What is Global Warming?
Many of us are aware of global warming, its consequences and the severe actions we urgently need to start talking about if we want to protect our environment. But some of us (though we really do care about the environment) only roughly know the deal. So consider this blog post an elevator pitch. A quick overview to remind us of what is happening and its consequences.
The Natural Resources Defence Council argues that we’ve experienced the warmest decade since 1880. It states, “In 2010, global surface temperatures tied 2005 as the warmest to record.” According to Scientists, the Earth could heat up by an additional 7.2 degrees Fahrenheit during the 21st century unless we take serious steps in reducing emissions from burning fossil fuels, such as coal and oil.
What does it mean if the average temperature rises? The changes to Earth’s climate pattern impact all living things – including us and beyond – changes that have already begun. These changes affect our weather patterns, personal health, wildlife, glaciers and sea levels.
The Consequences and Dangers of Global Warming
One of the significant consequences is our weather patterns. Higher temperatures lead to increased droughts, wildfires, heavier rainfall and more hurricanes. Storms also become more destructive, putting human lives in danger as well.
There are also consequences on our personal health – hotter climates enable deadly mosquitoes to travel around – and the carbon dioxide in the air can’t be any good, causing allergies and asthma. The disruption of the ecosystem caused by warming temperatures contributes to more widespread infections and diseases. More extreme weather events can put people’s lives at serious risk.
The rising temperatures destroy coral reefs and melt the habitats of polar bears and Antarctic penguins. Increasing global temperatures disrupt the ecosystems, leading to the extinction of all the species that cannot adapt. Also, the heat causes glaciers to melt, causing sea levels to rise.
If you’re interested in learning more, check out our previous blog on Climate Change, where we discuss the actions and steps we can take to reverse some of the consequences and dangers of global warming. By conserving energy and reducing carbon emissions, the process can be slowed down. But this means individuals have to start making some severe changes to their lifestyle so that we can collectively bring the emission of greenhouse gases and carbon dioxide under control. While this is no easy task, it is doable.
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