Global warming has redefined human life on earth. The resultant climate changes threaten populations around the world, yet the full effects of global warming on communities are often overlooked. Communities, both small and large, increasingly face rising temperatures, increasing floods, increasing droughts, and shifting ecosystems that can disrupt traditional lifeways and community activities.
Rising temperatures affect communities in multiple, interconnected ways. For example, extreme heat waves can cause serious illness and death. Seniors, young children and people with existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable. Higher levels of air pollution also pose risks to human health and are exacerbated by increase in temperatures. This can cause air quality warnings and health advisories, disrupting the daily activities of the affected community.
Similarly, global warming affects water systems, with changing precipitation and the potential for more floods or droughts. Large-scale flooding can cause environmental destruction and displacement of residents. Droughts can lead to water rationing and water shortages, disrupting the normal way of life. In arid regions, declining water availability can also lead to changes in the local environment, making it difficult for native plants and animals to survive.
Just as importantly, extreme weather events associated with global warming can cause secondary economic impacts, such as short-term economic losses and long-term economic downturns. Local businesses are especially vulnerable, since they depend on the natural environment, such as tourism and fishing, and can be forced to close due to extreme weather. Communities dependent on such businesses face disruption of services, sharply reduced tax bases, and job losses.
Finally, global warming has an effect on local ecosystems, which can cause ripple effects throughout the community. For example, rising sea levels can cause habitat loss for local species, which can in turn disrupt food webs and cycles of species. This can cause a cascading effect on the environment, disrupting ecology and reducing soil fertility. Similarly, shifting eco-climates can bring invasive species, posing a threat to native species, while warmer oceans can cause coral bleaching which in turn affects marine and terrestrial life.
It is clear that global warming has a profound effect on communities, both at present and in the future. It is essential that communities take action to reduce their emissions and transition to renewable energy sources. Governments and organizations can provide support, create policies and resources to help in the transition, and provide education and technological assistance. The impacts of global warming need to be considered when assessing any long-term decisions, both for communities and for governments, as the effects of global warming are felt for generations.
