The climate emergency is already affecting our daily lives and is perceived when we face intense weather events, such as storms, hurricanes, high temperatures and severe droughts. The problem is serious and, according to data from Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), between 3.3 and 3.6 billion people in the world live in environments that are highly vulnerable to climate change.

Finding solutions to this problem is complex, but urgent action must be taken before the consequences are more serious. Below, we explain what governments, companies, and individuals can do to combat the climate emergency.

What does global warming mean?

Global warming is the phenomenon of the increase in the average temperature of the planet due to human actions, represented by the greater emission of greenhouse gases resulting mainly from the burning of fossil fuels, such as mineral coal, natural gas, and oil. Over decades, the burning of these fuels released polluting gases into the atmosphere, and carbon dioxide (CO2) is primarily responsible for global warming. Find out more here.

What are the consequences of global warming and climate change for the world?

The future could be very bleak if nothing is done to address global warming. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicts that global average temperatures could rise between 3.2°C and 5.4°C by the end of the century.

If this happens, heatwaves, storms, hurricanes, floods, and droughts will be much more frequent and intense. Still, sensitive ecosystems, such as coral reefs and tropical forests, may suffer irreversible impacts or disappear completely. The change in rainfall patterns and the increase in pests could increase food insecurity.

The scenario with the worst projections from the IPCC is disastrous, but the analyses carried out decades ago were confirmed by the climate events that are currently happening. “Southern Brazil was identified as vulnerable to flooding more than ten years ago. We were a decade late to prepare the region. We need to align public and private management with what tools we have available,” says Gabriel Quintana, climate and emissions analyst at Imaflora.

What should governments do to reduce global warming?

Regulation

Governments play a crucial role in regulating norms, developing actions, and creating climate goals adopted not only by public institutions, but also by the private sector. It is also the State's role to oversee — including the imposition of sanctions, such as fines and fees — compliance with environmental regulations.

Scientific basis

For regulation to be effective, it is necessary to be based on scientific information, essential to provide data that clearly shows the current state of emissions in each country. From then on, governments can develop coordinated and widespread actions between states and municipalities to achieve the necessary goals.

Incentives for the low carbon economy

In addition, governments are important to implement policies that encourage the transition to a low-carbon economy, investments in renewable energy, carbon pricing, and the reduction of emissions in companies. “The private sector should adopt sustainable practices, invest in clean technologies and carbon credit projects,” says Janaína Dallan, president of Aliança Brasil NBS. And it is always possible for companies to take actions beyond the rules, expanding their efforts to reduce the climate crisis.

What is the role of companies in combating global warming?

Compliance with standards

The private sector must always mobilize to, at a minimum, carry out its productive activities within the parameters established by the public sector. “With the emissions profile mapped, it is essential to have a climate mitigation and adaptation plan, and public policies provide legal support to achieve domestic goals or those defined in international agreements,” explains Gabriel, from Imaflora.

Modify production and logistics processes

The private sector must also see itself as part of the solution to transform economic chains so that they are aligned with the reduction and removal of emissions.

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What are Suzano's commitments to sustainability?

What can people do to reduce global warming?

Individual actions are important to address the climate crisis. After all, making choices with a view to sustainability can generate a wave of collective change.

Conscious consumption

One way to act is to consume products from companies that are concerned with sustainability and also to buy from local producers and entrepreneurs - which makes the cycle from production to consumption shorter and allows money to circulate within your community. In addition, it is worth giving preference to materials made with renewable raw materials instead of using items of fossil origin, such as those made with plastic and other petroleum derivatives.

Thinking about the way you get around is also essential. Collective options, such as buses and subways, are more sustainable than the car. The bicycle - which does not emit pollutants - is a great alternative for short trips.

Changes in habits

Another interesting attitude is to change eating habits. Replacing animal protein with vegetable proteins on a few days of the week is sufficient to, with the participation of thousands of people, reduce the demand for food produced on pastures. Also remember that the waste we generate has an impact on the climate, since its decomposition emits greenhouse gases, such as methane. For this reason, it is worth correctly separating organic and recyclable waste and consuming without excesses.

Multiply knowledge

And of course, you can always consume and disseminate information about the climate crisis and the importance of adopting more sustainable attitudes with your friends and family. The more people engaged in the topic, the better for the planet.

Suzano takes a series of actions to combat the climate crisis. Learn more on the Weather page. ‍