The Future of Our Planet

I think it's safe to say that most people are aware by now how humanity's persistent use of fossil fuels over the past few centuries has pumped vast amounts of greenhouse gases back into the atmosphere. We're now facing the repercussions of those actions more than ever before. Every time you flip a light switch or crank up the heater at home, drive your gas-powered car, or even cook a meal, fossil fuels are largely responsible for providing the energy we rely on daily. It’s understandable why so many folks are concerned about our heavy dependence on these energy sources, which are undeniably harmful to the environment.

Research indicates that if global temperatures were to rise by 4°C compared to pre-industrial levels, sea levels worldwide could surge by up to 10.8 meters. That’s why world leaders are striving to keep the temperature increase under 2°C—a monumental challenge given how deeply ingrained fossil fuels are in our everyday lives. If sea levels do rise, coastal areas in the UK, like Liverpool, could face severe flooding. Imagine the iconic Albert Docks submerged under water if the melting of ice shelves continues due to rising temperatures.

And Liverpool isn’t alone. On the opposite side of England, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne could also experience parts of the city underwater, including the famous Millennium Bridge. Rising seas aren’t the only environmental issue we’re dealing with either. Poor air quality, once thought to be a relic of the past, remains a significant concern if emissions aren't properly managed.

An independent study covering UK emissions from 1970 to 2008 revealed an impressive 85% decrease in black smoke pollutants since 1990. However, CO2 emissions only dropped by 9% between 1990 and 2008. Although CO2 levels have continued to decline since then, we still have a long way to go before we eliminate these emissions entirely.

The UK has made strides by introducing ultra-low emission zones in bustling urban areas and offering grants for homeowners who want to transition to electric vehicles. Still, smog remains a real danger in densely populated areas during times of heavy traffic and congestion. Cities like Birmingham and Manchester could easily be cloaked in hazardous smog:

As weather patterns grow increasingly extreme, higher temperatures may intensify and prolong droughts in the UK beyond anything we've experienced before. A Met Office study comparing the periods of 1961-1990 and 1991-2020 found that the average temperature in the UK has risen by 0.8°C, with sunshine increasing by 5.6%. Additionally, the number of days with air frost (temperatures dropping below 0°C) has decreased by an average of 11.1 days per year, with some regions seeing a drop of up to 14 days.

To illustrate the potential impact of prolonged sunshine and minimal rainfall, here’s a visualization of what the River Thames in London might look like after extended dry spells:

These visuals starkly contrast with the London we know today. Continued efforts to control emissions are crucial to prevent these scenarios from becoming a reality.

Thankfully, it’s not all bleak news. Across the globe, numerous inspiring initiatives are underway to cut emissions and mend the damage we’ve inflicted on our planet. The aviation industry has committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 at the latest, using sustainable aviation fuels, funding sustainability projects, and minimizing waste in their operations.

This year, solar and wind power are finally growing at a pace aligned with climate goals. The ideal annual growth rate for these renewables is 20%. In 2021, solar energy production surged by 23%, while wind power grew by 14%. Combined, they accounted for 10.3% of global electricity generation, up from 9.3% in 2020.

You can contribute to the environment by installing solar panels in your home. By doing so, you could prevent roughly one ton of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere each year, thanks to reduced demand for fossil fuel-generated electricity, all while cutting down on your utility bills. Contact us today to begin your solar journey!