Emergència climàtica: el crit de la terra - 30 minuts

Impact of Global Warming on Climate and Society

Overview of Climate Change Projections

• The discussion begins with the alarming prediction that global temperature increases of 2 to 5 degrees Celsius by 2100 could drastically alter climates, making Barcelona resemble Málaga and leading to average summer temperatures of 50 degrees in central Spain.

• A significant reduction in water availability is anticipated, resulting in more frequent droughts, wildfires, and pest outbreaks.

Environmental Changes and Societal Response

• The landscape will undergo radical transformations as the last glaciers in the Pyrenees melt away, prompting fears among firefighters about potential wildfires devastating these regions.

• A catastrophic flooding event occurred due to a cold drop over Baix Camp and Conca de Barberà, leading to severe destruction with four fatalities and substantial economic losses exceeding 16 million euros.

Historical Context of Flooding

• The aftermath reveals significant damage; infrastructure like roads has collapsed, replaced by mud where vegetation once thrived. Notably, a restaurant was swept away by floodwaters.

• Historical records indicate that certain areas have been prone to flooding every 40 years on average. Current urban planning has exacerbated this issue by obstructing natural water flow paths.

Human Impact on Natural Landscapes

• Experts argue that construction near riverbanks should never have occurred due to inherent flood risks. This perspective is supported by geologists from the University of Barcelona who emphasize historical flood levels.

• There’s a call for better memory regarding past flooding events; ignoring historical data leads communities to build in vulnerable areas again.

Future Climate Predictions

• The Centre de Supercomputació de Barcelona conducts simulations based on various CO2 concentration scenarios to predict future climate conditions.

• Current models suggest that if anthropogenic emissions continue at their current pace or increase, global temperatures could rise between 1.5°C (optimistic scenario) and up to 5°C (pessimistic scenario).

Consequences for Mediterranean Regions

• A warning is issued: an average global temperature increase of 5°C could translate into even higher local temperatures (7–9°C), particularly affecting Mediterranean climates.

• Such changes would make extreme heat events commonplace during summers across central Spain.

The Fate of Glaciers

Decline of Pyrenean Glaciers

• Research indicates a dramatic decline in glacier numbers since the 1980s—from 39 glaciers down to only 19 currently recognized as active due to movement and ice formation dynamics.

Implications for Ecosystems

• Scientists are concerned about whether some glaciers should still be classified as such or reclassified as ice fields due to their deteriorating conditions.

Importance of Glacier Studies

• Glaciers serve as critical historical records containing trapped organic materials and pollutants; studying them before they vanish is essential for understanding past climate conditions.

Evidence from Mont Perdut Glacier

• Analysis from Mont Perdut revealed ice older than 2,000 years—indicating it existed during Roman times when climate conditions were notably warm—highlighting how recent warming trends are unprecedented compared to historical data.

Impact of Climate Change on Glaciers and Water Resources

The Disappearance of Glaciers

• Current predictions indicate that the glacier will vanish within a few decades due to exceptional warming, with historical photos evidencing significant retreat since the early 20th century.

• Over the past century, glaciers have rapidly diminished, particularly in the last 20 years. Scientists suggest that Mont Perdut's glacier may be the last to disappear in the Pyrenees.

Water Availability Concerns

• The reduction in snow cover poses severe implications for sectors like skiing and water supply, as less snow means diminished natural reservoirs that release water during peak demand seasons.

• A mismatch between water availability and demand is anticipated due to earlier melting of snowpack, affecting tourism, agriculture, and urban usage amidst climate change challenges.

Increasing Fire Risks

• Water scarcity is becoming an increasingly pressing threat; recent wildfires in high mountain areas highlight this risk exacerbated by global climate change.

• Major fire risks are projected for regions like Prepirineu, potentially impacting vital resources such as water and electricity for cities like Barcelona.

Changes in Fire Management

• Firefighting campaigns have extended from traditional summer months to year-round efforts due to prolonged dry spells influenced by climate change projections.

• Controlled burns are employed to manage forest fuel loads; however, increasing fire intensity has led firefighters to classify fires into more violent generations linked directly to climate stressors.

Forest Management Strategies

• Effective forest management requires not only robust firefighting resources but also proactive measures such as thinning trees to mitigate fire risks.

• Historical data shows a drastic reduction in tree density per hectare necessary for maintaining healthy ecosystems while preventing catastrophic fires.

Ecosystem Changes Due to Fires

• Wildfires are reshaping ecosystems by creating openings for new species better adapted to current climatic conditions; rapid changes can lead to biodiversity loss if not managed properly.

Biodiversity and Climate Change: Local Responses in Catalonia

Alternative Energy Solutions

• The importance of biodiversity preservation is emphasized as a response to climate change. In 2008, forest defense associations in Bages purchased a wood chipper to produce biomass as an alternative to fossil fuels.

• Biomass energy from wood chips is highlighted as one of the few local energy sources in Catalonia, with significant cost savings compared to diesel fuel—2.5 kg of biomass yields approximately 9,000 calories, equivalent to one liter of diesel.

• Josep has been transporting four tons of biomass every two weeks for heating municipal facilities like schools and sports centers, showcasing practical applications of this energy source.

Challenges with Biomass Adoption

• Despite the benefits, there are complaints from forest owners about insufficient support for biomass boilers; institutions like hospitals have opted to remain connected to gas instead.

• A lack of administrative support is noted; proposals for using local wood resources were ignored by facilities such as Lledoners prison and Althaia hospital.

Agricultural Adaptations Due to Climate Change

• Rising temperatures are forcing agricultural calendars to adapt; planting schedules are moved earlier due to increased heat during spring months.

• Viticulture faces severe challenges from temperature increases; practices that were once standard (like exposing grapes for ripening) are now risky due to potential heat damage.

Innovative Viticultural Practices

• To combat rising temperatures, wineries like Torres have invested in higher altitude vineyards where grape varieties can better withstand heat. This includes experimenting with ancestral grape varieties.

• Harvesting times differ significantly between regions; while high-altitude grapes are harvested in October, those in Penedès begin much earlier in August.

Future Strategies for Wine Production

• The viticulture sector's future looks grim without proactive measures; many wineries remain unresponsive despite clear threats posed by climate change.

• Potential strategies include relocating vineyards or changing grape varieties (e.g., replacing Tempranillo with Monastrell), which is more suited for warmer climates.

Sustainable Agriculture Initiatives

• The Mas Les Vinyes cooperative exemplifies sustainable agriculture by minimizing technological investment and utilizing permaculture principles over traditional methods.

• They employ techniques such as using black plastic mulch for soil warmth and allowing natural microbiology processes instead of conventional tillage methods.

Permaculture Practices at Mas Les Vinyes

• At Mas Les Vinyes, crop planning utilizes Excel spreadsheets while promoting companion planting strategies that enhance pest resistance through natural plant interactions.

Efficient Cultivation and Water Conservation Practices

Permaculture Design Principles

• The integration of multiple crops is emphasized, highlighting that combined cultivation is significantly more efficient than growing crops separately.

• Permaculture principles suggest that 80% of success comes from design, with only 20% from action, indicating the importance of planning in agricultural practices.

Water Management Strategies

• A focus on water conservation is evident; a system utilizing ponds and reeds helps purify water from showers and sinks to minimize waste.

• Rainwater harvesting techniques are employed by capturing water from rehabilitated roofs, which is filtered to remove organic matter before storage.

Sustainable Waste Management

• The use of dry toilets illustrates innovative waste management; instead of flushing, sawdust is used to cover waste, conserving significant amounts of water.

• This method not only saves water but also contributes to creating stable humus through natural decomposition processes involving beetle larvae.

Food Sovereignty and Adaptation

• The farm's self-sufficiency allows for minimal external food purchases throughout the year, although flexibility in diet is necessary due to variable crop yields.

• Emphasis on seasonal eating reflects an understanding that future food availability may change drastically due to climate impacts.

Climate Change Awareness and Activism

• Concerns about global food systems highlight the unsustainable nature of current consumption patterns in wealthier nations.

• The speaker advocates for dietary changes aligned with ecological respect as a necessity for future sustainability.

Youth Movements and Environmental Responsibility

Emergence of Youth Activism

• Fridays for Future represents a shift in youth consciousness regarding climate change, originating in Sweden during summer 2018.

• Despite setbacks like COVID impacting protests, young activists remain committed to their demands for urgent climate action.

Corporate Accountability

• Acknowledgment that a small number of companies contribute significantly (35%) to global emissions underscores the need for stricter regulations on these entities.

Grassroots Movements and Civil Disobedience

• Extinction Rebellion's approach combines mass mobilization with civil disobedience aimed at raising awareness about climate issues.

Political Engagement and Citizen Assemblies

• Calls for citizen assemblies reflect frustration with political leaders' inability or unwillingness to address environmental crises effectively.

Economic Paradigms Shift

• Critique of continuous economic growth as an ideology highlights the need for reevaluation towards sustainable practices that reduce harmful emissions.

The Urgency of Social and Environmental Change

The Consequences of Inaction

• Virginia Soler emphasizes that the current trajectory leads to catastrophic outcomes, both environmentally and socially. Important infrastructures and people's well-being are sacrificed for a mere 3% gain.

• She advocates for community connection and organization to create more self-sufficient and resilient communities.

Economic Redistribution as a Solution

• Soler discusses the need for limits and redistribution of wealth, highlighting her involvement in a local consumption cooperative that supports nearby farmers through proximity commerce, ecological production, and cooperation.

• Kallis expresses belief in solidarity economy models growing in Catalonia and worldwide, focusing on meeting people's needs rather than profit-driven growth.

Artistic Expression Amidst Crisis

• Virginia writes songs reflecting feelings of crisis; some express a desire to escape while others confront the harsh realities of living in this moment.

• She acknowledges her responsibility to engage with the present challenges instead of fleeing from them.

The Science Behind Climate Urgency

• The global warming crisis is urgent; scientists indicate we have only ten years to mitigate severe effects. This calls for individual, collective, political, and economic changes.

• Kallis stresses the necessity for a stronger state capable of redistributing resources from the wealthy towards energy transition efforts.

Rethinking Consumption and Work

• Osete argues that harmful societal activities should be taxed more heavily. Current practices make air travel cheaper than train tickets, which is counterproductive.

• Bosch predicts a future with no fossil fuels where material consumption decreases but cultural engagement increases. Osete concludes that society must unite or face collective failure.