The Clocks themselves
What are Count-down Clocks is a question some of us here may be asking ourselves well today I will be answering this question. Climate change countdown clocks are visual tools designed to create urgency around climate action. The most well-known climate clock is in New York City's Union Square which displays two key pieces of information. The first piece of information the clocks tell us is the time remaining before global temperatures reach 1.5 C and the damage becomes irreversible. the second thing the climate clock in New York tells us is Renewable energy progress. The clock also displays the percentage of global energy consumption sourced from renewable energy which is currently around 14%
It's important to know the concept of Climate Clocks has spread beyond New York. The original Climate Clock was launched in 2015 to track progress on climate change mitigation. The purpose of all these Climate Clocks around the world is to create a sense of urgency and remind people of the limited time available to take action on climate change. Back in August of 2024 one of the climate clocks showed that humans have 4 years and 341 days before reaching the 1.5C warming threshold where the damages would be irreversible.
This can be a lot to take in most clocks are saying we have less than 5 years to fix our climate crisis before the damages become irreversible. Now you may be thinking what do we have to do to get these clocks to stop ticking how do we solve this problem. And my answer to this is that it is complicated let me explain There is no one size fits all approach to stopping climate change because this is a global issue each individual business nation and individual must see their options and unique situation and create a plan that works for them. However here are some examples Where possible we can switch to renewable sources of energy such as wind or solar energy for example these would emit far fewer gases into the atmosphere. We could drive electric vehicles or walk to our destination. Where practical we can counterbalance our annual carbon dioxide emissions by investing in commercial services that draw down an equal amount of carbon out of the atmosphere such as through planting trees. We can consider placing an upper limit on the amount of carbon dioxide we will allow ourselves to emit into the atmosphere within a given timeframe. Stabilizing global temperature near its current level requires eliminating all emissions of heat-trapping gases or equivalently achieving a carbon-neutral society in which people remove as much carbon from the atmosphere as they emit. Achieving this goal will require substantial societal changes in energy technologies and infrastructure that go beyond the collective actions of individuals and households to reduce emissions.
What are the consequences if we fail to stop climate change? the answer is unimaginable and I want you all to take a second and understand that we can hear and know what I am about to say but when and if it happens it will be unimaginable. The consequences include Extreme weather where things like heatwaves and hurricanes are much more common. Rising sea levels Coastal cities will face severe flooding. Food and water Scarcity droughts will intensify leading to decreased agriculture and water shortages this could result in 73 million people being undernourished globally. Ecosystem Collapse 50-80% of species may face extinction. Mass migration Billions of people may be forced to relocate due to uninhabitable conditions leading to social unrest and conflict. These are just a few of the problems that will occur if climate change continues to go unchecked Without immediate and significant action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions these impacts will intensify potentially leading to the collapse of the ecosystems and human systems. While some changes are already irreversible every reduction in emissions can help mitigate the worst effect of climate change
The countdown clock is a very worrisome thing to think about. Every time it is brought up in class, I wonder more and more about it. This blog is extremely informative to me and I really enjoyed reading it. When you said the answer is unimaginable it really resonated with parts of the book. Like we cannot imagine things we have never seen, maybe people are not doing what they should to help climate change because they are in a space of deniability.
ReplyDeleteExcellent post! I actually referenced the countdown clock in one of my blog posts earlier, it is such a fascinating thing to wonder about. We even had a small class discussion about how accurate we think the real times are on it. SScary to think of the reminder we have looking down at all of us when there is nothing one single person can do.
ReplyDeleteI saw and read your earlier post it was a great post and the idea that there is nothing a single one of us can do alone is indeed a very scary thought however it is important for us to acknowledge this so we can take the steps towards improvement
DeleteCountdown clocks to climate change are incredibly thought-provoking and enlightening. I like how you described the function and importance of these clocks, particularly the one at Union Square in New York City. It is vital that they instill a sense of urgency regarding climate action. Practical solutions are offered by your discussion of the different methods we may combat climate change, such as moving to renewable energy sources and using electric cars.
ReplyDeleteI have never seen the climate clock but I would be interested to people watch and see peoples reactions to it. Do they look away, look unbothered, worried, upset, or angry? You spoke of a lot of really great ideas we could do to be more environmental. I think those that see this issue and its seriousness are already making grave sacrifices but it is the people who refuse to give their convenience and their comfort that are keeping us from progressing.
ReplyDeleteOn a similar note to what Abby has already commented, I want to know what reactions will be had by the executives of the fossil fuel industry. And reactions by the people currently occupying government office who are in a position to do something about the clock's time. Something tells me that they might be more responsive to a 'clock' that marks how much money it will cost us in the future to keep up with the fallout of climate change's wrath as the climate crisis unfolds. But for those of us everyday folk, it's a good visual metric for how far we have to come in terms of our green energy push and other efforts.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post highlighting how these clocks work and ways to see the number of years we have left go up. Yet it always worries me that as an individual I will only be helpless to watch in anxious horror as nothing is done to better our collective situation. How can something like this clock exist and important people deny anything is wrong at all? How can someone look at scientific papers, or hear from people in the field and not invest in renewable energy? Overall my heart aches in uncertainty.
ReplyDeleteI do like the idea of climate clocks, no matter how accurate they really are, because it gives us a visual representation of how much time we have until we can't turn back. I think this is helping people wrap their heads around climate change and wanting to make a difference before that clock finishes up
ReplyDeleteI never knew about the countdown clocks until this class. It's interesting to think about how accurate the clocks may be. We could have more or less time and no one would truly know.
ReplyDeleteYou make a great point that the solution is not going to be a one size fits all, not only because the earth’s temperature is rising 1.5 C (2.7 F) becomes one problem but there are many other problems that occur with that warming and we will want to focus on the specific problems like food and water scarcity. However, in the United States, one of the biggest problems is the over-consumption of food and energy. Societal changes in energy technologies and infrastructure could absolutely be what changes the societal mentality towards sustainable consumption and production. Also, I did not know that there are two clocks. It is nice to learn about the global renewable energy consumption clock.
ReplyDeleteDon't forget, we need to include Celsius and Fahrenheit when giving temperatures. I had to double check but I believe it is 1.5 C & 2.7 F.
DeletePersonally this has always been super confusing and seems not only unnecessary but dangerous. I think we should say 3 degrees in reference to Fahrenheit because it sounds more critical than 1.5 (although it's not technically true) but it also rhymes and everybody can get behind a rhyme.
The climate clock always seems so daunting and disheartening. The temperature rise needed to qualify the affects as irreversible seems so small and so likely. I'm sure hearing this timeline plays a part in why many people of our generation do not want to have kids as they do not see a bright future for the environment. Curious to hear more about the accuracy of the clock.
ReplyDeleteExpanding on this topic from class was really interesting! Your investigation helped paint a clearer picture of what climate clocks are, what they represent, and why they vary. Just a small note to perhaps double check that every sentence is capitalized.
ReplyDeleteLike a few other students, I was unfamiliar with the climate clocks before being introduced to them in our class. I think that the climate clocks are influential in showing people the reality that our planet is in danger, and that this danger will impact us in our lifetimes. I've witnessed many approach the topic of climate change with the idea that it wont have any impact on the world for hundreds of years, perhaps the climate clocks are an eye opener for these individuals that the impacts of climate change are coming a lot quicker than they expect unless widespread action is taken.
ReplyDeleteI like how you bring up the climate refugees as a problem arising from climate change. It is something that a lot people don't even consider when people talk about climate change. Climate refugees is going to be a huge problem forcing people to flee rising sea levels, desertification, drought, and natural disaster.
ReplyDeleteI think the addition to the climate discussion on climate clocks is something that most people may be aware of but may not understand its full purpose. I did not know that these clocks also display the percentage for global energy consumption and wonder about the accuracy since many companies do not offer accurate emissions reporting. I also appreciated how you offered some solutions to reduce this impact in the limited amount of time we have before the clock runs out.
ReplyDeleteAnything that gets people talking about the looming threat of climate change is a good thing. It's true that it's scary, and that's exactly the point of the messaging. The more urgency that can be instilled in people the better.
ReplyDeletePrior to this class/post I had never really heard of the climate clock. It seems like a scary thing to have, but necessary in trying to push people for change. That is what we really need, a change. A way for people to actually realize the cataclysm that we find ourselves in.
ReplyDeleteThe countdown clocks and such a powerful (and scary) visual reminder of how little time we have left to prevent irreversible damage. I didn't realize that the renewable energy percentage is included in the clock! I think your ideas about tailored plans for different nations and communities is extremely insightful and necessary for our world.
ReplyDeleteHey Jake,
ReplyDeleteI think that the climate clock is a really powerful symbol for the climate crisis, I remember when I first heard about it and saw how little time we had left I was shocked and desperate to try and make a difference. I think instillations of the climate clock should be more popular, making it near impossible for people to remain ignorant. It is also quite unfortunate that with a little under 6 years left on the clock the next 4 will be spent under an administration that denies climate change.
Super informative blog, Jake! I’m really interested in your take on the countdown clock. But I’ve got a question: how can we get millions of people around the world to step up and help slow or stop the clock? Even with all the solutions out there, so many still overlook simple things like walking instead of driving, cutting back on electricity, or ditching gas-powered vehicles. Thanks for such an inspiring post!
ReplyDeleteClimate countdown clocks serve as powerful visual reminders of the urgent need for climate action, highlighting the limited time left to prevent irreversible damage and tracking progress in renewable energy adoption. Addressing climate change requires a collective effort, with individuals, businesses, and governments adopting sustainable solutions such as renewable energy, carbon offsetting, and emission reduction strategies. If meaningful action is not taken, the consequences could be catastrophic, leading to extreme weather events, rising sea levels, food and water shortages, and widespread displacement.
ReplyDeleteThis is a really intriguing post. I had no idea that countdown clocks existed until this class. I feel it would be unnerving to walk to work and see it hanging over my head every day. I think some of the solutions you presented were great and I was wondering how much of that would we need to do in order to start reversing the damage? I fear that planting more trees and walking to work might not make as much as a difference as we hope. Also, as a quick side note, there's a couple punctuation errors that I think could be easily fixed through Grammarly. And some things are capitalized in the middle of sentences or others aren't capitalized where they should be. Easy fixes! Great job
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ReplyDeleteI knew a small bit about countdown clocks, but I had no idea about the inclusion of renewed energy! Countdown clocks are a powerful way to raise awareness to as many people as possible that something needs to change and it needs to change quickly. I think that for many people, they serve as an important, powerful reminder that we should not be ignoring climate change and its effects.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea about the countdown clock before reading this post. This blog was extremely informative, and I appreciate that you spoke on renewable energy and ways we can reverse this countdown clock. I think the countdown clock is a great way to inform people about the serious life-threatening dangers the globe is facing.
ReplyDeleteI think you are right that the purpose of the clocks is to create urgency. And, boy, is urgency needed! I know there are other clocks, too, for example ones that track the threat of nuclear war.
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