The Climate Change Crisis is Real
The climate change crisis is real, it is impacting on everything from our health to our economy. The impact will not be positive, however, and it is necessary to do what we can to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to protect our environment.
Global warming
Climate change refers to the increase of average global temperatures over long periods of time. It is caused by greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide.
Global warming is causing more heat waves and natural disasters. Some countries have already begun to experience adverse impacts, including mass migration and the loss of land and water resources. The effects of climate change can also cause severe droughts and the death of animals, plants and coral reefs.
Global warming is caused by human activity. Humans burn fossil fuels, which release huge amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the air. Greenhouse gases trap the sun's heat, preventing it from escaping back into space.
Global warming can affect every aspect of human life. Increasing droughts, heat waves, and wildfires are among the most serious threats. In addition, it increases the risks of cardiovascular disease and kidney disease. More heatwaves are expected to occur, especially in developing countries, which lack resources to combat the changes.
Human emissions of heat-trapping gases
It's important to recognize that human emissions of heat-trapping gases have a real impact on the climate change crisis. These gases are called greenhouse gases. They trap the heat from the sun.
These gases include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases. They are produced through the burning of fossil fuels and agricultural technology, as well as in the burning of coal.
Human activities have led to a dramatic increase in the atmospheric concentration of CO2 in recent decades. The rate of increase has been faster than at any other time in our history. This is because of the large volume of emissions released by people.
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, human influence has shifted the balance of the atmosphere, causing oceans to warm and land to become warmer. In addition, the ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica are melting, raising sea levels.
As a result, the global average surface temperature has risen by nearly one degree Celsius since the industrial era. In the next few decades, temperatures are likely to rise by several degrees.
Health impacts of climate change
The health impacts of climate change are a growing concern worldwide. People have reported suffering from a wide variety of illnesses. They are experiencing increased exposure to diseases, including water-borne illnesses and respiratory diseases associated with poor air quality. Climate change is causing more and stronger hurricanes and floods, which can increase the risk of water-borne diseases.
In addition, climate change can lead to greater exposure to pollens, which can cause asthma attacks. More wildfires also create many health concerns.
As the temperature and other weather variables change, people are more at risk for heat-related injuries and deaths. Increased average temperatures are also projected to lead to more frequent heat waves.
Some of the most vulnerable populations are people with chronic medical conditions. These individuals are also more susceptible to extreme heat, and they have lower adaptive capacity.
Older adults are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of extreme heat. Many of them live alone and are less able to prepare for extreme climate events.
Economic impacts of climate change
The economic impacts of climate change crisis can be large. A recent report released by the Swiss Re Institute estimates that the total cost could be up to $520 billion annually by 2100. That is roughly $160 billion in lost wages.
Climate change will also impact other sectors, such as agriculture and manufacturing. In addition, it will exacerbate health issues related to heat. As a result, some products may become obsolete. Others might be impacted by droughts and increased rainfall. Lastly, coastal inundation, disruption of transport, and loss of land are all expected to increase.
The impacts of climate change on labor are expected to be particularly large. For example, in the United States, some counties could lose up to six percent of labor hours each year by 2100. If this trend continues, it could add up to hundreds of billions of dollars in lost wages.
In addition to direct labor losses, climate change would affect the overall energy sector. It will also affect the supply chain, making it more costly to produce and transport materials.
