Climate Change and Global Warming:
Data, Impact, and Solutions for the Future

Over the past two decades, climate change has shifted from a topic of academic debate to one of the most urgent global issues. Rising temperatures, shifting weather patterns, and more frequent extreme weather events are all signs that global warming is accelerating. This blog will take a closer look at the data from the past 20 years, focusing on the role of human activity in exacerbating climate change and offering actionable solutions that anyone can participate in to combat this global crisis.

The State of Global Warming: A 20-Year Overview

• Rising Global Temperatures~
  According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the past two decades have seen a steady rise in global temperatures, with 2023 being one of the hottest years on record. Climate.gov, which monitors trends based on NOAA data, shows that since the early 2000s, Earth's average surface temperature has risen by about 0.14°F (0.08°C) per decade. This might seem small, but it is significant when scaled across the entire planet.

In particular, 2020 tied with 2016 as the warmest year since records began in the late 1800s. NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies points out that the average global temperature in 2020 was 1.02°C (1.84°F) above the baseline average from 1951-1980, reinforcing the accelerating warming trend.

• Greenhouse Gas Emissions~
  The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) reports that carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) are the primary drivers of global warming, with CO2 contributing the most to the greenhouse effect. Over the last 20 years, CO2 levels have risen dramatically, passing 420 parts per million (ppm) for the first time in human history in 2021, compared to about 370 ppm in 2000.

The increase in emissions is largely tied to human activities like the burning of fossil fuels for energy, deforestation, conventional agriculture, and particularly animal feed lots, which has become a significant contributor to greenhouse gases. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) estimates that human activities have caused around 1.1°C of warming since pre-industrial times, with temperatures expected to rise by another 1.5°C between 2030 and 2050 if emissions continue to be unchecked.

• Sea Level Rise and Melting Ice~
  One of the most dramatic consequences of global warming is sea-level rise. Over the past two decades, the global average sea level has risen by approximately 3.2 millimeters per year, according to data from Climate.gov. This is driven by the melting of glaciers and ice sheets, particularly in Greenland and Antarctica, as well as the thermal expansion of seawater as it warms.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) warns that if current trends continue, sea levels could rise by 1 meter (3.3 feet) by 2100, putting millions of people living in coastal areas at risk. Cities like Miami, New York, and Jakarta are already experiencing more frequent flooding due to higher tides and storm surges, a preview of what could become commonplace.

• Extreme Weather Events~
  Another significant impact of global warming is the increase in extreme weather events. According to the EDF, the frequency and intensity of events like hurricanes, wildfires, droughts, and heatwaves have surged. For example, Hurricane Harvey in 2017 dropped over 60 inches of rain in some parts of Texas, while California's wildfire season has become longer and more destructive, driven by higher temperatures and prolonged droughts. Just in the past month there have been two substantial hurricanes hitting North Carolina & Florida. Hundreds of people & animals lost their homes and many were killed. I personally know a few of the families that were affected like never in their lifetime!!

Research from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) shows that the number of extreme weather events has increased fivefold over the last 50 years, with 2023 seeing record heatwaves across Europe and North America. This growing unpredictability is placing immense strain on ecosystems, agriculture, and human infrastructure.

The Role of Animal Agriculture: The Cattle Industry’s Impact on Climate Change

Animal agriculture, particularly the cattle industry is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Cows produce methane—a greenhouse gas that is 25 times more potent than CO2 in trapping heat in the atmosphere—during digestion (a process known as enteric fermentation). The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions come from the livestock sector, with cattle responsible for the majority of this output. Let me tell you about how I have to hold my breath for a minute every time I drive through the central valley in my home state, California…

Methane emissions from cattle are not the only concern. The industry also contributes to deforestation, as large tracts of land are cleared for grazing or growing feed crops like GMO soy. This deforestation eliminates forests that act as carbon sinks, further contributing to the rise in atmospheric CO2 levels. Additionally, raising cattle requires significant amounts of water and land, leading to further environmental degradation. The expansion of pasture land to raise cattle was responsible for 41% of tropical deforestation. Most of this converted land came from Brazil; its expansion of beef production in the last decade accounts for one-quarter (24%) of tropical deforestation or the Amazon Rainforests. This also means that most (72%) deforestation in Brazil is driven by cattle ranching. Cattle in other parts of Latin America – such as Argentina and Paraguay, also accounted for a large amount of deforestation, 11% of the total. Most deforestation for beef, therefore, occurs in Latin America, with another 4% happening in Africa(https://ourworldindata.org/drivers-of-deforestation).
Palm oil and soy are also claiming headlines for their environmental impact. They are categorized as ‘oilseeds,’ which also include a range of smaller commodities such as sunflower, rapeseed, and sesame. These seed-oils drove 18% of deforestation.

Indonesian palm oil was the biggest component of this. In neighboring Malaysia, the expansion of oil seeds was also a major driver of forest loss. Soybeans are the most common oilseed in Latin America. While many people immediately think of food products such as tofu or soy milk, most of the global soybean production is used as feed for livestock or biofuels, a mere 6% is used for direct human food. The impact of soy production is one we look at in more detail in a related article.

Combination of beef and oilseeds account for nearly 60% of deforestation-Whoa!!

According to a 2020 report by the FAO, the cattle industry alone produces about 65% of livestock-related methane emissions, making it a key target for reducing agricultural emissions.

Solutions to Reduce the Environmental Impact of the
Cattle Industry

There are several ways we can reduce the impact of the cattle industry on climate change, many of which involve changing consumption habits and
supporting sustainable agricultural practices.

Shift Toward Plant-Based Diets
Reducing global meat consumption, particularly beef, is one of the most effective ways to reduce methane emissions. Studies show that shifting to a more plant-based diet can reduce an individual’s carbon footprint significantly. The University of Oxford conducted a study in 2018 that found switching to a plant-based diet could reduce food-related emissions by up to 73% per person. Even reducing meat consumption by adopting a“flexitarian”approach (this is my standard),eating mostly plant-based and consuming meat occasionally(1-2 x’s a wk) can make a substantial difference.

Adopt Sustainable Farming Practices & Purchases
Regenerative agriculture and sustainable grazing practices can help mitigate the environmental damage caused by cattle farming. Techniques like rotational grazing and reforesting land used for cattle farming can improve soil health and increase carbon sequestration. The EDF advocates for supporting farmers who adopt these sustainable practices, as healthier soils can absorb more CO2, reducing net emissions.

Improve Animal Diets and Management
Innovations in animal feed are being explored to reduce methane emissions from cattle. Research shows that adding certain types of seaweed to cattle feed can reduce methane emissions by up to 80%. Additionally, improving manure management practices, such as capturing methane from waste through anaerobic digesters, can further reduce emissions from the cattle industry.

Support Policies That Reduce Agricultural Emissions
Governments play a critical role in encouraging sustainable agricultural practices. Supporting policies that incentivize farmers to adopt carbon-friendly techniques, reduce meat production subsidies, or promote alternative plant-based proteins can have a broad impact on global emissions. Consumers can advocate for these policies by supporting leaders and organizations that prioritize climate-friendly agricultural reforms.

The Human Impact: Why Immediate Action Is Critical

While natural factors like volcanic activity and solar variability contribute to climate changes, the overwhelming scientific consensus is that human activity is the dominant force driving the current crisis. The IPCC has stressed that without rapid, widespread reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, we are likely to experience more severe consequences, including food shortages, mass migration, and widespread ecosystem collapse.

But it's not all doom and gloom. Many scientists believe that if we act now, we can mitigate the worst impacts of climate change and even begin to reverse some of the damage. The solutions fall into two broad categories: mitigation and adaptation.

Mitigation: Reducing Emissions

Transition to Clean Energy
One of the most effective ways to combat climate change is to transition away from fossil fuels and adopt renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydropower. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), renewable energy capacity has more than doubled over the past 20 years, but fossil fuels still account for about 80% of the world's energy consumption.

To make a real impact, governments and businesses need to accelerate investment in renewable infrastructure, and individuals can do their part by switching to clean energy providers or installing solar panels at home. The EDF estimates that increasing the use of renewable energy could reduce CO2 emissions by as much as 50% by 2050.

Energy Efficiency
Another critical solution is improving energy efficiency. Simple changes, such as upgrading to LED lighting, using energy-efficient appliances, and improving home insulation, can significantly reduce energy consumption and, by extension, greenhouse gas emissions. According to Energy Star, if every household in the U.S. adopted energy-efficient practices, we could reduce carbon emissions by the equivalent of taking 21 million cars off the road each year.

Carbon Sequestration
In addition to reducing emissions, we can also remove existing CO2 from the atmosphere through natural and technological solutions. Forest restoration, Sustainable soil management(Organic & Regenerative practices), and ocean-based carbon capture are all promising strategies for carbon sequestration. The UNEP supports initiatives like reforestation projects that can absorb billions of tons of CO2 over the coming decades.

Individuals can contribute by supporting or participating in tree-planting efforts and sustainable land management practices. Every tree planted helps absorb CO2 and provides habitats for wildlife, benefiting both the climate and biodiversity.

Stop using Plastic! Reduce & Reuse~
Single-use plastic is produced from fossil fuels, extracting and creating these plastics emits vast amounts of greenhouse gases.  

• It is estimated that just the extraction of these fossil fuels and their transportation to plastic factories emits 1.5 to 12.5 million metric tons of greenhouse gases. 

• Removing forested land for oil extraction and pipeline construction has also released more than 1.6 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This land clearing also limits the amount of carbon dioxide removed from the atmosphere. 

• The refinement of plastics emits an additional 184 to 213 million metric tons of greenhouse gases each year.  

• Landfills, where single-use plastics are sent, account for more than 15% of methane emissions. The disposal of more plastics in landfills leads to increases in landfill size and these emissions. 

• There is an enormous floating mass of plastic in the Pacific Ocean, twice the size of Texas, that continues to grow. 

• Plastic pollution affects the most vulnerable communities first. Developed countries, such as the United States, send plastic to developing countries for processing. Eventually, the amount of plastic can become so overwhelming that these communities run out of ways to dispose of it and become covered in plastic trash. https://www.colorado.edu/ecenter/2023/12/15/impact-plastic-climate-change  

Adaptation: Preparing for the Unavoidable

While mitigating climate change is essential, we also need to adapt to the changes already in motion. This includes:

Building Resilient Infrastructure
Governments and communities must invest in infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather events. This could mean reinforcing buildings in hurricane-prone areas, constructing sea walls to protect against rising tides, or implementing water management systems in drought-stricken regions.

Supporting Sustainable Agriculture
Farmers are already feeling the impact of climate change through unpredictable weather patterns and changing growing seasons. Adopting sustainable practices, like precision farming, crop diversification, and regenerative agriculture, can help make food systems more resilient. Consumers can support this shift by buying local, organic produce and reducing food waste.

Education and Advocacy
Raising awareness about climate change and its solutions is critical. Schools, communities, and individuals need to become better educated about the science behind global warming and the actions we can all take to mitigate it. Advocacy for stronger climate policies at the local and national levels is another powerful tool for driving change.

Conclusion: Everyone Has a Role to Play

The climate crisis is immense, but so too is our capacity to address it. Over the past 20 years, we've learned that while the damage is significant, there is still time to mitigate the worst effects of global warming. By transitioning to clean energy, improving energy efficiency, supporting carbon sequestration projects, and preparing our communities for a changing climate, we can build a more sustainable future.

At the individual level, simple actions—like reducing energy consumption, supporting climate-friendly policies, and raising awareness—can make a meaningful difference. Collectively, these efforts can slow the pace of climate change, protect vulnerable ecosystems, and ensure a livable planet for future generations.
The choice is in our hands. Let's act today for a better tomorrow…