Global warming is one of the biggest challenges facing our planet today, and its consequences could potentially put human life in danger. As emissions continue to climb, temperatures across the world are expected to also rise, with devastating results. Rising temperatures can cause more frequent and intense natural disasters, hotter and drier conditions in some regions, an increase in diseases, and other adverse impacts that can have serious implications for human health.
Heat waves are the number one impact of global warming and pose a very serious threat to human wellbeing. Prolonged heatwaves are recognized as a major cause of death, primarily because of dehydration, overheating, and heart attacks. A study found that for every 1-degree Celsius increase in average temperature, deaths caused by extreme heat events are likely to double. In addition, research also suggests that by 2070, heatwave-related deaths in the United States may triple due to climate change.
Increasing temperatures due to global warming could also bring about more hazardous air pollution. Rising temperatures cause chemical reactions in the atmosphere, leading to the formation of ground-level ozone, which can have serious respiratory and cardiovascular effects. People who are particularly vulnerable, such as the elderly and those with existing health conditions, are most at risk when exposed to air pollution. A recent study found that tiny particles in air pollution resulting from human activities, including emissions from cars and factories, are linked to higher rates of death due to lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke.
Furthermore, global warming could also cause more severe droughts and floods. In areas that already experience drought, research indicates that it could become longer and more intense, reducing the availability of freshwater and worsening existing water scarcity issues. On the other hand, flooding due to high temperatures could lead to devastating consequences such as famine and water contamination, posing a significant risk to human health. Studies have linked intense flooding to the spread of waterborne diseases, such as cholera and malaria, as well as mental health problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder.
In addition, rising temperatures could also potentially harm wildlife, which could, in turn, lead to an increase in the number of diseases and pests that can be transmitted to humans. For example, a warmer climate could provide a more favorable environment for mosquitos, increasing the spread of diseases such as malaria, dengue fever and Zika virus. Moreover, warmer temperatures could also promote the growth and spread of toxic algal blooms, which can cause serious health issues when consumed by humans.
Efforts to mitigate global warming are being made around the globe, but the scale of the problem requires all stakeholders – including citizens, business leaders, policy makers, and international organizations – to take action. As individuals, we can do our part by reducing our energy consumption and our dependence on fossil fuels, and by investing in renewable energy solutions. Businesses and governments, on the other hand, should strive to reduce their emissions, shift towards renewable energies, and promote sustainability initiatives. We must work together to ensure that global warming does not become the cause of humanity’s extinction.
