Confronting the Climate Crisis: How We Can Change Course Before It’s Too Late | MR Online

Our societies are on a dangerous path due to climate change. As we face the growing impacts of this crisis, new technologies in energy storage will emerge. The challenge now is how to adapt and address the conflicts this creates.

Let’s talk about the current state of climate change. If you’re looking for a clear and factual overview, check out Collision Course: 3 Degrees of Warming & Humanity’s Future by David Spratt. It’s a detailed look at the pressing issues we face.

Here are some key takeaways from Spratt’s work:

• We have likely already reached 1.5°C of warming, and it’s happening faster than expected.
• Important natural systems that have kept our environment stable are nearing critical thresholds. For example, melting ice sheets and changes in ocean currents could lead to severe consequences.
• Despite decades of climate talks, global greenhouse gas emissions keep rising. The influence of fossil fuel companies and governments makes substantial changes unlikely.
• Australia’s emissions from energy production have decreased since 2005, but other sectors are increasing, showing a lack of overall progress.
• By 2050, the world economy is expected to double, leading to a significant rise in energy demand. Most of this will still come from fossil fuels unless urgent action is taken.
• If global warming reaches 3°C, we will face catastrophic impacts on climate, food security, and social stability. Therefore, we need to prepare for potential worst-case scenarios.
• Other environmental issues, like biodiversity loss and excessive nitrogen levels, are also critical and need our attention.

Spratt’s conclusions highlight a troubling reality: current climate policies cater to corporate interests rather than meaningful change. We are stuck in a cycle of procrastination, which could lead us towards a collapse instead of prevention.

Next, let’s consider the future of energy storage. Right now, lithium-ion batteries dominate, but they come with challenges. These include fire risks, environmental damage from mining, and heavy reliance on limited resources, particularly from China.

Enter sodium-ion batteries! They’re promising because sodium is cheap and abundant. They work better in extreme temperatures and have a lower fire risk. Currently, their energy density is lower than lithium-ion, but that’s improving, and costs should decrease in the future. Major players like China are ramping up production, which might shift the market significantly.

There’s also a developing interest in solid-state batteries. They use a solid electrolyte, allowing for higher energy densities compared to lithium-ion. As technology advances, we may see a mix of different battery types in the clean energy landscape.

Moving on to coastal erosion, this issue is becoming more pressing as climate change intensifies. Conflicts arise between property owners, local councils, and users of the beach about building vertical seawalls to protect property. Storms have become more severe, causing significant erosion along coastlines.

There are debates about the best approaches to managing erosion. Should we invest in seawalls, or accept that erosion is a natural process? Who pays for these measures? The negative impact on the environment and public spaces must also be considered.

The challenges of coastal erosion are global. In the United States, prominent geologist Professor Orrin H. Pilkey fought against hard infrastructure like seawalls and criticized beach nourishment practices, highlighting the need for soft and more sustainable solutions.

The frequency and intensity of storms are on the rise due to climate change, driven by basic physics: warmer oceans lead to more moisture and energy for storms. This not only makes predicting storms harder but also increases damage potential.

Now, stepping away from climate challenges, let’s marvel at nature. A remarkable 74-year-old Laysan albatross named Wisdom has laid her first egg in four years. This remarkable event took place at the Midway Atoll Wildlife Refuge, showcasing the resilience of wildlife despite environmental stresses.

The world faces significant challenges ahead, but stories of resilience, careful planning, and innovation remind us that there’s still hope for the future.