Over the last 150 years, we as humanity have been the primary factor shaping the climate. All natural factors are much slower and much weaker
– said Prof. Szymon Malinowski during the Dean's lecture he delivered at the Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection of the University of Lodz.
Climate change is one of the most important challenges facing the modern world. During a guest lecture at the University of Lodz, Professor Malinowski explained how the Earth's climate system worked, why the temperature was rising and what consequences this had for all of us. Here are the key issues he raised
The climate system and its secrets
Earth’s climate system is a fascinating and complex web of connections between the oceans, atmosphere, ice, biosphere and land. It works as a precise mechanism that maintains a balance between the solar energy reaching our planet and the heat being released into space. A key role is played by the greenhouse effect – a natural process by which the atmosphere traps heat, making life on Earth possible. However, human activity, especially the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, is disrupting this delicate balance, amplifying the greenhouse effect.
Climate is also affected by other factors, from changes in Earth's orbit to solar activity to volcanic eruptions. Internal processes, such as changes in the way sunlight is reflected (known as albedo) or ocean currents, can further amplify or weaken these effects. To understand these relationships, scientists use advanced climate models based on the laws of physics and historical data. Thanks to them, we can not only study the past of climate but also predict its future.
Consequences of changes and what awaits us
In recent decades, we have seen a significant increase in the Earth's temperature. The concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has reached levels not seen in hundreds of thousands of years, leading to rising sea levels and more frequent extreme weather events – heat waves, heavy rains, droughts. These changes have far-reaching effects: they disrupt ecosystems, threaten agriculture and bring huge losses to coastal communities.
Climate change is not just an environmental problem. It is closely linked to the biodiversity crisis and resource depletion. Professor Malinowski drew attention to a shocking fact: the mass of objects produced by humans has already exceeded the mass of all living organisms on Earth. This symbolic "overload" shows how much influence we have on the planet.
What will the future bring?
Everything depends on our actions. Even with ambitious plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, further warming is inevitable. That is why it is so important to act now – and to combat disinformation, which still hinders building public awareness of the scale of the problem. As Professor Malinowski emphasised, the growing interest in this topic, also among decision-makers, gives hope.
Professor Malinowski's lecture is an invitation to reflect on how each of us can contribute to protecting our planet. Knowledge is the first step to change – and change begins with ourselves
Edit: Michał Gruda, Kamila Knol-Michałowska, Małgorzata Jasińska