The world has become increasingly preoccupied with the potential results of global warming. With current emissions rising to new highs, and a growing consensus amongst scientists that human activity is having a detrimental effect on the global climate, the question inevitably arises: can humans survive global warming?
The answer is mostly yes, with some caveats. In the short term, global warming will not lead to the sudden destruction of humanity, but rather to a much slower shift in habitats, resources, and other societal changes. For example, rising sea levels caused by additional heat and melting ice will require coastal populations to move inland, and many species of plants and animals which have adapted to specific environmental conditions over time will be forced to migrate as their environment changes. These changes will undoubtedly have a negative effect on the global economy and cause difficulties for many people.
That said, human beings are resilient and have proven throughout history that they can adjust to and even thrive in new environments. With the help of modern technology, communities can be relocated with relatively little difficulty, and new food production techniques, such as hydroponics or aquaponics, may prove invaluable in helping shift global agriculture to more sustainable sources. Additionally, proper resource management and efficient energy use will be essential to surviving a warmer world. In this way, global warming can actually be a wake-up call for humans to begin making more sustainable choices in terms of their lifestyle and resource use.
This is not to say that global warming will have no negative consequences, however. In certain parts of the world, such as Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East, extreme droughts and floods will become more common and will cause significant economic and social upheaval. Additionally, there are certain species which face a more dire future, as they cannot adjust to the changing natural environment. It may also be politcally infeasible to relocate vulnerable populations in time, thereby endangering their very survival.
But while humans are capable of thriving even in the face of a warming planet, this should not be considered an excuse to ignore the primary cause of global warming: human activity. With its potential to cause a severe decrease in air and water quality, species loss, extreme weather events, and a number of other effects, global warming is an urgent and pressing challenge. This requires immediate action from world leaders and citizens alike. Countries must commit to reducing their emissions, investing in sustainable energy sources, and looking to the future to create climate-resilient infrastructure and methods of resource use.
Ultimately, while global warming will undoubtedly have a number of serious consequences, humans are capable of surviving its effects. But only with a concerted and proactive effort to reduce emissions and invest in sustainable practices can human society come to terms with its changing environment.
