A Letter to Humanity
Dear Humanity,
As a child growing up in Boston, Massachusetts, I fondly recall the four distinct seasons: winter, spring, summer, and fall. Nevertheless, the contemporary weather patterns suggest a departure from this norm. It saddens me to contemplate that my children and grandchildren may miss the joy of experiencing the four seasons, including playing in a pile of leaves during autumn or sledding in the snow after the first snowstorm.
As a sustainability expert in Earth System Science trained at Harvard University, it is incumbent upon me to address the global climate crisis that imperils our planet and all its inhabitants. Over the past three decades, global temperatures have been markedly increasing, leading to more severe weather events such as heatwaves, hurricanes, and tornadoes. These consequences of global warming have fundamentally altered atmospheric conditions by raising moisture levels, resulting in a discernible uptick in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events that profoundly impact communities worldwide. Take Florida, for example. The state has faced devastating hurricanes that have caused extensive coastal flooding, erosion, and tragic loss of life and property. But Florida is not alone. The impact of climate change is a global issue, affecting populations differently across the globe and revealing stark disparities in vulnerability and resilience. We all share a responsibility to address this crisis.
In sub-Saharan Africa, countries such as Sudan, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia, and Western Sahara contend with prolonged droughts and extreme heat, leading to significant crop loss and threatening food security. Meanwhile, in South Asia, countries like Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka grapple with the dual challenges of monsoons, typhoons, and natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis. In the northern hemisphere, the Americas face various challenges: Islands of the Greater Antilles Hispaniola, Cuba, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Navassa Island, and Cayman have suffered from increased weather phenomena of category 4 and 5 mega hurricanes and storms. Further, the Atlantic coast of the United States is experiencing flooding and coastal erosion, while states like Colorado, Nevada, and California are combating severe droughts and wildfires worsened by dry, oxygen-rich air that facilitates the spread of embers over long distances.
Additionally, Mexico City is confronting a severe water crisis due to excessive aquifer extraction, resulting in alarming land subsidence. As we witness meteorological changes such as the weakening and potential collapse of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC), which threatens the significant heat transfer from the southern hemisphere and contributes to reducing sea levels by as much as one meter due to increasing ocean temperatures, coastal regions can expect more frequent and intense hurricanes. However, there is a silver lining. Coastal communities and urban planners have the opportunity to innovate and adapt to these challenges by embracing sustainable practices and building resilient infrastructure with the uses of Blue-Green and Gray infrastructure. This potential for innovation and adaptation is not just a silver lining; it's a beacon of hope that should inspire us all.
The urgency of our situation cannot be overstated. We must come together as a global community to address these challenges head-on, averting the dystopian future that awaits us. By fostering collaboration, investing in sustainable technologies, and prioritizing climate education, we can create a more resilient future for all.
It is time for us to rise to the challenge and take decisive action to combat climate change. The time for debate is over; the time for immediate and decisive action is now. We can no longer afford to delay.
Warm regards,
Edouard Salomon
Earth Systems Science Sustainability Expert
