Are we programmed to forget the future? Even as several Greek islands caught fire this week, tourists continued to land on them.
10,000 climate records broken in one month
Are we programmed to forget the future? Even as several Greek islands caught fire this week, tourists continued to land on them.
What's happening?
June 2023 was the hottest month in recorded history In total, some 10,000 climate records have been broken in the last 30 days.
These numbers have been written about in newspapers. But for most who read them, they have very little meaning.
Photos of wildfires on Greek islands have also been in newspapers. But they have not shocked many. Tourists are still arriving on the island RhodesA large Greek island known for both its ancient ruins and beach resorts. even though it is on fire.
Find out more
We often forget about or find it hard to imagine problems that will affect us in the future.
But others think the real problem is world leaders and company bosses. Most countries want to keep their economyThe way that money flows through a country, which affects wages and the cost of living. growing - so nobody wants to be the first to stop burning fossil fuelsFuels made from decomposing plants and animals, including coal, natural gas and oil. These fuels release carbon dioxide, causing global warming. to make energy.
But there are some who say we are thinking about the future. Ten years ago, just 15% of the electricity made in the UK came from renewableEnergy sources, such as wind and solar power. sources. By the end of last year, this had risen to 58%.
Are we programmed to forget the future?
Yes! We have known about climate change for many years. We also know what we could do to slow it down. But many people have still not changed how they live.
No! We may be acting slowly, but we are making steps to change how we live and slow down climate change. We are thinking about the future of the planet.
Keywords
Rhodes - A large Greek island known for both its ancient ruins and beach resorts.
Economy - The way that money flows through a country, which affects wages and the cost of living.
Fossil fuels - Fuels made from decomposing plants and animals, including coal, natural gas and oil. These fuels release carbon dioxide, causing global warming.
Renewable - Energy sources, such as wind and solar power.
10,000 climate records broken in one month
Glossary
Rhodes - A large Greek island known for both its ancient ruins and beach resorts.
Economy - The way that money flows through a country, which affects wages and the cost of living.
Fossil fuels - Fuels made from decomposing plants and animals, including coal, natural gas and oil. These fuels release carbon dioxide, causing global warming.
Renewable - Energy sources, such as wind and solar power.