Global warming is the increase in the average temperature of the Earth’s surface air and oceans since the late 19th century and its projected continuation. The effects of global warming on humans are widespread and can be felt in many aspects of life, from personal health and habitats to global security, agriculture and biodiversity. Although there is a growing awareness and acceptance of the issue, humans have yet to effectively manage to address the grave consequences.
On one hand, global warming is associated with short-term hazards such as extreme weather events, malnutrition, and water scarcity, particularly in underserved or low-income communities. For instance, climate change is already leading to an increase in infectious diseases due to changes in rainfall and temperature, and to irregular crop production cycles, thus heightening food insecurity and decreasing yields. As a result, the spread of poverty and the displacement of millions of people occur. In addition, geographically disadvantaged communities can suffer from landslides, flooding and other risks to health and safety exacerbated by rising sea levels due to global warming.
On the other hand, some of the longer-term effects of global warming on humans may be beneficial. For instance, improved technology and higher carbon dioxide concentrations allow higher crop yields, which can reduce global food insecurity and hunger in many areas. Moreover, winter temperatures in parts of the world with cold climates will rise, which can provide secondary benefits to communities in terms of reduced heating costs, increased life expectancy, and improved air quality.
We must, however, bear in mind that this is an area of considerable concern, since anomalous activities related to global warming can cause a global shift in the climate and lead to other negative impacts. For instance, a sudden increase in temperatures could cause severe droughts in multiple regions, as well as extreme floods in others. Additionally, the potential for biodiversity collapse increases as global warming leads to reduced agricultural diversity and affects crucial habitats for endangered species.
As global citizens, we all need to recognize our responsibility in this crisis and take action. This means investing in renewable energy sources, rethinking our lifestyle in order to adopt sustainable practices, and developing an awareness among the younger generations of the implications of global warming. In order to meaningfully address these issues and establish an effective management of global warming, greater cooperation between nations and a broad joining of forces are needed.
It is time to bring the awareness of global warming, and its effects on humans, to the forefront of public discourse. Climate change is real and has measurable impacts upon our environment and, subsequently, upon us. Now is the time to take this knowledge seriously and to do something meaningful to reduce the effects of global warming on humans.
