Climate Literacy Matters

Earth Day has been celebrated on April 22nd for over five decades now, reminding us of the significance of environmental conservation. Looking ahead to Earth Day 2024, EARTHDAY.ORG is committed to reducing plastic production by 60% by 2040 to promote the health of our planet and its inhabitants. They plan to achieve this by raising awareness through campaigns, petitioning, and engaging communities in local clean-up efforts worldwide.

History of Earth Day

Earth Day is a remarkable global observance that has brought together over 75,000 partners worldwide since its inception in 1970. It was the brainchild of Gaylord Nelson and Denis Hayes, former senators from Wisconsin, who recognized the lack of awareness among the public regarding the environmental impact of industrialization. Earth Day was established to raise awareness about the harmful effects of certain industrial practices on the natural environment. Today, it is a powerful movement that encourages us to take responsibility for our actions and make positive changes to protect our planet.

EARTHDAY.ORG’s Movement for Climate Literacy

Every year, Earth Day brings attention to the areas that need our focus to conserve and protect our environment. One of the most crucial aspects of this day is Climate Literacy, which aims to educate schools, universities, and businesses about the impact of our daily actions on the environment. By raising awareness about the realities of climate change, we can take appropriate measures to protect our planet.

What is Climate Literacy?

Having a good grasp of climate science literacy is essential for anyone who wants to make informed decisions about their impact on the environment and society as a whole. It enables individuals to take responsibility for their actions and make positive changes that can help create a sustainable future for everyone.

• understands the essential principles of Earth’s climate system,
• knows how to assess scientifically credible information about climate,
• communicates about climate and climate change in a meaningful way, and
• is able to make informed and responsible decisions with regard to actions that may affect climate¹.

Why Climate Literacy Matters

According to the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), 71% of Africans have heard of climate change and agree that it needs to be stopped². However, few understand the human causes of climate change³. National climate change literacy rates range from just 23% to 66% of the population across 33 African countries^4.

Climate.gov highlights a few reasons as to why Climate Literacy matters:

• During the 20th century, Earth’s globally averaged surface temperature rose by approximately 1.08°F (0.6°C). Additional warming of more than 0.25°F (0.14°C) has been measured since 2000. Though the total increase may seem small, it likely represents an extraordinarily rapid rate of change compared to changes in the previous 10,000 years.
• Over the 21st century, climate scientists expect Earth’s temperature to continue increasing, very likely more than it did during the 20th century. Two anticipated results are rising global sea level and increasing frequency and intensity of heat waves, droughts, and floods. These changes will affect almost every aspect of human society, including economic prosperity, human and environmental health, and national security.
• Scientific observations and climate model results indicate that human activities are now the primary cause of most of the ongoing increase in Earth’s globally averaged surface temperature.
• Climate change will bring economic and environmental challenges as well as opportunities, and citizens who have an understanding of climate science will be better prepared to respond to both.
• Society needs citizens who understand the climate system and know how to apply that knowledge in their careers and in their engagement as active members of their communities.
• Climate change will continue to be a significant element of public discourse. Understanding the essential principles of climate science will enable all people to assess news stories and contribute to their everyday conversations as informed citizens.

What Can You Do to Be More Climate Literate?

SAIICA recommends the following:

• Raise awareness of the human-made nature of climate change, its localised impacts and adaptation options for everyday decisions, particularly among vulnerable and marginalised populations and for climate-exposed sectors.
• Empower women with climate information, adaptive skills, and social and legal protection to bolster their agency in decisions on climate adaptation.
• Increase the availability of African-owned, localised, and timely weather and climate data through improved data collection, analysis, and forecasting capabilities.
• Ensure climate information is available through trusted information and service providers and in languages that minorities and migrant and displaced populations understand and is shared through communication channels that are accessible, including through local, traditional, and indigenous knowledge systems.

Conclusion

Whether we believe that our actions are big or small, there is clear evidence that what we do does impact the environment. Whether you intend to reduce your plastic use or rely less on fossil fuels by using sustainable energy methods, every change in consumer behaviour does make a difference.

References

1. https://www.climate.gov/teaching/what-is-climate-science-literacy 

2. Selormey et al., “Change Ahead”.

3. Nicholas P. Simpson et al., “Climate Change Literacy in Africa”, Nature Climate Change 11 (2021): 937–944.

4. Simpson et al., “Climate Change Literacy in Africa”.