Describing Climate Change
Climate Change, the alteration of Earth’s climate, is a phenomenon that has plagued the planet for over a decade. The effects of Climate Change can be seen in many areas of the world, with temperatures rising, sea levels increasing, and weather patterns becoming more extreme. No longer can we ignore this phenomenon and its effects on humanity and the planet.
To fully understand Climate Change, we must first understand what it is and how it manifests itself. Climate Change is a result of human activities, where carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere. These gases act as insulators, trapping in heat from the sun and thus increasing the overall global temperature. In addition, other activities, such as deforestation, can further contribute to Climate Change.
Rising Temperatures
Scientists have been monitoring the rise in temperatures for decades. The average global temperature has increased by about 1.1°C since the industrial revolution began and is currently increasing at an accelerated rate. The Paris Climate Agreement of 2016 stipulated that this rise should be limited to 1.5°C. If the temperature were to go past this limit, the consequences of Climate Change would become more severe.
The rising temperatures can be seen in many areas of the world, with scientists recording increased temperatures in Europe, North America, Central America, and South America, among other regions. As the temperature continues to rise, heatwaves become more commonplace and droughts continue.
Sea Level Rise
The rising temperatures also contribute to increasing sea levels. As the temperature of the ocean increases, it expands, thus raising the sea levels. Already, sea levels are rising at a faster-than-expected rate, by up to 3.2mm/year. This rise can be attributed to thermal expansion and melting polar ice sheets. If current trends continue, sea levels could rise by up to 3 feet by the end of this century, displacing thousands and causing catastrophic flooding.
Extreme Weather Patterns
The rising temperatures and increased Carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere eventually make their way into the weather patterns, creating storms that are more frequent, more intense, and more destructive than ever before. Hurricanes, cyclones, and Typhoons are becoming more severe, as these natural disasters deliver greater amounts of rainfall and stronger winds. At the same time, drought cycles are also becoming longer, leading to extreme water scarcity.
The Impact of Climate Change
The impacts of Climate Change are far reaching, with the effects being felt by people, animals, and the environment. Animal species, like Polar Bears, are seeing decreasing populations as their habitats are becoming less favorable. Rising temperatures are melting the Arctic ice, leading to a decrease in food availability for these animals.
At the same time, people are seeing their homes become submerged due to the rising sea levels. Risky sites, located in coastal regions, become more prone to flooding, as beaches are eroded and saltwater intrudes inland. In addition, water scarcity due to prolonged droughts can lead to an increase in food, energy, and water prices, all of which can cause hardships for poorer communities.
Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies
The response to Climate Change is twofold – mitigation and adaptation. Mitigation strategies involve reducing the emissions and activities that cause Climate Change, such as switching to more sustainable forms of energy, reducing deforestation, and generally reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
Adaptation strategies, meanwhile, involve preparing for the impacts of Climate Change, such as building seawalls for coastal cities, establishing early warning systems for storms and floods, and preparing for water scarcity.
Climate Change is a global problem that affects us all. Its effects are far reaching, with temperatures rising, sea levels increasing, weather patterns shifting, and people and animals facing difficulties. The only way to stem the tide of Climate Change is to reduce emissions and prepare for its impacts by implementing both mitigation and adaptation strategies. It is only through the collective efforts of humanity that we can hope to save our planet and prevent further worsening of the situation.
