Thank you for joining our first green talk of Fall 2024. We welcome back Dr. Eugene C. Cordo, a professor of meteorology and climate science, and founder of the Green Ninja program.
Dr. Cordo discussed the planetary crisis as declared by the United Nations, focusing on three main issues: air pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change.
According to the World Health Organization, 99% of the global population breathes unsafe air, leading to significant health risks.
We are experiencing a mass extinction, with a steady decline in species populations, as shown by the 2022 World Wildlife Federation data.
The IPCC reports that human activities are the leading cause of climate change, with significant impacts on the atmosphere, oceans, and land.
Dr. Cordo presented a framework: It's warming, it's us, we're sure, it's bad, and we can fix it.
Global temperatures have been rising steadily since 1970, with increasing extreme weather events costing billions.
Human influence is confirmed as the primary cause of climate change, supported by extensive peer-reviewed research.
Solutions include reducing energy demand, electrifying everything, and sourcing energy from renewables.
Dr. Cordo shared his experience of remodeling his home to improve energy efficiency, which included:
Dr. Cordo emphasized the importance of connecting with nature, taking notice of societal structures, and seeking purpose in work to address climate challenges.
Key questions addressed included:
Thank you for attending! We look forward to seeing you at our next green talk.