Global Climate Change
Global climate change, also known as global warming, refers to the heating of the Earth, which is an issue that seriously impacts the world. The climate change is caused by the increased concentration of gases that contribute to the warming process, such as water vapor, carbon dioxide, and ozone (“Science Basics”). Human activity produces a high concentration of the gases and is therefore, a major contributor to global warming (“Global Climate Change”). For example, the use of automobiles creates approximately 1.5 billion tons of carbon dioxide each year (“Global Warming Basics”). The concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide also rises as a result of the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil (“Global Climate Change”). Commonly used products such as air conditioners, refrigerators, and hairspray, contain chemicals that damage the ozone and contribute to the problem as well (Heilprin). Global climate change causes extreme weather events, affects wildlife, and puts human health at risk.
Global climate change is a concern since a change in weather patterns and an increase in extreme weather events will occur as a result. (“Impacts”). In his book, An Inconvenient Truth, former Vice-President Al Gore states that global climate change is “growing more and more dangerous, and at a pace that has now made it a planetary emergency.” One dangerous effect is the increase in severity of tropical storms. Global warming causes the water temperatures in the oceans to increase, which gives hurricanes more energy and the ability to cause more destruction. Another result of the change in climate is the increased chance of a drought. Within the last forty years, three extensive droughts have occurred, the most recent being the national drought that the United States experienced from 1999-2002 (“Consequences”). It is also possible for global climate change to cause severe flooding because of its impact on the timing and location of rainfall (“Health”). Some areas experience more precipitation because of the additional moisture in the air that comes from a greater amount of water being evaporated from the oceans (“Impacts”). Severe weather has become a main concern as a result of global climate change.
The variation in climate not only affects the weather, but has an impact on wildlife as well (“Effects on Wildlife and Habitat). Global climate change has increased the chance of extinction for thirty percent of all species by producing variations in living conditions. First of all, global warming causes variation in temperature, making it harder for certain species to survive in their natural habitat. The temperature in the environment must be appropriate for the species living there. For example, numerous aquatic species need cold water to survive, but their populations are decreasing as global climate change causes water temperatures to rise. The interaction among wildlife is also changing as a result of global warming (“Impacts”). Wildlife is dependent on various food sources in the environment, and the change in climate makes it difficult to find essential food sources during migration. For example, birds depend on insects and plants for survival, but the climate change causes the plants to bloom either too early or too late, and the insects are not always ready for the birds to eat. When the bird migrates and arrives to its new destination, it is often times unable to find the food it needs (“Effects on Wildlife and Habitat”). Wildlife is becoming increasingly affected by the change in climate.
In addition to co-writing, producing, and narrating the documentary film, the 11th Hour, Actor Leonardo DiCaprio narrated another short film about global warming and said, “Thousands of climate scientists agree that global warming is not only the most threatening environmental problem, but one of the greatest challenges facing all of humanity” (Dicaprio). Global climate change is an issue because it puts human health at risk by causing an increase in temperature and making it easier for bacteria to survive in food and water. Several diseases, such as E. coli and typhoid, can be transmitted when food or water is contaminated by bacteria. Approximately five thousand people die in the United States each year because of food and water borne diseases (“Health”). Another factor that contributes to the increased risk to human health is the air pollution caused by the temperature increase. The IPCC, a scientific association that examines research related to climate change, claims that “higher temperatures are associated with higher concentrations of air pollutants and reduced air quality” (“Organization,” “Health”). It is believed that as temperatures ascend, people will use air-conditioning more often, which means power plants will produce more air pollution because of the high amount of energy used. The poor air quality caused by pollution is extremely unhealthy. Lastly, since global climate change causes some plants to bloom earlier, more pollen allergens are present in the air, producing a greater effect on those with allergies (“Health”). Changes in the Earth’s climate pose an immense threat to human health.
As humans continue to cause an increase in the gases that warm our planet, weather patterns change, wildlife is affected, and human health is in danger. The variation in weather patterns is a widespread concern because of its potential danger. As global climate change continues, many species of plants and animals could become extinct because of the inability to survive in their natural habitat. Humans’ health will continue to be in danger as long as global warming continues. Global climate change is a critical issue that greatly impacts many different aspects of the world, and once people become aware of its effects, they can take precautions to help improve the planet’s condition.
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