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The negative impacts of the ongoing changes to the Earth’s climate have become increasingly apparent. Changes in the Earth’s temperature and weather patterns are naturally occurring phenomena influenced by several factors, such as volcanic eruptions and slight changes in the Earth’s orbit around the sun.
During the last two hundred years, there has been an alarming acceleration in the warming of the planet as humankind’s influence overtakes the natural evolution of the Earth’s weather patterns. The advent of the Industrial Revolution had dire consequences as the burning of fossil fuels became a mainstay of industry. Greenhouse gas emissions quickened the shifts in the Earth’s climate, becoming ever more acute over the last century. The dangers of global warming now are of international concern and affect every living being on its surface.
Though the situation appears dire, there are real actions against climate change we can take.
Adverse Effects On A Global Scale
Extreme weather conditions have become commonplace in the last few years, making headlines and raising alarms among experts and the general public alike. The weather seems increasingly unpredictable and severe, from massive wildfires sweeping across forests to mighty hurricanes causing unprecedented destruction along coastlines. Brutal cold snaps and harsh heat waves have driven home the concerns of climate scientists worldwide, putting a sense of urgency into the picture. These dramatic changes alarm not only the human population but also call for immediate action to mitigate the impact of climate change.
How does climate change affect the weather?
The El Niño and La Niña seasonal climate patterns have far-reaching repercussions across the planet. Climatologists have taken notice of the changes to the systems in the frequency, intensity, and lifespan. Since El Niño and La Niña alter the surface temperature of the Pacific, they can affect air pressure and alter the slipstream. The intensifying water temperature of the oceans also increases moisture in the air. This combination spawns larger and more powerful hurricanes and cyclones with increasing frequency. The destruction these storms leave in their aftermath after they come on shore devastates lives and costs billions of dollars in damage.
Climatologists have long predicted that the glaciers and ice sheets in the Arctic and Greenland would melt as the oceans grew warmer, but this prediction has arrived sooner than expected. The temperatures in the Arctic are increasing faster than anywhere else on Earth, hastening the melting of glaciers and ice sheets, and the result is rising sea levels. Over the last three decades, sea levels have risen four inches, affecting coastline erosion.
The warming of the Arctic is also the suspected cause of the recent cold winters and increased snowfall. Scientists speculate that the higher temperatures in the Arctic are pushing the polar vortex off its axis and southward. Areas not prone to extreme cold have suffered when this occurs, inflicting damage to infrastructure and, sadly, taking human life.
On the other end of the spectrum, intense heat waves have been occurring much more often and earlier in the year. Places in the world that don’t regularly experience intense heat are ill-prepared to deal with it. In France, 5,000 people died due to the summer heat waves. The elderly population is more endangered by the intense heat. Local governments in many locales are now providing cooling centers during heat waves and warming centers during cold snaps.
Even more worrisome, areas of the Earth will soon become uninhabitable due to rising temperatures. July 21, 2024, was the hottest day in recorded history, with temperatures worldwide setting new records. Locations in India and China will pass the survivability limits by 2050. At this point, even shade won’t offer relief from life-threatening heat.
Early thaws have been found to increase the likelihood of forest fires. This is due to increased exposure to hot temperatures, which dries out the wood, creating the perfect conditions for a blaze. An earlier-than-expected thaw can also adversely affect crops, as the soil becomes parched sooner than it should in the season.
How to Fight Against Climate Change
Many viable practices can be implemented to alter the current course of the climate.
Though corporations have the largest impact on climate change, businesses can make strong strides to become green and sustainable, reducing their overall carbon footprint. The everyday consumer who is looking for ways to decrease their carbon footprint will flock to businesses, large and small, that offer environmentally friendly options.
There are multiple ways to decrease your overall carbon footprint. Embracing renewable energy and reducing the use of fossil fuels is essential. Downsizing or weatherizing your home can decrease the amount of energy expended, as will buying energy-efficient appliances. Also, reducing your house size will reduce the amount of energy spent, as will purchasing energy-efficient appliances. Simple actions like changing regular bulbs to LEDs and turning off appliances when not in use can save a lot in terms of energy use.
Other options to reduce the use of fossil fuels are taking public transportation, ride-sharing, or opting for an electric vehicle. Opting for an even greener mode of transportation- walking or cycling- will save emissions and help lead a healthy life. Exploring all of the options while planning travel is also important to make the right choices that will have the least impact on the environment.
Individuals can also express their opinions to the legislative bodies that regulate greenhouse emissions and other policies and laws. Advocacy on policies supporting renewable energies and other issues such as conservation and sustainable development can lead to greater societal outcomes.
Although we have reached a dangerous point in the warming of our planet, so much can be done toward a better future and impact on the Earth’s climate. From simple daily choices to supporting businesses focused on sustainability, actions can be made to secure the health of the planet. Small actions multiplied by millions can make all the difference and ensure a sustainable and resilient world for generations to come.
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