“Ice storm rolls from Texas to Tennessee – I’m in Los Angeles and it’s freezing. Global warming is a total, and very expensive, hoax!” — Donald Trump, Dec. 6, 2013
The Ex-US president is not the only one who has a hard time believing in Global warming. Many weather fluctuations, including cold weather and floods, may lead us to think that our planet’s temperature is not that high. However, Understanding the science behind “Climate” and how our daily lives affect it, will give you a completely new perspective.
Extreme heat, drought, and dry crops are not the only effects of Global warming. These are merely the HOT weather aspects we might experience. In fact, Climate is a set of many weather changes that fluctuate depending on the location and the time of year, like storms, precipitations, and water temperature. Any extreme change in these indicators is a sign of climate change.
In the Past years, extreme weather has included floods, droughts, increases in heat waves, irregular storms, arctic meltdowns, and increases in coastal sea levels. These were all traced back to an increase in temperature. As we can see in the graph below, our planet’s temperature has significantly increased in the past 100 years and we reached today 1 degree Celsius above the normal average.
So, global warming is the climate change we are facing, but why?
Several causes are contributing to the increase of our planet’s temperature, the most important and significant of them are Greenhouse gases and CO2 on the rise.
The Earth already had greenhouse gases in its atmosphere as part of its natural carbon cycle, and this was before humans ever came along. But since the Industrial Revolution in the 1800s, humans have been adding even more carbon dioxide, methane, and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These act like the windows on a glass greenhouse. Some gases in the atmosphere will trap certain wavelengths of energy from bouncing back into space (below highlighted in red), and that trapped energy heat, keeps our planet warm.
The dashboard helps us visualise that greenhouse gases have been on the rise since 1960 without halt. We can also observe that even though the CO2 emission has slightly decreased since 2017, this decrease comes from decline in industry and construction activity. CO2 Emission coming from factories and constructions went down from causing 32% fall CO2 emissions to nearly 13% due to several laws obliging factories to apply stricter rules reducing emission. However, the high rise in CO2 emissions from electricity production (which climbed from 30% to 42%) and transportation ( going from 12% to 27%) which made the positive decrease in industry emission negligible.
Its also important to notice that although environmentalist have been calling upon the human race to implement strategies that reduce pollution and CO2 emissions, the decrease in those 2 monitored values are nearly negligible.
As reasoned earlier, and evident in the dashboard, the highest increases in CO2 levels are caused by the production of Electricity! Yes, the electricity we as humans can no longer live without, is mostly produced by fuels: When fuels are burned for energy, carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are released as bi-products.
in the below plot, its noticeable from recent data that we are still highly relaying on the oil, coal and gas (fossil fuels) in the production of %82 of electricity, which is considered a still high percentage especially after global efforts to reduce such polluted energy and to rely on green alternatives such as hydro, nuclear, wind and solar powers.
Our reasons for concern come from the more indirect effects of global warming. Long term damage is bigger than what we imagine as illustrated in the below diagram, and it is approaching more rapidly:
The weather effects will surely lead to serious social, economic, and health-related complications, that is why it is important that we all unite in the face of this rapid climate change, and take a stand by conserving energy and calling for cleaner energy sources.
There are many ramifications to climate change, but one thing is a fact: ending fuel based electricity production, will eliminate the biggest source of CO2 production.
Other promising methods of providing electricity, all of which with Zero gas emissions should and can be used instead. they will have low carbon print and will definitely reduce the global increasing temperatures.
With everything discussed, there is no denying that global warming is real. we can conclude that even though producing electricity is currently the largest contributor to global warming, the hoax is assuming that we need to live in the dark ages to avoid the problem. however we must acknowledge that there is a serious need to make a positive shift towards green energy.
Don’t burn your kid’s future. Stop Global Warming.
Africa is a land of vibrant cultures, mesmerizing landscapes, and remarkable wildlife. A land with endless variety that also faces countless difficulties.
If I were to inquire about the primary cause of mortality among young people in Africa, one might naturally assume it to be linked to issues such as armed conflicts or prevalent diseases. However, surprisingly, the statistics present a different reality that demands immediate attention. Contrary to assumptions, the urgent concern lies elsewhere: traffic-related incidents.
Given the perception that Africa has relatively lower traffic volume and fewer vehicles in comparison to other regions, it might be presumed that traffic accidents are not a significant cause for alarm.
However, According to the World Health Organization1, road accidents are the leading cause of death for people aged 5-29 worldwide. Low & middle-income countries, account for more than 90% of these deaths. Africa alone is accounting for a staggering 20% of the global total even though it has only 3% of the world’s vehicles 2.
>> The Looming Crisis
As we can see in the graph below based on the World Development Indicators 3, Africa has the highest mortality by traffic in the world, Especially SUB-Saharan Africa with around 27 deaths per 100,000 population, compared to the global average of 16.5 deaths per 100,000 population.
This is a serious problem that requires immediate attention. So, what is causing these alarming statistics, and how can we stop it?
Traffic fatalities have become a major public health crisis in Africa, affecting the entire continent. The loss of life is significant, and it has profound social and economic effects. Lives are lost, families are devastated, and communities lose valuable members. However, there are solutions to this crisis. We need to understand and address the root causes.
>> The Power of Education
One of the factors that may explain this problem is the low level of education in the region, which affects the skills and knowledge of drivers, pedestrians, and road users. Education is widely recognized as a key determinant of human development and well-being, as well as a driver of economic growth and social cohesion. However, many African countries still face significant challenges in providing quality and inclusive education for all their citizens.
Below graph shows the % of Population with Educational attainment, at least Bachelor’s degree for people aged +25 years old.
Of all regions, Africa has the highest rates of education exclusion with an average of 3% only. This issue affects drivers and pedestrians alike, shaping their behaviours and safety measures on the road.
Education, or lack thereof, directly influences an individual’s driving behaviour, risk perception, and compliance with traffic rules and regulations. A lack of education diminishes the cognitive skills necessary for safe driving – such as decision making, hazard perception, and situational awareness – and reduces the likelihood of adhering to traffic laws.
As a result, the region experiences a lower life expectancy compared to other parts of the world.
The below graph illustrates this result, where African life expectancy is only ~ 54 years .
>> A Source of Hope
Investing in education can be the remedy for Africa’s traffic fatality crisis. Education is a powerful tool for increasing awareness of road safety and developing human potential. It provides individuals with knowledge, improves cognitive skills, and promotes a culture of safety.
Education has the potential to bring about broader change. It can improve access to quality education for everyone, especially vulnerable groups like women and children.
African countries should increase public spending on education to improve the quality and access of education for all.
This must ensure as well that the resources are used efficiently and effectively to improve the quality and access of education for all.
We can see in the below chart about Government expenditure on education (% of Gov. exp.) that many African countries are increasing their spending on education recently, which will help reduce the mortality by traffic.
>> The Road Ahead
Through education, we can equip individuals with the necessary skills and awareness to navigate roads safely. Initiatives such as specialized safety classes, more driving schools, and regular car inspections can all contribute to this cause.
There is ample evidence supporting the effectiveness of this approach. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, for example, has seen a consistent decrease in traffic fatalities due to higher levels of education and awareness.
Traffic Mortality decreased from a peak of 21.9 to 16.3 per 100,000 population and it is showing high Life Expectancy of 68.3 years on average which is close to Latin America and East Asia Pacific.
This can be considered as a great model for Sub-Saharan Africa to follow.
>> Taking Action
We conclude our journey by emphasizing the transformative power of education. It is evident that education plays a pivotal role in mitigating the alarming rates of traffic fatalities in Africa.
This is more than just a blog post; it is a strong call for change. Education saves lives, including on the roads of Africa.
Based on our research, we recommend several actionable measures to address this issue effectively. These include:
The establishment of specialized safety awareness classes
An increase in the number of driving schools
Spreading awareness for correct helmet use, seat-belts, and promoting child restraint measures.
implementing rigorous car check-ups and safety assessment programs.
implementation of reduced speed limits of 30 kilometers per hour for crowded areas.
By actively pursuing these recommendations and securing necessary funding, we can collectively address the traffic fatality crisis in Africa and demonstrate our commitment to preserving every life.
[1]: WHO – Road traffic injuries
[2]: WHO – Global status report on road safety 2018
This article explores the urgent and harrowing reality of CO2 emissions, which pose a significant threat to our planet. We delve into the consequences of unsustainable behavior, shedding light on the escalating risks associated with carbon dioxide (CO2) Emissions. From the impacts on global temperatures to the profound effects on ecosystems and human well-being, we confront the uncomfortable truth behind our CO2 emissions. Join us on a gripping journey as we unmask the hidden dangers and emphasize the need for immediate action. Our world stands at a critical crossroads, and it is crucial that we change its course before it’s too late.
Global warming is a serious concern for the continuity of life on Earth. The major indicator for global warming is CO2 emissions level, where CO2 accounts for about 76% of total greenhouse gas emissions.
Electricity production is a significant contributor to worldwide CO2 emissions with the burning of fossil fuels being the main culprit. Oil, gas, and coal are commonly used to generate electricity and heat, but their use contributes to greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Fossil fuels – coal, oil, and gas – are by far the largest contributor to global climate change.
Thus, the problem remains with the continuous increase in CO2 emissions what type of alternatives countries are seeking to reduce the CO2 emissions from electricity and heat production?
To effectively analyze the changes in CO2 emissions from different sources of electricity production, we explored the World Development Indicator’s dataset related to CO2 emissions from electricity and heat production, the total energy production from Fossil fuel, and the use of alternative sources from renewables.
The problem of the dramatic increase in CO2 emissions: From 1960 to 1998, the CO2 emissions level dramatically increased, reaching a high average level of 40.2% of total fuel combustion with a high-pitched slope of +0.427
It is critical to know how the increase in electricity production from renewable sources, which compensate for part of the world’s power demand, limits the dramatic increase in CO2 emissions. From 2000 to 2014, the industrial revolution introduced a new era in renewable energy, reducing the CO2 emissions growth range with a slim slope of +0.058 only.
We believe that renewable energy is the key to limiting CO2 emissions and reducing these emissions levels in the near future.
Impact of electricity production on CO2 emissions:
The impact of electricity production from Oil, gas, and coal sources on CO2 emissions is obvious when looking at the data collected from World Development Indicator’s dataset from the year 1960 to 1998, which is explained by a comparable increased trend.
The electricity demand is increasing worldwide, thus, the need for more power plants is essential. However, the dependency on conventional models operating on fossil fuel sources is increasing and negatively contributing to the level of CO2 emissions. With the direct impact of electricity product sources on CO2 emissions, what can countries do to limit the rise in CO2 emissions’ level globally?
Alternatives as the solution: “Renewables” are the main alternative electricity production sources. The trend of electricity production growth from renewable sources shown below indicates a modest growth of 1% approx. till the year 1999.
In 2000, with the fourth industrial revolution, Renewable Energy became a major alternative source of electricity production.
Alternative electricity sources in countries with the highest kWh consumption per capita:
The proposed solution is to advance electricity production from Renewable sources and examine its impact on CO2 emissions. The selection of the Top 10 consumers of electricity per capita provides clear feedback on the proposed solution. The data from sample countries shows the correlation when the renewables contribute to a higher percentage of electricity production, the CO2 emissions increase is limited if not reduced.
The result is similar when examining the major industrial countries worldwide, where their use of renewables is very limited till 1999;
Effectiveness of alternative electricity sources: The year 2000 was the era of the fourth industrial revolution for the Internet and renewable energy. The use of renewable energy became more popular and the positive impact on CO2 emissions, limiting the sharp slop increase, is well proven by looking at the data after the year 2000 (CO2 emissions level increased by less than 1% only from 2000 to 2014).
Final recommendation: Focusing on improving the growth in Renewable power plants would have a positive contribution to reducing CO2 emissions to lower limits. As of 2015, the use of renewable energy limited the sharp increase in CO2 emissions but didn’t reduce it due to the high demand and the need to cover the consumer’s requirements through conventional electricity production from Fossil fuel. Thus, with the advancement in technology, it is highly recommended to invest more in renewable energy and limit the dependency on oil, gas, and coal. In conclusion, the growth rate for developing new power plants operated by renewables should become way higher than the increase in new conventional power plants running on fossil fuel to secure the limitation, if not reduction, of CO2 emissions from energy and heat, resulting a better future for the global climate.
Arjun is a 12-year-old boy who lives in a small village in India. His family is very poor, and his parents cannot afford to send him to school. Instead, Arjun works in a nearby farm for long hours and for very little pay. He is often tired and sick, and he has no time to play or go to school.
Arjun’s story is not unique. Millions of children around the world are forced to work instead of going to school. This is especially true in developing countries like India. Child labor is a serious problem, and it has many negative consequences for children.
The data above shows the top countries with the highest percentage of child labor since 2010, with India ranking at the top 3. Children who work are more likely to be exposed to hazardous working conditions, which can put their health and safety at risk. Child labor can also lead to social problems, such as increased crime and violence.
The number of children out of school in India is a serious problem, and child labor is one of the main reasons why so many children are not able to get an education. Education is afundamental right and a key driver of development. It equips individuals with knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities necessary for personal growth, economic empowerment, and social progress. When a significant number of children are out of school, it hampers the overall development of a country, contributing in social instability and conflicts within societies.
The difference between the number of children out of school in Finland and India is a significant one. Finland actively works to eliminate child labor and uphold the rights of children to receive a quality education through its strong legal framework, commitment to equality, and collaboration with international organizations, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for every child in the country. It has implemented comprehensive laws and regulations that strictly prohibit child labor and safeguard children’s well-being. Compulsory education ensures that all children have access to education, while teachers are highly trained professionals who create supportive and inclusive learning environments. As a result of these investments and initiatives, Finland has one of the lowest dropout rates in the world. Students in Finland are more likely to complete their education and pursue higher education or vocational training, leading to better career prospects and economic opportunities.
The difference in gross domestic product (GDP) per capita between Finland and India is a good example of the negative impact of child labor and children out of school.
There are several things that can be done to address child labor. These include:
• Providing free and compulsory education for all children.
• Raising the minimum legal working age.
• Enforcing child labor laws.
• Providing economic opportunities for families so that they do not need to rely on child labor.
• Raising awareness of the issue of child labor.
The story of Arjun and Finland shows that it is possible to address child labor. Child labor is a serious problem that has a number of negative consequences for both children and society as a whole. It is important to take steps to reduce child labor and ensure that all children have the opportunity to reach their full potential. By investing in social welfare, education, and enforcement, governments can help to reduce child labor to a very low level.
Our world faces an ongoing and formidable challenge with the relentless rise in energy demand, which is accompanied by an alarming increase in carbon emissions (CO2) and environmental degradation. Both factors have a profound impact on climate change and pollution and this is mainly due to the significant contribution of traditional energy sources. Thus, a crucial transition towards sustainable energy alternatives becomes imperative!
However, a critical question arises here: How can we measure the progress and effectiveness of this transition? That’s where our exploration of renewable energy consumption rate from the total energy across regions comes in. By examining this key metric, we can uncover insights into the pace and effectiveness of the shift towards sustainability.
The above visualization reveals significant disparities in the average rates of renewable energy consumption among the seven considered regions:
• Africa Western and Central stand out with an impressive average rate of 80.48%, closely followed by Africa Eastern and Southern at 62.57%.
• However, regions like North America, Europe & Central Asia, and East Asia & Pacific exhibit lower average rates, ranging from 8.56% to 28.27%.
• Unfortunately, the Arab World stands out with the lowest average rate of renewable energy consumption at 5.47%.
These disparities highlight the need to examine regional trends and identify areas for improvement.
Additionally, the below line chart portrays the trends in renewable energy consumption from 2000 to 2015 provides further evidence:
• Regions like Africa Western and Central display a relatively steady trend, indicating a successful and consistent approach.
• Others, such as Africa Eastern and Southern, showcase a gradual decline followed by a stable trend.
• Meanwhile, regions like East Asia & Pacific, Europe & Central Asia, Latin America & Caribbean, North America, and the Arab World demonstrate varying levels of growth and fluctuations in renewable energy consumption over the years.
Based on the above analysis, we propose studying successful cases and embracing collective learning. This approach will allow us to develop comprehensive strategies for effectively adopting sustainable practices. By understanding specific policies, initiatives, and key factors driving regional success, we can replicate and adapt these strategies to other regions.
Validating the success of the implemented strategies by analyzing their potential outcomes, particularly in terms of reduced carbon and greenhouse gas emissions rates is a must. Visualizing the relationship between renewable energy consumption and CO2 emissions using a Bubble Chart further confirms the importance of renewable energy adoption. Regions with higher average rates of consumption tend to exhibit lower CO2 emissions.
In conclusion, we recommend to accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources and promote sustainable energy adoption by:
• Increasing the efforts in alignment with the country’s economic and technological potentials.
• Continuous tracking and evaluation of renewable energy consumption and CO2 emissions rates are essential to assess the effectiveness of the implemented solutions.
• Regions with lower rates of renewable energy consumption can learn from successful models, like Africa Western and Central, to enhance their strategies and promote sustainable energy adoption.
Africa, the vast and diverse continent, often referred to as the “source and cemetery of youth,” encapsulates a multitude of contradictions and complexities. With a population that is predominantly young, Africa possesses an extraordinary potential for growth and development. However, it also faces numerous challenges that hinder the realisation of this potential. (as shown in the below visualisation, Africa is the youngest continent).
The phrase “cemetery of youth” highlights the harsh realities that many young Africans face. High levels of children employment, limited access to quality education and healthcare, and political instability contribute to a significant number of youth feeling trapped and disenfranchised. Moreover, issues such as poverty, conflict, and the impact of climate change further exacerbate the challenges faced by Africa’s youth.
First, poor primary school education in Africa remains a pressing issue that hampers the continent’s development. Limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, and a shortage of qualified teachers contribute to a subpar learning experience for many children. High student-to-teacher ratios, outdated curricula, and a lack of access to quality educational materials further exacerbate the problem. This educational disadvantage perpetuates a cycle of poverty and inequality, hindering the full realisation of Africa’s human potential. Addressing the challenges in primary education is crucial for empowering future generations, breaking the cycle of poverty, and fostering sustainable development across the continent. In addition, the practice of child labor persists in Africa, with numerous children engaged in hazardous and exploitative work. Poverty, lack of educational opportunities, and weak labor regulations contribute to this issue (as shown in the below visualisation Africa represents the lowest percentage of primary school enrolment as well the highest child labor % between 0-14).
Second, Africa continues to grapple with low life expectancy and alarmingly high mortality rates among children, reflecting significant health challenges faced by the continent. Factors such as inadequate healthcare infrastructure, limited access to essential medical services, and widespread poverty contribute to this grim reality. Infectious diseases like malaria, HIV/AIDS, and respiratory infections pose significant threats, while malnutrition and lack of clean water exacerbate the situation. Addressing these issues requires comprehensive healthcare systems, improved access to healthcare facilities, and targeted interventions to prevent and treat prevalent diseases. By investing in healthcare, Africa can reduce mortality rates, enhance life expectancy, and pave the way for a healthier future. (as shown in the below visualisation Africa represents the highest child mortality rate as well as the lowest life expectancy at time of birth).
Finally, early marriage remains a significant challenge for women in Africa. Cultural practices, poverty, and limited access to education perpetuate this harmful practice, denying girls their rights, hindering their personal development, and contributing to a cycle of inequality and gender-based discrimination. (Also, Africa represents the highest rate of women who were married first at age of 15 among all other continents).
To address the above problems in Africa, comprehensive solutions are needed. These include strengthening education systems, promoting awareness of children’s rights, implementing and enforcing labor laws, empowering women and girls through education and economic opportunities, and investing in healthcare infrastructure and preventive measures to combat prevalent diseases.
In conclusion, Africa’s youth simultaneously embody hope and struggle. They possess the power to shape the destiny of the continent, but they also face significant barriers that impede their progress. Recognising and investing in Africa’s young generation is essential for unlocking Africa’s true potential and creating a brighter future for all.
