IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY INTERDISCIPLINARY PERSPECTIVES AND SOLUTIONS

ISBN-978-93-6976-194-4

Sustainability is no longer about doing less harm. It’s about doing more good.
– Jochen Zeitz
Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperature, weather patterns, and
environmental conditions on Earth. While some changes occur naturally, human activities such
as burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, and gas), deforestation, and industrial processes have
significantly increased greenhouse gas emissions, trapping heat in the atmosphere and causing
global warming. Climate change is not merely an environmental crisis but a profound challenge
to global sustainability, affecting ecosystems, economies, and human societies. Rising
temperatures, extreme meteorological phenomena, and biodiversity loss threaten the very
foundation of life on Earth.
Combating climate change requires a collective effort from individuals, communities,
businesses, and governments. One of the most crucial solutions is reducing carbon emissions
by shifting to renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. Sustainable agriculture
and forestry practices, including forest conservation and eco-friendly farming, also play a vital
role in preserving biodiversity and maintaining ecological balance. Improving energy
efficiency in homes, industries, and transportation helps lower energy consumption and reduce
greenhouse gas emissions. On a global scale, international policies and agreements, such as the
Paris Agreement, encourage countries to collaborate in limiting temperature rise and mitigating
climate impacts. Additionally, raising public awareness and promoting individual actions—
such as reducing waste, using public transport, and supporting climate-friendly policies—are
essential steps in fostering a more sustainable future.
When people make conscious choices about what they consume, how they travel, and the
waste they generate, it contributes to a larger shift towards sustainability. The power of
individual action lies in its ability to inspire others and create a ripple effect that leads to
widespread change. For instance, in August 2018, at the age of 15, Thunberg began protesting
outside the Swedish parliament, demanding it to take action to address climate change by
adhering to the Paris Agreement and reducing greenhouse gas emissions for keeping global
temperature rise below 1.5°C. Initially a solitary act, her protest inspired millions of young
people across the globe to join the movement, creating the Fridays for Future movement.
Through legislation, carbon pricing, and the promotion of renewable energy sources,
governments can drive large-scale environmental change. The Danish government has been a
global leader in promoting sustainability through comprehensive policies and actions.