Humanity is struggling to solve its very basic problems today. Can it also take the necessary steps for a sustainable and healthy future?
For example, the Russian invasion of Ukraine led to a human tragedy. On one side of this tragedy, there is the issue of global energy. There is also the matter of green transformation.
How are the countries that clamored about limiting coal at the COP26 meetings in Glasgow last year taking action? What measures are they implementing against the global energy crisis caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine today? Are coal and nuclear removed from the ‘red’ list until these things recover?
Russia is the country that imports the most oil from the 27 EU member states. These countries face Russia, which currently supplies about 45 percent of its natural gas and more than a quarter of its oil. They are looking for ways to give up Russian oil and gas.
So, does this quest lead to Europe’s transition to green energy sooner than expected? Hard! Fossil fuels still provide 80 percent of the world’s energy. It is obvious that such a rapid transition to renewable energy sources is not possible. Moreover, it is very costly.
On the contrary, countries that have difficulties in natural gas supply increase the use of coal. They are even converting natural gas-fired power plants to coal. Beyond that, nuclear investments that have already started will gain momentum. So, what about the goals of limiting global warming to 1.5°C by 2050?
From climate crisis to gender equality!
It’s not just the climate crisis, of course. The world report points to a similar situation in gender equality.
The World Economic Forum (WEF) Global Gender Inequality 2021 report predicts that it will take 135.6 years for the world to reach gender equality, not 99.5 as the earlier forecast.
This 36-year decline is the largest since the report was first published in 2006.
If women are given real equality of opportunity in basic areas today, it will affect education. It will also impact business, social, and political life. Real equality between men and women will be achieved exactly 136 years later. Isn’t it embarrassing!
Lets continue…
By 2050, the world population will be around 10 billion. It is predicted that this huge population will need 57% more electricity, 40% more water and 75% more food.
We waste about a third of the food we produce globally. We consume water resources irresponsibly. We cannot currently meet the current energy demand with green energy resources. It is a significant question how we will meet the increasing demand.
What about equality? The richest 10% of the world’s population is responsible for 45% of global greenhouse gas emissions. However, those most at risk for environmental impacts are the poorest and least able to protect their homes and livelihoods. It is estimated that by 2030, around 700 million people will be forced to migrate due to intense water scarcity.
It is now a solid reality that production and consumption models consume all resources irresponsibly. 1.5 billion people in the world are overweight or obese. More than 1 billion people are at the border of hunger. 8 million tons of plastic thrown into the oceans every year. Each week, we and our children each eat 5mg of micro plastic.
Problem: Humanity
Every issue we discuss in the world today is human-induced. Hence, our issue is with ourselves; with humanity.
We write new tragedies and lose our “humanity” through wars. We also destroy our future with the global problems we have created. These problems have been ignored and hidden.
Our ability to normalize even the most painful issues affects humanity deeply. It causes our sense of shame to be pushed to the bottom. Thousands of people died in the war with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Meanwhile, global markets are optimizing the situation in their own dynamics. They are preparing for rallies. Despite the deaths, the gain for someone always continues.
The situation is depressing. But this does not prevent our responsibility!
We have a dark picture before us. But this is an important reason for us to hold tight to all our responsibilities.
We need to act today for the sustainable future of our children. Everything starts with the individual and the family. The individual steps we will take will have a transformative effect on our environment.
Each individual step contributes to forming common sensitivity. It increases awareness by setting aside the brilliant hypocrisy behind which humanity hides. Even if it starts small, efforts will grow together. Its influence will become stronger.
If we do not do this, our children face a much more difficult future than today.