Is there a solution to climate change? This is what they don’t tell you

Author: Laura Marín

CEO of Efitherma

Is there a solution to climate change? This is what they don’t tell you

Author: Laura Marín

CEO of Efitherma

Is there a solution to climate change?

Controversies, politics and the future of resources.

Climate change has gone from being a scientific issue to a political battleground. While many experts point to the existence of climate change and the need for urgent action, others question both its magnitude and its relevance, which has generated a debate that delays the implementation of actions and contributes to the division in public opinion.

Are we willing to let political and economic interests determine the future of our planet, or is it time to make decisions based on science and collective well-being? Is there a solution to climate change? Read on and we answer all these questions.

Personal Interests vs. Common Good

One of the most alarming aspects of this situation is how certain political leaders have turned crucial environmental issues into a bargaining chip for their own interests. Instead of taking action based on science and collective well-being, many make decisions that prioritise their own benefits, whether financial, industrial or electoral.

We should know who is making decisions about the future of the planet. Political leaders, who are often tied to economic interests, should not have the final say on environmental issues. Instead, we should establish an independent body, made up of scientists and technicians, so that decisions affecting the climate and natural resources are made based on evidence, not personal convenience.

Population growth and demand for resources

Alongside the political debate, there is a reality that cannot be ignored: the world’s population continues to increase considerably. Currently, more than 8 billion people inhabit the planet, and by 2050 the population is expected to grow to 9.7 billion. This exponential increase implies an unprecedented demand for resources, such as water, food and, especially, energy.

In this situation, we cannot ignore the fact that more people will seek to improve their quality of life, which will inevitably increase the pressure on natural resources. In this regard, regardless of the position adopted on climate change, it is urgent to take measures to manage resources sustainably. The excessive and poorly planned use of resources will not only exhaust what the planet has to offer us, but will also intensify social and economic tensions on a global level.

The solution to climate change cannot depend on politicians whose decisions are often determined by short-term interests. Instead, we need policies that promote a model of reuse and recycling as fundamental pillars for managing available resources.

Does climate change really exist?

Based on studies provided by WMO (World Meteorological Organization), we can say that climate change is not just a scientific theory, but a reality that is occurring all over the world and whose consequences are already affecting millions of people. This phenomenon, driven mainly by human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation and intensive agriculture, is warming our planet at an alarming rate.

5 facts that prove the existence of climate change:

2023 Was the warmest year on record:

According to NASA, the average global temperature in 2023 was about 1.2°C higher than pre-industrial levels, surpassing the previous record from 2016. This increase in global temperature is directly linked to human emissions of greenhouse gases. (Full report issued by NASA).

Sea level is rising rapidly:

In 2023, global average sea level will reach a record high, doubling the rate of increase observed in the first 10 years of satellite records (1993-2002). This is mainly due to melting glaciers and ice sheets, and warming oceans.

The concentration of greenhouse gases is the highest in human history:

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels will reach 424 parts per million in 2023, the highest in at least 800,000 years. This massive increase is driven by the burning of fossil fuels and other human activities. (Full report issued by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change). ((Full report issued by the IPCC – Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change).

The ocean is warming rapidly:

The world’s oceans experienced record-breaking heat in 2023, with more than 90% of them experiencing heatwaves at some point in the year. This warming has devastating effects on marine ecosystems and marine life, as well as contributing to rising sea levels.

Glacier retreat is out of control:

In the past two years, glaciers in Switzerland have lost around 10% of their volume. Globally, 2023 was one of the worst years for glacial ice loss, which will affect the water supply of millions of people.

These data clearly demonstrate that climate change is not only real, but is occurring at an alarming rate, affecting both the environment and human societies.

Efficient houses and sustainable energy

One of the sectors where we can do the most to reduce demand for resources is housing. Today’s homes are huge consumers of energy, but the homes of the future will need to be much more efficient. Instead of being part of the problem, they must become part of the solution.

It is essential that new constructions are energy efficient, minimising consumption and optimising the use of resources. One solution to climate change is for these homes to be equipped with technologies that allow for low energy consumption, in addition to producing their own energy through renewable sources such as photovoltaic solar energy or aerothermal energy. The aim is for homes not only to use fewer resources, but also to actively contribute to the generation of clean energy.

In this context, intelligent systems that integrate several functions, such as heating, cooling, ventilation and Domestic Hot Water (DHW) production, play a key role. These all-in-one systems not only optimise energy consumption, but also allow for centralised and efficient control of the home’s energy needs. By combining multiple functions in a single unit, the amount of energy needed to maintain a comfortable and sustainable home is significantly reduced.

With advanced thermal insulation systems, energy-efficient appliances and the integration of these smart multifunctional systems, the homes of the future will be able to drastically reduce their environmental impact and relieve pressure on energy infrastructures. This approach is vital not only to reduce resource consumption, but also to ensure an adequate quality of life without overexploiting what the planet can offer.

A sustainable future requires science-based decisions

Ultimately, the political debate on climate change has distorted the nature of the problem, prioritising personal and economic interests over the common good. However, the reality of population growth and increasing demand for resources is undeniable. Whether or not climate change is accepted as an urgent phenomenon, what cannot be ignored is the need to adopt a sustainability approach.

To meet these challenges and find a solution to climate change, we must implement policies that encourage recycling, reuse and the construction of efficient housing. In addition, it is crucial that environmental issues are handled from a technical and scientific perspective, rather than being instrumentalized by politicians. The future of the planet cannot be in the hands of those who put their own interests before collective well-being.