As we move swiftly into the 21st Century, climate change and global warming are two issues that we can no longer ignore. Nature is telling us that a major shift is imminent, with temperatures rising and weather patterns becoming increasingly unpredictable and devastating. Despite warnings from climate scientists and activists, there is still a sizable population of non-believers and those unconcerned with the potential consequences of global warming, making it crucial to explore just what may happen if temperatures continue to rise.
The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has found that the increased levels of CO2, emissions from burning fossil fuels, in the atmosphere is causing the planet’s temperature to rise. Warmer temperatures are causing ice caps to melt, sea levels to rise, and possibly even causing changes in flora and fauna balance. Studies conducted by prominent climatologist David Archer show that some species of fish may struggle to survive in the future due to rising acidity levels caused by increased CO2 levels in our oceans. If this trend continues, it could have an unprecedented impact on ocean biodiversity.
Increased frequency of extreme weather events is yet another consequence of global warming caused by burning of fossil fuels and deforestation. California’s record heat wave of 2018, flooding in many parts of Asia, and unprecedented tornadoes in Midwest US can all be linked to climate change. While some people may welcome the increased temperatures, it is leading to prolonged heat waves and an increased risk of forest fires, creating rampant destruction especially in the rural areas.
Another recent concern is that rising temperatures might lead to the release of Methane gas from the Melting Polar Ice Caps, aggravating global warming further. Methane is considered to be a more powerful greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide and could lead to an increase in the overall global temperatures, with unknown consequences.
The impact of global warming is far reaching, and can even lead to economic consequences. University of Chicago economist Richard H. Thaler has called it a “global tragedy of the commons”, where people are not willing to pay the true costs associated with their consumption of fossil fuels. The cost of climate change is usually paid by individuals, communities, or entire nations who will bear its brunt, in the form of coastal erosion, public health concerns, or loss of agricultural productivity. Taxing carbon has been proposed as one way to reduce emissions and push individuals and businesses to make the switch to renewable energy sources.
Political action must be taken to address climate change, but the scope of the problem requires individuals to act as well. The choices that we make, from our daily commute to the food we consume, can have a significant impact on our carbon footprint. We must be more mindful of the food we eat and what kind of energy we are taking as well as a number of other lifestyle choices. Only then we can avert some of the devastating consequences associated with global warming.
One thing is clear: if climate change continues unchecked, the consequences will be dire. Life as we know it will be drastically altered and our children will be the ones to suffer the most. They will face an uncertain future marred by extreme weather events, mass extinctions, and an unbalanced ecological system. We, as a species and a global society, must take proactive steps to reduce our emissions and to develop renewable energy sources, so that future generations can thrive.
