Climate Change: Time to Watch and Act

Australia’s weather is becoming increasingly extreme due to climate change, which amplifies natural climate drivers like El Niño and La Niña. These shifts are causing hotter droughts, heavier rains, longer fire seasons, and more intense storms. Since 1910, Australia has warmed by 1.5°C, increasing atmospheric moisture and energy. The future holds more heatwaves, bushfires, floods, and environmental loss. Urgent emissions cuts and a transition to solar and wind power are essential to limit warming and avoid escalating climate disasters.

Since the Industrial Revolution, over 1.5 trillion tons of CO₂ have been emitted, with 51 billion tons added yearly. China, the U.S., and the EU are the largest current emitters, but historically the West bears the greatest responsibility. Per capita emissions remain highest in wealthy nations like Australia and the U.S. Climate change disproportionately harms poorer countries, despite their smaller footprints. Rich nations must lead with innovation and funding, but global cooperation is essential. Everyone must act decisively—and urgently—to achieve net-zero.

As climate chaos accelerates, the world edges past 1.5°C, risking irreversible disasters. Fossil fuel industries embed their infrastructure deeper, backed by authoritarian leaders like Trump and enablers in liberal governments. False solutions like “overshoot” delay urgent action by betting on unproven carbon capture. Real climate action demands dismantling fossil fuel production, yet capitalism clings to profit over survival. The video argues for confronting fossil capital directly before catastrophic tipping points make recovery impossible.

In 2025, climate change is accelerating due to record fossil fuel emissions and weakening carbon sinks like oceans, soils, and forests. The Met Office reports CO₂ levels at 424 ppm—50% higher than pre-industrial times. Last year saw the fastest-ever rise, driven by wildfires and warming oceans. 2025 marks the critical 10-year review of the Paris Agreement, where nations must submit concrete climate action plans. Despite slight emission slowdowns, experts warn urgent global efforts are needed to avoid worsening extreme weather.

Earth's climate has always changed due to natural cycles like the Milankovitch orbital variations, which trigger ice ages. These changes are then amplified by carbon dioxide, creating feedback loops. However, today’s warming isn’t natural—human activity has added 50% more CO₂ than in past warm periods, breaking the natural cycle. The current rate of warming is unprecedented, faster than any in Earth’s history, and already causing major disruptions. Scientists confirm fossil fuels are the driver—and we still have time to act.