There have been preconceived notions about the risks brought by Global Warming and Climate Change, which make people afraid and anxious about our planet’s health.
Global Warming is the increase in the earth’s temperature that has occurred since the Industrial Revolution due to greenhouse gas emissions and the burning of fossil fuels.
Climate change refers to long-term changes in the earth’s climate, including wind patterns, temperature, rain, snowfall, etc. The world has warmed its temperature by approximately 0.85oC in the last 130 years, and it has been successively warmer than any preceding decade, each of the three previous decades since 1850.
Do these two differ from each other? What is the relationship between these two issues in the health of planet Earth and the impacts on living and non-living creatures?
New studies have reported that our planet is warming due to pollutants clogging the atmosphere. The sun’s heat is trapped, and various natural disasters, such as wildfires, glacier melting, and unexplained weather patterns and shifts, have developed over time.
This is a clear example that Earth is in danger, that global warming is the main cause of climate change, and that it is important to get the facts about climate change.
Average Temperatures And Temperature Extremes
Cutting Carbon Pollution And Expanding Clean Energy
Get The Facts
The Earth’s temperature has risen.
Since the late 19th century, Earth’s average surface temperature has risen 2.0 degrees Fahrenheit or 1.1 degrees Celsius. 2016 was the warmest year ever, with eight of the 12 months warm.
However, making up the year – from January to September, excluding June – was the warmest month ever recorded. One great contributing factor is Carbon Dioxide; its heat is trapped in the atmosphere.
Scientists have measured this idea in the laboratory for over 150 years, and no one claims to dispute or refute this fact.
If people could reduce their carbon dioxide production, it would greatly help preserve nature. However, humans produce far more CO2 than plants and oceans can absorb.
Since gases stay in the atmosphere for long, global warming will continue even if emissions are eliminated today. This could also cause temperature and sea levels to increase for about a century only after the emissions stop.
Global sea level increased.
For the last 100 years, the global sea level has increased by about 8 inches, but the sea level increase has been evident in just two decades. Along with the increase in sea level, it also goes with temperature.
Sea levels are expected to rise in the coming years due to the melting of mountain glaciers, ice sheets, and ice caps. Ocean water will naturally expand as the global temperature rises.
It is no wonder that, over time, sea levels will infringe on land, affecting everything from families to businesses to communities.
Human activity is adding carbon dioxide to the Earth’s atmosphere.
While the concentration of carbon dioxide varies naturally over long periods, measurements show that it is far higher than it has been for at least 800,000 years.
Several human activities increase greenhouse gas levels, though a specific amount of Carbon Dioxide naturally occurs in the Earth’s atmosphere.
Breathing and digesting food are basic human activities that produce Carbon Dioxide, though they are minimal.
What’s the Impact?
Threatens Health
According to the WHO (World Health Organization), climate change, clean air, safe drinking water, adequate food, and the security of health shelters have greatly affected social and environmental health factors.
It has been projected that between 2030 and 2050, there will be approximately 250,000 more deaths every year due to heat stress, malaria, diarrhea, and other forms of malnutrition, which are highly caused by climate change.
Most developing countries with poor health infrastructure will be at least able to cope without assistance.
It is estimated between US$ 2-4 billion/year by 2030 is direct damage to health costs; that is why, to improve one’s health, people must reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, for instance, developing better transport, food, and energy, particularly by reducing air pollution.
Aggressiveness and high Temper
A new study relates that when the world gets hotter, and the temper tends to get fiercer, it is more likely to commit violent crimes as the temperature rises. People are prepped for a physical response since heart rates tend to be elevated in warm weather.
But it does not mean humans are headed to its end as the Earth’s temperature warms. Because of global warming, the decline in conflict might be slowing down. This is essentially correct since our weather influences our mood and disposition.
Another study says that Global warming could likely lead to violence. Higher temperatures increase human aggression and instability. In addition, when the weather is warm, one-way temperature changes can influence a person’s behavior.
For instance, people tend to go outside more when the weather is warmer, which leads to more social interactions.
It has been suggested that a relationship exists between temperature rise and aggressive behavior.
High rates of criminality and aggression have been observed during the summer months, suggesting a connection between aggressive behaviors and temperatures. It is likely to happen that the rates of aggression may increase over time due to climate change.
Extreme Heat
Extremely high air temperatures raise ozone levels and other air pollutants, aggravating cardiovascular and respiratory disease. This contributes critically to deaths, particularly among older adults with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Pollen and other aeroallergen levels can trigger asthma, and if the temperature continues to rise, then expectedly, this burden will worsen the situation.
Heat strokes are another concern that implicates extreme heat. It’s a life-threatening condition that may result in brain damage, and the worst is death if the body is not cooled quickly.
Be alarmed if symptoms of headaches, dizziness, strong rapid pulse, hot, dry red skin, confusion, high body temperature above 103°F, nausea, and unconsciousness persist.
Extinction of Wildlife Habitat
According to experts, if the global warming trend continues at its current rate, one-fourth of Earth’s species will be extinct, as predicted by 2050.
Because of the rising temperature and changing precipitation patterns, our oceans, where our plants grow, are changing and encouraging the production of species that impact the natural ocean habitat. When habitats shift, the wildlife quickly adjusts to the changing environment.
With this, wildlife species go separate ways to survive, and humans inevitably feel the impact.
Rising temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns are likely the greatest causes of species extinction. Many endangered species live in areas that will be severely affected by climate change, which occurs too suddenly for many species to adapt.
Economic Impact
It is difficult to predict the economic impact of climate change. However, several key economic sectors, from fishing and agriculture to energy and water utilities, can feel its long-term effects.
The shifting of global climate or climate change will force many industries and business lines to immediately take action and adapt to change due to the warming of seas and rising temperatures.
This impact also affects the tourism and recreation industries since their operations are weather-dependent. As we continue to strive, this period wherein climate change impacts us and adapts to this kind of change quickly is the key to the progress of the global economy.
Ways to Prevent
Learning and understanding the facts and impacts of global warming and climate change do not suffice to protect the planet and preserve future generations.
Most of us are skeptical about extending help but are concerned about the health condition of our planet and the impacts that global warming and climate change are having on our (Earth) and our lives.
Here are basic ways to preserve our planet.
1. Be energy efficient; live off the grid.
When the lights are switched off, what happens next? When an electronic device such as a TV, computer, or any other kind of device or technology can be unplugged when not in use, you may consider changing light bulbs to LEDs, also known as compact fluorescents.
You may consider doing the manual thing and live off the grid. Instead of washing your clothes in a washing machine, to be economical, try hand washing and hanging clothes under the heat of the sun.; it’s more fun to do it with someone and saves energy, more importantly.
2. Use renewable power to save energy.
Renewable power, such as solar panels, wind turbines, solar hydro, and more, can power your home, business, or wherever you are.
This method will reduce your electricity bills, power your home, and, most importantly, help save the environment from climate change. One simple thing can make a whole lot of difference.
3. Eat smartly
Start growing your food in your backyard, or use potted plants. Eating organic and locally grown foods is better for your health and preserving nature. Meat and dairy products produce greenhouse gases, which can help.
4. Manage your waste
Several garbage collections are buried in landfills, producing methane, a potent greenhouse gas. How can we eliminate this practice?
You can keep stuff out of landfills by composting kitchen scraps and garden trimmings and recycling plastic, metal, paper, glass, and any other type of scrap. Be resourceful, reduce, reuse, and recycle.
Do not just discard things you might still use, but avoid hoarding. When you keep things, you use them anytime, not when the time comes.
5. Improve Your Habits At Work
Take your good environmental habits into your office and influence your colleagues. Take public transport or practice walking to work, especially if the distance is a few kilometers from your home.
You may persuade your colleagues to do it gradually and then often. You not only do not help the environment; you have also become fit.
During office work, practice turning off the lights and ACs during the noon break. You may also want to consider shutting down your computer rather than putting it to sleep, logging off, or other appliances not used at work.
These habits are easy to practice, and you never know if your company will have gratified you for your initiative.
6. Educate and shape the Future Generations
Now is the time to shape the minds of young generations about climate change and its impacts. It is imperative to help prevent climate change from happening, especially in terms of the lives they can have in the future.
Parents, institutions, and even the government can work together simply by leading by example. If you have children, get them involved in making your life greener.
Give them responsibilities like recycling, conserving energy at home, and other initiatives. Set an example of living a simple life and not abusing the environment.
7. Participate in Fighting Against Climate Change
Look for opportunities to participate in programs or campaigns to fight environmental problems.
Plenty of interesting fundraising and awareness-raising events are on the local and national stages. You may also want to conduct an Action Plan to train the nation to reduce carbon pollution.
This would promote energy efficiency and environmental protection today and in the future.
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