What is climate change?
Climate change refers to the long-term fluctuation in temperature, patterns regarding precipitation and any other atmospheric conditions that can have consequences for the environment, human societies and economies. A change in levels in the sea is also an indicator of climate change.
It is primarily caused by human activities ranging from the burning of fossil fuels to deforestation and industrialisation. Since the 1980s, each decade has been warmer than the previous. 2024 is also the first calendar year to surpass 1.5C of warming in comparison to pre-industrial levels.
Causes of climate change
Climate change is caused mostly by the increase in concentration of greenhouse gas emissions. These gases trap heat and warm the earth’s surface, which results in them causing global warming.
One of the most impactful repercussions of climate change is the increase in the chance of and intensity of extreme weather events. Things such as Heatwaves, storms, floods and droughts have now become significantly more severe and unpredictable, which has resulted in widespread damage to infrastructure, agriculture and communities.
The sea levels are rising due to the melting of the polar ice caps and glaciers, causing a threat to the coastal areas. In addition to this physical change, climate change also simultaneously disrupts ecosystems and biodiversity. This also endangers plants and animal species that cannot adapt to the rapidly changing environment.
What can be done to reduce the effects?
To reduce the effects of climate change, it is advised to shift towards a renewable energy source like solar and wind, enhance energy efficiency in buildings and transportation and promote sustainable practices in agriculture and forestry.
Reforestation and afforestation can help absorb CO2, while carbon capture technologies and waste reduction strategies, such as recycling and a circular economy, further limit emissions.
Impacts on health
The rising temperatures worsen the risks of heat-related illnesses, such as heatstroke and dehydration. This is predominantly in the vulnerable populations like the elderly, children and those with preexisting health conditions.
From things like extreme weather events, they can disrupt access to healthcare, clean water and sanitation, by creating conditions for the spread of infectious diseases. Flooding can contaminate water supplies, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera and dysentery, while hurricanes and other storms can lead to injuries and fatalities.
The rising of temperatures affects the air quality, with warmer conditions promoting the formation of ground-level ozone, which aggravates respiratory conditions like asthma and bronchitis.
In addition to these direct health impacts, climate change can also lead to the displacement of populations, increasing mental health stress and contributing to the rise of conditions such as anxiety and depression, particularly in communities facing environmental disasters or forced migration.
Impact on agriculture
The effects of climate change can impact the crops, livestock, soil and water resources also. From this also the effect of climate promotes a higher chance of wildfires.
This results in more frequent and severe extreme events such as droughts, floods and storms. These shifts in climate conditions reduce the predictability of seasons, making it harder for farmers to plan their crops and harvests.
Impact on the economy
Extreme weather can cause extensive damage to crops, livestock and farmland, resulting in decreased agricultural productivity and inflation in food prices. This disruption also strains global supply chains, as transportation networks, ports and factories may be damaged or face delays.
Climate change increases inequality by disproportionately affecting poorer nations and communities that cannot adapt as efficiently as before, to its consequences. In many developing countries, where economies are heavily dependent on agriculture or natural resources, the economic impact of climate change can be devastating.
The shift towards a low-carbon economy can disrupt industries reliant on fossil fuels, leading to job losses and economic dislocation in those sectors, while the transition to renewable energy sources and sustainable practices may incur initial costs. This means the economic toll of climate change could hinder global growth and contribute to social and political instability.