Welcome to this magical exploration! If the alarming news about climate disasters has left you feeling uneasy, I'm here to craft a visual journey that outlines our past and the paths that lie ahead. Given the reputational damage done to the wizarding world by frauds, I don’t expect you to accept my insights without question. Therefore, I've included over a hundred links to scientific studies and resources to substantiate my statements. While this enchanting learning experience might induce some anxiety, I’ll be on hand to address your inquiries afterward.

“Listen closely” and welcome, dear reader. Beneath each comic panel, you'll find additional insights regarding the worsening climate crisis. When you encounter underlined text, it links to supporting evidence or extra details, but feel free to skip the fine print and enjoy the comic first. For an optimal experience, I suggest you read the comic initially and return for the deeper arguments later, as it’s much more enjoyable that way.

This crisis takes advantage of our cognitive weaknesses. Humans are generally not wired for long-term thinking. Ignoring this fact is more of a psychological hurdle than a simple evaluation of evidence. Engaging with climate skeptics often proves fruitless, yet their specific brand of intentional ignorance has real-world consequences, which compels us to continue our efforts.

“Listen and comprehend.” The reality that we are dangerously altering our climate is supported by the most robust scientific evidence available, with a million-to-one error margin and no credible alternative explanations, despite decades of extensive research.

No credible scientific organization on Earth disputes the fundamental facts of climate science, with the exception of a small number of well-compensated political figures propagating misinformation.

Simply becoming informed about this issue can be quite stressful, but we cannot allow that to deter our understanding. Finding out that your home is on fire can be disheartening, yet it’s crucial to acknowledge this reality in order to take action.

This is indeed a monumental crisis, perhaps even more severe than you realize.

The extreme weather events of 2021 have intensified significantly.

Next year will likely be worse, and the trend of worsening conditions will persist.

With 1.5ºC of warming already considered hazardous, and scientific efforts aiming to limit warming to under 2ºC, the world is currently heading toward a catastrophic increase of 3–5ºC.

Many animals can detect impending natural disasters before we do.

Nature not only has superior sensory capabilities but also pays much closer attention to them than we do.

The further we distance ourselves from direct experiences with the natural world, the less we seem to care about it. Even when we recognize its importance intellectually, we often lack emotional connection.

It’s high time we start paying attention to the natural world, before most of it disappears.

The fact that our survival depends on a healthy biosphere is so self-evident that it shouldn’t require explanation.

We are exceptionally skilled at ignoring early warnings. In unfamiliar situations, we struggle to adapt and respond based on evidence rather than resorting to trial and error.

Our scientific community, known for its conservative predictions, has consistently underestimated both the speed and seriousness of climate change. The IPCC has been downplaying the crisis since its inception.

Changes in animal migration patterns and plant blooming schedules are becoming increasingly disruptive, particularly when blooms occur at times incompatible with the needs of pollinators.

We are altering the climate at an unprecedented pace, giving nature little time to adjust. It’s akin to discovering your house will be demolished in six months versus learning it will happen in a matter of days.

For centuries, we’ve understood how sea surface temperatures influence hurricane strength and how warmer air retains more humidity.

The rise in extreme weather events is why there is no climate denial within the insurance sector, which relies on accurate risk assessments and refers to climate change as “the mother of all risks.” Financial losses from extreme weather have surged tenfold over the past thirty years and this trend shows no signs of slowing.

Decades later, climate deniers still misrepresent how accurate James Hansen's climate predictions were back in the 1980s, even though he was remarkably accurate.

In 2013, Haiyan became the strongest tropical storm on record, exceeding all previous scales.

Haiyan’s record lasted just a year before super typhoon Vongfong claimed the title.

The subsequent year saw yet another record storm, hurricane Patricia. It’s almost as if the predictions of the greatest scientific endeavor in human history were indeed worth heeding.

Next came hurricane Irma, which temporarily held the title of the most catastrophic storm in history.

Now, super typhoon Goni is the latest record holder. Am I the only one noticing this pattern?

The rapid deterioration is genuinely alarming experts.

If we can’t be motivated to respond to intensifying storms, perhaps we can focus on the escalating heatwaves, floods, wildfires, and droughts.

Named tropical storms now seem to arise year-round, not just during the traditional hurricane season. Wildfires have similarly abandoned seasonal constraints.

We’ve now witnessed simultaneous occurrences of three category four hurricanes. Three of the five costliest natural disasters in U.S. history transpired within the same year.

For many, particularly people of color, the reality that no one in power will help them during crises is a familiar concept. As disaster costs spiral out of control for communities that might have historically expected assistance, it may come as a shock to others.

In 2021, we’ve seen more major disasters striking wealthier countries, rather than predominantly affecting the poor nations that have contributed least to the problem. Get used to it.

“Efficiency” often means cutting vital resources to do as much as possible with minimal investment. This approach undermines resilience by removing the extra capacity required to handle unexpected crises.

Alterations in the jet stream that slow down extreme weather events can significantly increase their lethality.

Experiencing 60.58 inches (153.87 cm) of rain over a few days is extraordinarily intense, and it’s impossible to build local resilience to withstand such sudden weather shocks.

Extreme weather has evolved from simply enduring a bad day to becoming an ongoing crisis.

Consequently, a record temperature is now not only likely to be surpassed but can be broken repeatedly in consecutive days.

We are beginning to experience conditions reaching what is termed “wet bulb temperature,” a level of heat that is simply unmanageable for human survival without air conditioning—a solution that ironically exacerbates the overall problem.

The climate crisis is now leading to the obliteration of entire towns, such as Lytton and Monte Lake in British Columbia and Greenville, California.

As previously mentioned, being forewarned is being forearmed. My aim is not to overwhelm you with a slew of bad news, but to ensure you understand the gravity of the situation for informed action.

Large, complex systems like the Earth’s climate don’t change overnight. It takes decades for the repercussions of our actions to fully manifest. This lag effect is not widely recognized but is critically important.

It’s worth noting that scientist John Tyndall first quantified the greenhouse effect and alerted us to the climate impact of CO2 emissions back in the mid-1800s, so we cannot claim ignorance.

If we had heeded climate scientists in the late 1980s, we might have still faced significant challenges, but we would be witnessing signs of stabilization by now. Instead, if we begin to take it seriously today, we will still have to deal with the consequences of our previous inaction before things can improve. This urgency means we can no longer afford to wait.

For years, we’ve aimed to restrict warming to 1.5ºC instead of 2ºC, but that now seems increasingly unachievable. This realization is sobering when considering the significant differences that even half a degree can make.

It will take decades for emission cuts to yield positive outcomes. This doesn’t imply we shouldn’t make these changes; rather, the optimal time to act was before our birth, but the second-best time is undoubtedly now.

This concept isn’t complex. You already understand that hitting the brakes doesn’t result in an instant stop.

While we’ve known about warming, the exact extent and speed have been uncertain. It turns out that early scientific models were actually more accurate than anticipated.

Some research indicates the possibility of an “apocalyptic side of bad,” suggesting a temperature rise exceeding 7ºC within a single lifetime. Here’s an interview with a leading researcher on the topic, explaining it in their own terms.

The complete peer-reviewed study is available online for free, should you wish to delve deeper into the specifics.

Feeling overwhelmed yet? There’s an abundance of information available if you wish to explore further, but let’s focus on the two core elements essential for understanding this issue. Please stay with me a little longer; I believe in you!

Numerous factors influence our climate, from land management to dietary choices, but the majority stems from our energy sources.

Stanford researchers assert that transitioning to 100% renewable energy is not only feasible but could also generate 24 million jobs and save 7 million lives annually in the U.S. Renewable energy is currently creating jobs at twelve times the rate of the overall economy.

The leaked draft of the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report finally examines tipping points and their implications for the broader climate landscape.

It's essential to understand how climate tipping points are interconnected. We know they interact, but many of the specifics will likely be learned through experience.

Scientists describe the escalating release of methane and other greenhouse gases from melting permafrost in dire terms.

Here’s another insightful piece regarding tipping points. It’s intriguing, though it carries significant planetary implications.

At least ten feet of sea-level rise is now unavoidable. Hundreds of millions living in coastal regions will soon find themselves in search of new homes.

This is not merely a matter of a few million climate refugees; the scale is significantly larger.

If you’ve felt exasperated by right-wing politicians denying climate change, prepare for it to become even worse once they acknowledge its reality.

No one desires climate migrants and refugees. Officials are attempting to change the terminology we use for them, but that won’t resolve the underlying issues.

Sixty national banks worldwide recognize climate change as a significant threat, not just to our economies but to the entire financial system. The World Bank estimates that escalating climate disasters could result in $158 trillion in losses—roughly double the total global economic output—by 2050.

No ecosystem on Earth is immune. We can only hope to mitigate the impacts as best we can, provided we start making genuine efforts rather than rewarding harmful practices.

The Amazon rainforest is perilously close to ceasing to be a forest, potentially transforming into a savannah within our lifetimes.

The most probable outcome of our current trajectory is a collapse of civilization as we know it. If you’re feeling overly optimistic about the future, feel free to comment on this post for more unsettling facts, though that wasn’t my intent with this project.

However, here’s the unexpected twist: scientists aren’t ready to give up just yet. They emphasize that it’s crucial not to adopt the mindset of “we’re doomed, so why bother?” This is a solvable issue. We could halt global warming within a generation if we choose to, limiting future warming to only slightly more than what’s occurred so far this century. We also know how to achieve this; it’s simply a matter of taking decisive action.

The time for hesitation is over. Our opportunity for gradual decarbonization has passed. To avoid the worst outcomes, we must act immediately—without delay. We need to aim high; superficial solutions and cosmetic changes won't suffice.

Taking a stand on this issue is the most crucial action any human has taken in the entirety of our species' history, as there has never been a threat of this magnitude to humanity as a whole. This means that if you engage in the climate battle, you are a hero—not just in my eyes but also to future generations who will live in the world you help shape.

Can you smell that? It's the scent of your future being consumed. Medical authorities label it "the greatest health threat of the 21st century." The Pentagon identifies climate change as a "threat multiplier," exacerbating existing conflicts globally while also introducing new ones. Research indicates that a warming world correlates with increased violence. Agricultural experts warn of the clear and present danger to our food supply. What more does it take to awaken the masses?

I have been a climate advocate for decades, and it has been the focal point of my adult life. However, I don’t intend to say "I told you so." Instead, I urge you to prioritize this issue. Transitioning away from fossil fuels has promising benefits! It will save millions of lives lost annually to pollution, and we can utilize the $5.2 trillion currently subsidizing fossil fuels to promote more sustainable practices.

There are numerous actions you can take to make a difference. You can advocate for a $1000 carbon price to help understand its benefits, oppose nuclear power—an ineffective solution—or simply choose to consume less meat. Just show up, care, and make an effort! Additionally, we will be able to look ourselves in the mirror without seeing villains who condemned future generations to a hostile world, which can be incredibly fulfilling.

However, individual actions alone cannot achieve our goals. We must pressure governments and industries more than ever to enact meaningful collective measures; otherwise, regardless of personal efforts, we will all face dire consequences. Just as anti-vaxxers have allowed COVID-19 to persist, similar individuals are determining the fate of our ecosystems. We cannot let this happen. Mass extinctions do not bode well for apex species, so let’s endeavor to slow this process. We need to foster the largest transformation in human history, and we must do so at an unprecedented pace. Bring your best efforts.

While outright climate denial is less prevalent, making the necessary personal changes remains unpopular. Consequently, superficial actions that merely pretend to be serious efforts pose a significant form of climate denial we currently face.

“Act now, you fools!” If we fail to address this issue, nothing else we might hope for in the future will matter.

“Everything is at stake.” Thank you for joining me on this journey, esteemed reader. I extend my gratitude to everyone whose images contributed to this project: in no particular order: purple lightning clouds by Chu Son on Unsplash, tentacles by Julia Kadel on Unsplash, running rabbit by Richard Burlton on Unsplash, fox photo (nose only) by howling red on Unsplash, listening child by saeed karimi on Unsplash, squirrel by Vitaliy Burov on Unsplash, barbecue by Paul Hermann on Unsplash, migrating birds by Nick Fewings on Unsplash, street shoppers by Jezael Melgoza on Unsplash, blazing fire by Maxim Tajer on Unsplash, sparking fire by Monil Andharia on Unsplash, spiral sky by Josep Castells on Unsplash, emissions at sunset by Marek Piwnicki on Unsplash, solar panels by American Public Power Association on Unsplash, dark ocean water by Imleedh Ali on Unsplash, ice and snow by Matt Palmer on Unsplash, drowning by Stormseeker on Unsplash, refugee by UN Photo/John Isaac on Flickr, falling plane by Richard R. Schünemann on Unsplash, white nationalists from Wikimedia Commons, gun aiming by Maurício Mascaro from Pexels, rainforest by Kunal Shinde on Unsplash, summoning all your magic by Adrien Converse on Unsplash, scary sky by Greg from Pexels, shots fired texture by Sebastian Kanczok on Unsplash, clocks by Jon Tyson on Unsplash, fire by raquel raclette on Unsplash, lightning storm by NOAA on Unsplash.