Introduction

Have you ever noticed the extreme fluctuations in weather conditions that have been happening for the past few years? The extreme hot summers and cold winters all these results from climatic changes that have taken place. Human activities have been one of the significant reasons for climate change. The carbon dioxide has increased in the atmosphere leading to increased temperatures. This leads to a greenhouse effect where the earth’s atmosphere traps some of the heat energy. This energy radiates back to space from the earth’s surface and re-emitted in all directions. Some greenhouse effect is necessary for maintaining the earth’s temperature. Humans have been adding to the natural greenhouse effect with gases released from industry and agriculture, which trap more heat and energy and lead to increased temperatures. The World meteorological department report states that the world is about one degree Celsius warmer than before industrialization. 

Effects of climate change 

The changing climate scenario can have many consequences for the environment and its components. It has led to a shortage of freshwater, and it has decreased the ability to produce food, it has increased the number of deaths, storms, floods, and heatwaves. Many plants and animals have become extinct, and many are on the verge of extinction. Many diseases like malaria, dengue, malnutrition, and water-borne diseases will also increase and impact human health. The aquatic life and coral reefs are also threatened as the oceans’ increased carbon emissions make the water acidic. It makes the air impure, which makes it difficult to breathe. 

Need for mitigating climate change

According to the World Economic Forum’s 2016 Global Risks Report, the failure to mitigate and adapt to climate change will be “the most impactful risk” facing communities. Awareness about climate change and its effects must be told to the people and society. As individuals, we can take action and become responsible so that we can make the environment a better place to live in. The community is most influenced by political leaders, celebrities, scientists, and other high-profile individuals. So, if they speak about such issues, they have a better impact on individuals’ minds. 

Quotes for climate change

There have been many quotes addressed by prominent personalities and leaders to create awareness about climate change. Let’s discuss the top 21 quotations for climate change that have ever been saying. 

Celebrities 

Over the past few years, celebrities have been very active and thrown their lighting on various environmental issues. Climate change is one of them. Some of the inspiring quotes from celebrities include-

1. “Climate change is real. It is happening right now, it is the most urgent threat facing our entire species, and we need to work collectively together and stop procrastinating.”- Leonardo Di Caprio, Actor & Environmentalist.
2. We are the first generation to feel the effect of climate change and the last generation who can do something about it.”- Barack Obama, former US president.
3. “I hope to use my celebrity to motivate people and contribute to moving our global society back from the brink. I am surprised the environment is not at the top of the list. What is more important than good and clean air?”- Don Cheadle, Actor & UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador.
4. “By polluting the oceans, not mitigating CO2 emissions, and destroying our biodiversity, we are killing our planet. Let us face it; there is no planet B.”- Emmanuel Macron, President of France.

Some quotes by the united nations on climate change 

One of the goals of sustainable development, as mentioned by the United Nations in their 17 at the COP21 Paris Climate Conference. It was a climate change action that aims at making urgent efforts to combat climate change and its impacts. Some of the inspiring quotes by the united nations are- 

1. The world is reaching the tipping point beyond which climate change may become irreversible. If this happens, we risk denying present and future generations the right to a healthy and sustainable planet – the whole of humanity stands to lose.”- Kofi Annan, Former Secretary-General of UN.
2. “Climate change is the single greatest threat to a sustainable future, but, at the same time, addressing the climate challenge presents a golden opportunity to promote prosperity, security and a brighter future for all.”- Ban Ki-Moon, Former Secretary-General of UN.

Some quotes by religious leaders which have had a significant impact

1.  “The time for seeking global solutions is running out. We can find suitable solutions only if we act together and in agreement.”- Pope Francis, 266th Catholic Pope.
2. “Twenty-five years ago, people could be excused for not knowing much, or doing much, about climate change. Today we have no excuse.“- Desmond Tutu, Former Archbishop of Cape Town.

Some quotes from scientists across the world

1. It’s not that the world hasn’t had more carbon dioxide; it’s not that the world hasn’t been warmer. The problem is the speed at which things are changing. We are inducing a sixth mass extinction event kind of by accident, and we don’t want to be the ‘extinctee.’”- Bill Nye, ‘The Science Guy.’
2. One can see from space how the human race has changed the Earth. Nearly all of the available land has been cleared of forest and is now used for agriculture or urban development. The polar ice caps are shrinking, and the desert areas are increasing. At night, the Earth is no longer dark, but large areas are lit up. All of this is evidence that human exploitation of the planet is reaching a critical limit. But human demands and expectations are ever-increasing. We cannot continue to pollute the atmosphere, poison the ocean, and exhaust the land. There isn’t any more available.”- Stephen Hawking, Physicist & Author.
3. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”- Dr. Jane Goodall, Scientist & Activist.

Some quotes from environmental activists

One of the most awakening and inspiring quotes on climate change given by a 17-year-old.

1. Adults keep saying we owe it to the young people to give them hope, but I don’t want your hope. I don’t want you to be hopeful. I want you to panic. I want you to feel the fear I feel every day. I want you to act. I want you to act as you would in a crisis. I want you to act as if the house is on fire because it is.”- Greta Thunberg, 17-year-old Swedish Activist.

Some quotes business leaders 

Business leaders also influence people to quite an extent. They have shown their interest to an extent and have actively participated in raising their voices for such issues. 

1. Climate change is a terrible problem, and it needs to be solved. It deserves to be a huge priority.”-Bill Gates, Founder of Microsoft.
2. Climate change is a huge challenge, but it can be brought in line if governments, businesses, and individuals work together.”- Sir Richard Branson, Founder of Virgin Group.
3. We are running the most dangerous experiment in history right now, which is to see how much carbon dioxide the atmosphere can handle before there is an environmental catastrophe.”- Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla & SpaceX.

Some more quotes for climate change 

1. The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything.” — Albert Einstein
2. A nation that destroys its soils destroys itself. Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people.”- Franklin D. Roosevelt.
3. The warnings about global warming have been extremely clear for a long time. We are facing a global climate crisis. It is deepening. We are entering a period of consequences.”- Al Gore.
4. The earth lies polluted under its inhabitants; for they have transgressed laws, violated the statutes, broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore a curse devours the earth, and its inhabitants suffer for their guilt.- the Bible. 
5. “The technology is here. The people are ready. Scientists have spoken. Progressive businesses are stepping forward. Now we need governments to take climate action!” – WWF International.
6. “Climate change is a lot like death. We all understand it’s inevitable, but few of us truly accept it.” – Brian McDermott.