The Climate Crisis: Challenges we must adapt to
The climate crisis is unfolding at an unprecedented pace, with severe and immediate consequences for human survival even with the 1.5 degrees Celsius of heating that is already locked in. The effects of this crisis are not only impacting our environment but are also threatening basic human needs: food, water, energy, and safe living conditions. This page explores these challenges and why we need to projects like ClimateSafe Villages to urgently adapt and build resilience. 
Breaking safe climate limits
While the Paris Agreement aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, ideally 1.5 degrees, current trends and policies suggest we are on track for a concerning 2-3 degrees of warming this century. The main reason is the continued reliance on fossil fuels. Coal, oil, and natural gas still dominate our energy systems, and their burning releases vast amounts of carbon dioxide, the primary driver of global warming. Despite growing awareness and development in renewable energy, the global transition to these sources has not been swift or significant enough to offset our carbon emissions. Additionally, other greenhouse gases like methane and nitrous oxide, largely from agricultural practices, are also on the rise. Deforestation, another significant contributor to climate change, continues at an alarming pace, reducing the planet's capacity to absorb CO2. Finally, current national pledges for reducing emissions under the Paris Agreement, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), are insufficient to limit warming to 2 degrees Celsius. Collectively, these factors contribute to the trajectory towards a 2-3 degrees Celsius warmer world.
Food Availability
The disruption of our global climate is severely affecting agricultural systems worldwide. Rising temperatures, fluctuating precipitation patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events all contribute to reduced crop yields and livestock productivity. This leads to food shortages, spikes in food prices, and threatens global food security.
Heat stress and drought conditions are causing declines in major crops such as wheat, rice, and maize, which millions depend upon. At the same time, warmer climates are enabling the spread of pests and diseases, further reducing agricultural productivity. The short-term result is an increasing risk of famine, especially in regions already struggling with food availability.
Water Availability
Access to clean and safe water is a fundamental human need. However, our water resources are under significant strain due to climate change. Changing weather patterns are causing severe droughts in some areas, reducing water supplies for drinking and irrigation.
Melting glaciers and snow, a crucial source of freshwater for many regions, are also being depleted. On the flip side, rising sea levels and intense rainfall events increase the risk of contamination of freshwater supplies. In short, the availability and quality of water, essential for life and agriculture, is being threatened, making it a pressing survival issue.
Energy Availability
Climate change also poses significant challenges to energy production and supply. Extreme weather events can damage infrastructure, causing power outages and disrupting energy supplies. Moreover, conventional energy sources like fossil fuels are major contributors to climate change.
Hydropower and nuclear energy, often seen as low-carbon alternatives, are also at risk. Reduced rainfall can limit hydropower generation, while increased water temperatures can reduce the efficiency of nuclear power plants. All of these issues point towards a looming energy crisis, with severe consequences for our technology-driven societies.
Extreme Weather Events and Heatwaves
Extreme weather events such as hurricanes, floods, and droughts are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. These events cause widespread destruction, affecting human habitation, agriculture, and infrastructure, making survival more challenging.
Moreover, the increase in global temperatures is leading to more frequent, longer, and hotter heatwaves. Extreme heat events can cause heat exhaustion and heat stroke, both potentially fatal conditions. They can also exacerbate existing health problems, particularly in the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing medical conditions. Cities, with their heat island effect, are particularly vulnerable, turning them into potential death traps during heatwaves.
The immediate effects of the climate crisis on human survival are clear and alarming. The challenges to food and water availability, energy supply, and the increase in extreme weather events and heatwaves, all pose a significant threat to human life, even with the 'locked-in' 1.5 degrees Celsius warming. The gravity of these issues underscores the need for urgent action to adapt and build resilience in the face of the unfolding climate crisis.
Read more about climate change at the Job One for Humanity FAQ