seen in Europe and Asia in recent years.
4. Droughts: On the other hand, some regions are experiencing longer and more severe droughts. Rising global temperatures cause greater water evaporation, which dries out soils and decreases water supply. ua. The recent droughts in California and Australia are clear examples of how climate change is exacerbating water scarcity.
5. Forest Fires: Dry conditions and heat waves are creating a perfect environment for wildfires. The fires in Australia in 2019-2020 and in the Amazon in 2019 were some of the worst in history, devastating millions of hectares of land and causing incalculable ecological damage.

Human and Environmental Impact

Researchers at Climate Central, a nonprofit organization that collaborates with WWA, found that last summer's heat wave in the southwestern United States (where temperatures in July were about six degrees Celsius above normal) was five or more times more likely due to climate change.

Heat waves like this “are not just flukes,” but will become much more frequent if the world does not quickly transition away from fossil fuels and other greenhouse gases, says Andrew Pershing, chief scientist of attribution research at Climate Central. .

Climate change has exacerbated heat, flooding and storms. Complex weather events are triggered by various environmental factors, such as high or low pressure systems, jet streams, etc. But rising air and ocean surface temperatures have long been known to be another important factor that has aggravated many recent disasters.

Scientists have calculated, for example, that the rainfall totals of six of the major hurricanes that hit the Atlantic coast in the last 20 years (Katrina, Irma, Maria, Harvey, Dorian and Florence) and which together caused more than 500,000 million dollars in damage, were four to 15 times more intense (depending on the hurricane) than they would have been if the Earth had been colder.

According to a Climate Central analysis, last year's unusually warm Christmas week in the Midwest was at least twice as much due to climate change. Although some blame those snowless Christmases on El Niño (the periodic warming of the surface of the Pacific Ocean that affects the weather), without global warming the area could have received some Christmas snowfall.

According to the WWA, heat waves, which occurred once every 10 years in the pre-industrial era, are now three times more frequent and often 1.2 degrees Celsius warmer than in the past. The unprecedented heat wave that hit the roads of the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada in the summer of 2021 would have been virtually impossible without the contribution of climate change.

Extreme weather events have devastating consequences for people and the environment. Below are some of the most significant impacts:

1. Displacement and Home Loss: Floods, storms and wildfires can destroy entire communities, displacing thousands of people and leaving them homeless. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), it is estimated that by 2050, there will be between 25 and 1 billion climate displaced people worldwide.
2. Agriculture and Food Security: Droughts and extreme rainfall severely affect agricultural production, which can lead to food shortages and increased prices. Food security is a growing concern, especially in the most vulnerable regions of the world.
3. Human Health: Heat waves can cause serious health problems, including heat stroke and dehydration, especially among more vulnerable populations such as the elderly and children. Additionally, flooding can spread waterborne diseases and wildfires can deteriorate air quality, causing respiratory problems.
4. Ecosystems and Biodiversity: Extreme events also affect ecosystems and biodiversity. Forest fires can destroy habitats and kill thousands of animals. I dried them They can dry out bodies of water, affecting aquatic life and the species that depend on those resources.

The Need for Immediate Action

The international community must act urgently and decisively to mitigate climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

Here are some key strategies:

• Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions: It is essential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to stop global warming. This includes switching to renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, and improving energy efficiency.
• Reforestation and Forest Conservation: Forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere. Protecting and restoring forests is a crucial measure to combat climate change.
• Energy efficiency: Implementing energy efficiency measures in buildings, industries and transportation is crucial to reducing our energy consumption and, therefore, our greenhouse gas emissions.
• Education and Awareness: Informing and educating the population about climate change and its impacts is essential to generate change at an individual and collective level. Raising awareness can lead to more sustainable practices and broader support for climate policies.
• Adaptation to impacts: Adaptation strategies need to be developed to address the impacts of climate change that we are already experiencing, such as building more resilient infrastructure and implementing early warning systems.

What can you do?

• Reduce your carbon footprint: Reduce your energy consumption, use sustainable means of transportation, avoid food waste and choose products of local and sustainable origin.
• Get informed and spread knowledge: Learn about climate change and share the information with your family, friends and community.
• Support organizations working for climate: Join organizations fighting climate change and participate in their activities.
• Demand action from your leaders: Contact your political representatives and demand that they take urgent action to combat climate change.

By taking urgent and ambitious action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change, we can mitigate the most severe effects and build a more resilient and sustainable future for generations to come.

Today, recycling has become an essential practice to preserve our planet and create a sustainable future. Each of us can make a difference by adopting recycling habits at home . Today you will discover how to improve recycling in your home and contribute significantly to caring for the environment. Through simple changes in your lifestyle, you can reduce waste, reuse materials and encourage a more responsible consumption cycle.

Why is recycling important?

Recycling plays a critical role in conserving our natural resources and reducing pollution. By recycling , we help reduce the amount of waste that accumulates in landfills, we avoid the extraction of new raw materials and we reduce the emission of greenhouse gases. In addition, recycling contributes to the creation of jobs in the waste management industry and promotes the circular economy.

How should it be recycled?

1. Know the recycling guidelines : It is important to inform yourself about the recycling guidelines established by your community. Each location may have different requirements and recommendations, so it is essential to become familiar with your local guidelines.
2. Use the right containers : For an effective separation of recyclable materials, use the designated containers for each type of material. These containers typically include containers for paper and cardboard, plastic, glass, and metal. Be sure to correctly identify each container and deposit the materials in the corresponding container.
3. Rinse containers : Before recycling containers such as plastic bottles, aluminum cans, or glass jars, be sure to rinse them to remove any debris or contaminants. This helps prevent unpleasant odors and reduces the possibility of contamination during the recycling process.
4. Remove contaminants : It is important to remove any contaminants from recyclable materials. This can include sticky labels, non-recyclable plastic lids, food scraps, etc. Pay attention to materials that are not accepted in the local recycling program and dispose of them properly.
5. Reduce the size of materials : To save space in your recycling bins and make the recycling process easier, consider reducing the size of materials when possible. For example, you can fold cardboard boxes or shred paper before placing it in the container.
6. Avoid cross contamination : Make sure you don't mix non-recyclable materials with recyclables. This can affect the quality of the recycled materials and make it difficult to reuse. Pay attention to recycling guidelines and avoid depositing non-recyclable materials in the containers designated for recyclable materials.
7. Be aware of hard-to-recycle products : Some products may be more difficult to recycle due to their composition or size. These can include plastic bags, food wrappers, and electronics. Investigate special recycling options for these products and, where possible, opt for more sustainable alternatives.

What are the phases of recycling?

The recycling process consists of several important stages, which we explain below:

1. Collection : At this stage, recyclable materials from homes and businesses are collected. You can use specific containers for the separation of waste, such as paper, plastic and glass containers, or carry out the separation at source at home.
2. Transportation : Once collected, recyclable materials are transported to a recycling plant. It is important to ensure that materials are properly handled during transport to prevent damage or contamination.
3. Classification and separation : In the recycling plant, the materials are classified and separated according to their type. Different methods, such as conveyor belts, magnetic separators, and air currents, are used to separate paper, plastic, glass, and other materials.
4. Processing : After classification, the materials are processed to prepare them for further transformation. This may include cleaning, crushing, and melting down the materials into high-quality recycled products.
5. Conversion into raw materials : In this stage, recyclable materials are converted into new raw materials that can be used in the manufacture of new products. For example, recycled paper can be made into paper pulp, recycled plastic can be made into plastic pellets, and recycled glass can be melted down to make new packaging.
6. Manufacture of recycled products : The new raw materials obtained from recycling are used in the manufacture of recycled products. These products can include recycled paper, recycled plastic packaging, recycled glass products, and many others.
7. Sale and reintroduction to the market : Once manufactured, the recycled products are sold and reintroduced to the market. These products may have the same quality and functionality as non-recycled products, but have the added benefit of helping to conserve natural resources and reduce pollution.

What can I do to recycle at home?

Make good use of the water

Saving water is essential for a sustainable lifestyle. By recycling water at home, you can reuse it to water your plants or clean floors and surfaces. Also, be sure to fix any leaks or drips to avoid unnecessary waste.

Reduce packaging or products to use and throw away

One of the best ways to recycle is to reduce the amount of single-use packaging or products we use in our daily lives. Opt to buy in bulk, bring your own reusable water bottle, and use cloth bags instead of plastic bags. In this way, you reduce the generation of waste from the source.

Opt for object repair

Instead of throwing away items that are broken or damaged, consider repairing them. Often times, a simple repair can extend the life of an item and prevent premature replacement.

Transform your plastic containers into pots

Plastic containers, such as bottles or containers, can be reused as pots for your plants. Simply drill holes in the base for water drainage and fill them with soil and plants. This creative option not only helps you recycle, but also beautifies your home.

Reuse glass jars as containers

Empty glass jars, such as jam or preserve jars, can have a second life as containers for storing food, spices or even as containers for homemade gifts. Wash them well and decorate the lids to give them a personalized touch.

Create a composting area in your garden

Composting is a great way to reduce organic waste and produce natural fertilizer for your plants. Create a compost area in your garden and use leftover fruit, vegetables, coffee grounds, and dry leaves to feed the compost. You will obtain a natural fertilizer and you will reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfills.

Create a composting area in your garden

Composting is a great way to reduce organic waste and produce natural fertilizer for your plants. Create a compost area in your garden and use leftover fruit, vegetables, coffee grounds, and dry leaves to feed the compost. You will obtain a natural fertilizer and you will reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfills.

Recycle your electronic devices

Electronic devices contain valuable materials and components that can be recycled. Make sure you take your old or damaged electronic devices to specialized collection points, where they can be properly disassembled and recycled.

Use reusable cloth bags

When you go shopping, take reusable cloth bags with you instead of using plastic bags. These bags are strong, durable and can be used over and over again, thus avoiding the unnecessary use of plastic bags.

Recycle paper and cardboard

Separate and properly recycle the paper and cardboard you use at home. Be sure to fold and flatten cartons before discarding to save space in your recycling bin. Also, avoid printing unnecessary documents and use recycled paper whenever possible.

Make crafts with recycled materials

Encourage your children to be creative and use recycled materials to make crafts. They can create works of art using paper, cardboard, plastic bottles and other recyclable items. This activity is not only fun, but also teaches them about the importance of recycling and reusing.

Buy products made from recycled materials

When you go shopping, look for products made from recycled materials. There are numerous options available in the market, from furniture to clothing to paper products. By choosing these products, you support the demand for recycled materials and promote the circular economy.

Educate others about the importance of recycling

Share your knowledge about recycling with family, friends and neighbors. Host talks, participate in community events, or use social media to spread the word about the importance of recycling and how we can all contribute to a more sustainable future.

Recycling at home is a powerful way to make a difference in protecting our planet. By adopting simple habits like reduce, reuse, and recycle, we can help conserve natural resources, reduce pollution, and create a more sustainable environment. So get started today and turn your home into an example of responsible recycling.