Climate Change

Increase in Global Temperature

The increase in fossil fuels and the emission of greenhouse gases causes an increase in the global surface temperature as the sun’s heat is trapped within the planet. The warming of the planet is extremely dangerous because it causes heat waves, melting of the Arctic, and inhabitable conditions if the trend continues.
NASA published an article stating, “Since the pre-industrial period, human activities are estimated to have increased Earth’s global average temperature by about 1 degree Celsius (1.8 degrees Fahrenheit), a number that is currently increasing by 0.2 degrees Celsius (0.36 degrees Fahrenheit) per decade.” Various complications such as severe storms, droughts, and disease arise with the increase in the Earth’s temperature. The impacts of climate change are a real and certain threat to life on the planet.

Severe Storms

As the global temperatures rise, severe storms such as extreme rains, floods, hurricanes, and tsunamis will start occurring with higher frequency and intensity. The National Geographic's How to Live With It: Wild Weather states, “Climate change may not cause a particular storm, but rising sea levels can worsen its impact. The sea level in some areas is rising by more than an inch each decade—twice as fast as the global average—and is predicted to rise 11 to 21 inches by 2050.” Severe storms will initially threaten those close to mountain and coastal regions and as disasters intensify, all living organisms will be more vulnerable to environmental disasters .

Loss of Species

The adverse conditions due to climate change have drastic consequences on the various species that call Earth home. As global temperatures increase and storms become more frequent and intense, many species will decrease in number and become at risk of extinction.
According to Earth Day, “Whales rely on specific ocean temperatures for their migration, feeding, and reproductive habits. As sea temperatures rise, these changes disrupt the habits necessary for whale survival. Giraffes have seen their population decline by 40% in the last 30 years. In addition to illegal poaching, two of the most pressing dangers are shrinking habitat and fewer food sources due to climate change.” The dangerous effects of climate change on the diversity and quantity of species are alarming and telling of the future of the planet if the trends continue.

Food Scacity

The ocean is an important source of food for many people and animals across the world. The acidity of the ocean is increasing and threatening marine biology. The soil is also impacted by climate change through erosion, decrease in soil organic carbon and nutrients, as well as unfavorable changes in the pH values. The soil is important for farming and growing plant foods. The effect of climate change on the soil will lead to nutrient-lacking foods and food scarcity. Droughts due to extreme weather will also threaten food sources and affect the health of people, animals, and plants.

Health Risks

The overall health of the planet is threatened by climate change. Air and water pollution, the emergence and spread of diseases, drastic weather patterns and severe storms, and displacement of people and animals have already revealed the dangers of climate change to the health of the Earth and its inhabitants.
The Center for Disease Control informed the public of the health risks caused by climate change stating, “The health effects of these disruptions include increased respiratory and cardiovascular disease, injuries and premature deaths related to extreme weather events, changes in the prevalence and geographical distribution of food- and water-borne illnesses and other infectious diseases, and threats to mental health.” The physical and mental health of people is vulnerable to the effects of climate change. People who live in areas affected by the initial disasters of climate change will flee their homes seeking asylum in other countries. The threat of war and violations of human rights will increase as the impact of climate change increases. Climate change poses a serious threat to the planet and to life, however, there are solutions that can help mitigate its effects.