The Effects of Global Warming on Our World
Global warming is an undeniable reality, affecting issues of life and death, finance and environment. According to the United Nations International Panel on Climate Change, the planet’s average surface temperature has risen by 1.1°F since the late 19th century, with more extreme increases of up to 1.8°F in certain parts of the world.
There are a multitude of factors that cause global warming. They include burning fossil fuels to produce energy; deforestation; and increased concentrations of atmospheric carbon dioxide and other gases like methane and nitrous oxide, which trap heat and raise Earth’s temperature. As a result, heat-trapping greenhouse gases are accumulating in the atmosphere, slowly raising the planet’s temperature.
The consequences of global warming on our world can be seen everywhere, from rising sea levels to extreme weather events. According to the United Nations Environmental Program, the effects of global warming are already being felt in all regions of the world, with water shortages and erratic precipitation leading to water insecurity for large populations. Hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones are becoming increasingly frequent and intense, with one US report attributing a 4 percent increase in extreme weather-related losses since the 1980s.
In addition, global warming is one of the largest factors contributing to species extinction. A 2008 World Conservation Union report estimated that up to 30 percent of species could be extinct by 2050 due to rising temperatures. Furthermore, wildlife habitats are being increasingly altered by storms, floods and changes in precipitation, leading to the loss of essential feeding and breeding grounds.
Climate change not only affects flora and fauna, but also the lives and livelihoods of people around the world. It’s estimated that the number of people passively losing their lives due to the effects of global warming will reach 900.000 by the year 2050. Many communities across the developing world—where most people live close to the sea—are particularly vulnerable, and face displacement as a result of rising sea levels.
It is also important to note that that extreme weather events, diseases, and a decreased availability of food and water will continue to generate massive economic losses, estimated to reach over $490 billion dollars worldwide in losses by 2030. This will have widespread effects, creating food insecurity and increasing poverty.
The implications that global warming will have on our world are staggering, and its effects will continue to be felt in the decades to come. This is why countries around the world must come together to take proactive action to reduce emissions and increase adaptation measures. We must start by designing policies and regulations addressing the way we generate and use energy, protecting wildlife habitats and investing in renewable energy sources. We must also prioritize education and public awareness initiatives, empowering citizens with knowledge and tools to combat climate change. Together, we must work to create a sustainable future for our planet.
