Climate change is a problem that has been discussed for a recent decade. Recently, we have witnessed tragic consequences of pollution and the uncontrollable exploitation of resources. The effects that climate change can have are unimaginable. Animals will lost their lives and natural disasters will occur more often. With the rate at which we are using up our world, it is hard to say if we will be able to avoid these consequences, but one thing is certain: if we don’t act now, then we’ll never be able to reverse the damage done by climate change.
Definition of Climate Change
Climate change is a long-term alteration in temperature, typical weather patterns, or amounts of precipitation in a place. Climate change can cause damaging weather events such as more frequent and more intense hurricanes, floods, downpours, and winter storms. Together with expanding ocean waters due to rising temperatures melting polar ice, the resulting rise in sea level has begun to damage coastlines as a result of increased flooding and erosion. The cause of current climate change is largely human activity, like burning fossil fuels, like natural gas, oil, and coal. Burning these materials releases greenhouse gases into Earth’s atmosphere. There, these gases trap heat from the sun’s rays inside the atmosphere causing Earth’s average temperature to rise.
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Global Temperatures
Climate change could refer to a particular location or the planet as a whole. Together with expanding ocean waters due to rising temperatures melting polar ice, the resulting rise in sea level has begun to damage coastlines as a result of increased flooding and erosion. The cause of current climate change is largely human activity, like burning fossil fuels, like natural gas, oil, and coal. Burning these materials releases what are called greenhouse gases into Earth’s atmosphere. There, these gases trap heat from the sun’s rays inside the atmosphere causing Earth’s average temperature to rise.
Sea Level Rise
Over the past century, the global average sea level has risen by about eight inches. Sea level rise is caused by two main things: (1) the added water from melting ice sheets and glaciers and (2) the expansion of seawater as it warms. These two effects are accelerating. If we don’t act to reduce emissions and prepare for impacts, sea level rise will continue to increase and could reach several feet by 2100.
A few extra inches of water may not sound like much, but it can mean the difference between a dry beach and one that’s constantly inundated with waves. That extra water also means more flooding during high tides and storms. As sea levels rise, so does the risk of damaging floods from storm surge.
Even a small amount of sea level rise can make a big difference in the number and severity of floods. That’s because our coastlines dot with low-lying areas that are especially vulnerable to flooding. When you add a few inches of water from rising seas, those areas can be easily inundated—especially when combined with a high tide or storm surge.
In addition to more frequent flooding, rising seas also bring saltwater inland, contaminating fresh water sources like wells and aquifers. Saltwater intrusion can make it difficult or impossible to use these freshwater resources for drinking, irrigation, or even bathing.
Wildfires
Since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, the burning of fossil fuels has released greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane into Earth’s atmosphere. These gases trap heat from the sun’s rays inside the atmosphere causing Earth’s average temperature to rise. This process is known as global warming.
As temperatures continue to rise, we are seeing more and more extreme weather events like floods, hurricanes, and droughts. One of the most devastating impacts of climate change is wildfires.
Wildfires are large fires that destroy forests, homes, and lives. They are started by natural causes like lightning strikes but can also started by humans. Human-caused fires usually start by careless activities like campfires or cigarettes.
Climate change makes wildfires worse in two ways. First, warmer temperatures dry out vegetation making it easier for fires to start and spread. Second, longer periods of drought mean that there is less water available to fight fires.
Wildfires release large amounts of carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the atmosphere which contributes to climate change. They also cause air pollution that can lead to respiratory problems for people living nearby. Wildfires destroy homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure like roads and bridges. They also displace wildlife and disrupt ecosystems. The impact of climate change on wildfires is expect to increase in the coming years making them an even bigger threat to our planet.
Floods
Climate change is causing more extreme weather conditions, which can lead to more frequent and more intense floods. Floods can damage homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure, and can disrupt transportation and communication networks. They can also contaminate water supplies and cause injuries or even death.
Floods are one of the most common natural disasters in the United States, and they can occur anywhere at any time. The National Weather Service estimates that there are about 100 flash floods each year across the country. Most flash floods occur within 6 hours of the initial event, such as a heavy rainfall or dam failure.
Flash floods are the most dangerous type of flood because they come with little to no warning and can often catch people off-guard. If you live in an area that is prone to flooding, it’s important to prepare ahead of time by creating an emergency kit and having a plan for how you will evacuate if necessary.
If you find yourself in a flood situation, the best thing to do is to get to higher ground as quickly as possible. Do not try to drive through floodwaters; just two feet of moving water can sweep your car away. And never walk through moving water; even six inches of moving water can knock you down.
Consequences of Climate Change
Lead poisoning, skin cancer, respiratory problems, and heat stroke are just a few of the many health consequences of climate change. As the Earth’s temperature rises, so does the risk for these and other illnesses.
Extreme weather conditions are also becoming more common as a result of climate change. Heat waves, droughts, floods, and hurricanes can all cause serious damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. They can also lead to loss of life.
In addition to the direct impacts on human health and safety, climate change is also having indirect effects on our society. For example, food prices are rising as a result of drought and crop failures. This is causing financial hardship for families and businesses around the world.
Climate change is also contributing to global conflict. As resources become scarce in some parts of the world, people are increasingly fighting over them. This has led to an increase in violence and human rights abuses in many regions.
The problems and impacts of climate change are far-reaching and complex. We must take action now to mitigate these risks and protect ourselves from further harm.
Solutions to Climate Change
There is no one silver bullet solution to climate change, but rather a range of different approaches that need to taken. We need to urgently reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to the changing climate, and protect and restore our natural ecosystems.
Reducing emissions means changing the way we produce and use energy, as well as how we manage land, forests, and agriculture. It will require a global effort, involving both individuals and governments.
There are many things individuals can do to reduce their carbon footprint, such as using less energy at home, switching to renewable energy sources, and driving less. But we also need action from governments and businesses. They can set targets for reducing emissions, investing in clean energy technologies, and making it easier for people to adopt low-carbon lifestyles.
Adapting to climate change means preparing for the impacts that are already happening or are inevitable in the future. This includes everything from building flood-resistant infrastructure to developing drought-tolerant crops. It also means helping people and wildlife adjust to new conditions – for example, by providing support to farmers whose livelihoods affect by extreme weather events.
Protecting and restoring natural ecosystems is essential for both mitigating and adapting to climate change. Trees and other plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, so increasing forest cover helps reduce emissions. And healthy ecosystems provide vital “ecosystem services” like water purification and flood protection that will become even more important as the climate changes.
