The temperature is predicted to rise by four degrees by 2080. This is the same average temperature that the dinosaurs experienced when the crocodiles roamed the arctic (Gates, 2021; IPCC, 2019).
The 2020 Australian bushfires released 830 million tons of carbon into the atmosphere, overshooting the entire Australian yearly carbon output of 537 million. How much carbon will the next fires release? an article in Nature Journal states that “a global tipping point cannot be ruled out,’ and that ‘this is an existential threat to civilisation. No amount of economic cost–benefit analysis is going to help us. We need to change our approach to the climate problem."
Economically, “by mid-century, climate change could be just as deadly as COVID-19, and by 2100 it could be five times as deadly," (Gates, 2021, p34). There are no other options.; no matter how you look at it. We either adapt and become more sustainable, or collapse. The climate change issue is dire, and we need to work for a more sustainable future now. We lose the biodiversity, and there will be no bouncing back.
Click on blinking elements
Eventually, the documentary ends and Holly and Alex get up from the couch. It's late, so Holly and Alex decide to leave their discussion for tomorrow and get ready for bed
This is the third documentary about climate change they've watched this week.
For Holly, it was all just too much. It was like a fever when she fell into the bed and tried to rest. It was like a dam breaking inside of her and the waves crashing down her spine. There was so much she didn't realise — like how much damage humans were having on the environment. It was like slipping into a nightmare as she realised their carelessness. Their unsustainability. The magnitude of the situation. Holly stared at the ceiling, as Alex drifted off to sleep.
"How have I only just realised this now?" Holly thought to herself.
“I feel like I really should be questioning and reflecting on my own contributions?"
What is in my personal power? What am I doing to contribute to the issue? How can I help change or improve the situation? What can I do to help?"
Everything is interconnected, Holly thought, like atoms of water in a lake. Causes, affects: ripples on its surface. And with humans consuming to the point of catastrophe, it's like everyone is running away from the problem. Rather than finding their own way to alleviate environmental issues. Holly closed her eyes, thought of tomorrow, and knew that this wasn't the end of the conversation, of her thoughts, or of the environment.
It's now 7pm the next day, and Holly and Alex are talking in the kitchen making dinner together. They're talking about climate change; discussing about everything they've learned. Holly's now growing frustrated. Alex does not seem to be aware of the magnitude of the issue, even after everything they've watched and everything she's said to him.
"What about David Attenborough's documentary, A life on our planet? Or, how about his other documentary named "Extinction," the one where they mentioned our unsustainable and overconsumption of the earth's resources?"
"Holly. It is, what it is."
"It doesn't hurt to be a bit more eco-friendly, Alex. Like, 40% of global food produce is wasted every year!" she stated, looking disappointed.
"Well, what am I supposed to do about it?"
"One of my friends from university knows a local farmer that occasionally gives away free fruit and veg to his community."
And......So what?"
Holly sighs deeply. "Giving away food that is perfectly fine and edible to eat, but just not 'perfect' enough to sell. Food that would otherwise be thrown out....That is an individual contribution towards positive change. The farmer saw an environmental issue and is now doing something in his power to change it, it doesn't have to be monumental as long as everyone is trying to do better."
"Holly..."
"Wait. Turn the volume up?"
Alex leans over and turns up the volume on the tv. It's a Breaking News Forecast.
News Reporter:
This is Julian Andrews with you from ABC Brisbane. Well, I’m not alone in saying this was a shocking day for all Australians.
By nightfall, the flames had taken all the natural reserves in northern New South Wales, sometimes even blazing through the suburbs.
The origin of the fires is unknown.
Everyone along the state’s boarder is advised to evacuate. South East Queenslanders, particularly in the Gold Coast region, are advised to stay alert and keep in tune with your local ABC broadcast.
"bushfires…" Holly says
Alex glances at her. "This isn't good."
'Should we be worried?"
click to open message
Alex glances up at Holly again. "It’ll be fine."
"How could you know?"
"Because there’s no need to panic. We’re far enough north of the fire that there’s just no chance."
"Alex, take this seriously."
"Alright, Alright. We'll pack our most valuable stuff now, so we can just leave if it comes to it."
Holly takes a deep breath attempting to calm her nerves, and starts packing up.